Falling for fall's latest shapes

There’s something in the air. And, no, it's not just the pollution.

While taking a tour of my favorite stores, I noticed a lot of really cute, really wearable dresses. Hindy Tantoco’s Culte Femme line just debuted some of her looks from Fashion Watch — the ones that survived the massive attack from impulse shoppers who purchased dresses right after her show, practically tearing them off models’ backs — and they were wonderfully wearable and feminine. Tantoco understands a woman’s body, so her loose, slightly boho shift in gray and lavender with little studs decorating the bodice hung beautifully on a skinny body and looked equally lovely on a voluptuous figure. Same goes for her gray, jersey dress with its batwing sleeves and cinched waist. I can’t say enough good things about this label.

Luna, another local brand that’s still under the radar, has been churning out pretty party dresses for a while now. One jewel-toned dress in particular looked like something straight out of Mad Men. Since retro shapes have been experiencing a renaissance lately, this dress called out from the rack of muted colors.

Designer Jojie Lloren, who’s been gaining a higher profile thanks to his Project Runway role, is truly one of the greatest local talents in fashion. His knack for crafting garments with a master sartorial touch is not to be missed, from the turquoise and black Art Deco shifts to the more surreal fare like the kind photographed here.

For those more inclined towards fast, affordable fashion, Topshop’s been on a roll lately. A fringed flapper dress that hugs the figure and a MiuMiu-inspired piece in emerald are just some of the cocktail-ready items that would work with any wardrobe.

So before you jettison local shops for far more sophisticated shores, take another look around. There’s plenty to wear to the next drink-till-you-drop affair.