Jefferson City's fashionistas will have an opportunity to explore the hottest styles at the Jefferson City Council of Clubs Fall Fashion show.
The annual event - a fundraiser for area charitable organizations - is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Capitol Plaza Hotel.
The show will feature fall and winter fashion from Saffees, Calena's Fashions, Dillard's, Samuel's Tuxedos and Gifts, Victoria's Bridal & Formal Wear Boutique, I Love This Look Boutique and American Shoe.
Judy Howard, owner of Saffees on High Street, said tunics are still in style, but this year the garments' backs are featuring special detailing. The new tunic silhouette has a higher front hem, contrasted with a lower rear hem.
"Some have inverted pleats, with sheer backs," Howard said.
The sheer and flowing fabric has a flirty quality, without being too risque. She added the tunics pair well this fall with leggings that have coated and textured front panels.
Longer sweaters - particularly ones with flowing, flyaway front detailing - also remain popular, Howard said.
Calena Cooper, owner of Calena's Fashions, said one particularly hot trend this fall is vegan or faux leather.
"You will see it on tunics, pants and jackets," Cooper said.
Cooper also said that "mixed media" fabrics - ones featuring contrasting textures - also are popular this winter.
Ann Slay, co-owner of American Shoe, said the hottest trend in shoe leather is "boots, boots, boots and more boots."
Old brands - like Hunter, a British manufacturer of rubber galoshes, and Frye, an old American company specializing in leather goods - are seeing their stock rise once again.
Teens and college students especially like make an insouciant fashion statements by wearing wintry boots even in situations that don't require a full, arctic array of outerwear.
"Uggs continue to be popular," Slay said. "And Doc Martins are back. They've been in and out. And Pikolinos, with their masculine tailoring, are popular."
Slay said when the models for the show drop in to try on shoes, she mainly tries to find ones that work well with the outfits they'll be wearing.
"I'll ask them: What do you feel comfortable in? What do you like?" she said.
Sam Bushman, at Samuel's Tuxedos and Gifts, said he will try to showcase the latest in men's formal wear at the Oct. 14 event.
"Tuxedos, anymore, are not just black," he said, adding that he plans to dress his models in slate blue and silver tuxedos.
And he noted that men today are typically more body-conscious and prefer to wear their clothing a bit closer to the skin.
"The cut today is a bit slimmer, with a straight leg," Bushman said. "I like to spotlight the new fashions in formal wear."
The Fall Fashion Show will be divided into three acts, organizer Vicki Myers said. The first segment will feature casual clothing; the second segment will feature upscale casual and business dress. The final act will focus on formal and cocktail attire.
Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association, the Food Bank of Central Missouri and the Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland Inc.
The Council of Clubs encourages local businesses and individuals to support the event through sponsorships and door-prize donations. Luncheon tickets are $25 each or $250 for a table of 10. They can purchased by contacting Paula Nordstrom at 573-690-2975 or [email protected].