By SHANNON WHITE
September in Michigan has a rhythm all its own, carrying late summer vibes while the end of the month brings crisp mornings and golden afternoons. The month also boasts a calendar packed with football games, the Michigan State Fair, the Detroit Jazz Festival, Arts, Beats & Eats, Frankenmuth Oktoberfest, the Michigan Renaissance Festival and several great car shows. Style becomes a blend of comfort, personality and practicality, while entertaining shifts toward cozy gatherings, tailgate spreads and outdoor fun because, well, the weather in Michigan is just. That. Good. Here’s how to dress and host in on-point style all season long, inspired by the latest early fall fashions, the warmth of Indian Summer and, by month’s end, the possibility of frosty wakeups.
What to Wear
Early fall football games call for layers that move with you. Frankly, so do festivals, artisan markets and farmers markets. Think soft knit sweaters, lightweight denim jackets and embroidered blouses that add texture without bulk. A striped crewneck or flutter-sleeve top pairs perfectly with a great-fitting pair of jeans and practical yet stylish sneakers that are warm enough for evening kickoffs but breathable enough for sunny afternoons. Add a scarf or hair bandana for a playful pop of color that keeps your hair in place on breezy days.
Culinary events throughout the region, from tasting tents to chef-led demonstrations, invite a slightly elevated but still relaxed look. A cute puff-sleeve knit top or embroidered dress transitions seamlessly from daytime market sampling to evening wine pairings. Choose fall fabrics like suede for everything from matching sets and skirts to jackets. Complete the look with the perfect pair of earrings or a delicate but eye-catching necklace to elevate your style.
Harvest festivals and weekends at the cider mill are where cozy meets whimsical. Knit sweaters (mock necks were all over the fall runways), shift dresses paired with tall boots and soft suede pieces feel right at home among cider mills, pumpkin patches and craft vendors. Earth tones, warm reds, rich golds and deep greens dominate the season, and as we like to say at SHIFT, fall is the season of coffee. Think shades of brown, mocha, latte and espresso that echo Michigan’s autumn palette. Layered textures will keep you comfortable from morning markets to twilight bonfires.
How to Entertain
September entertaining in Michigan is all about embracing the outdoors while keeping guests comfortable. For football watch parties or tailgates, build a menu around regional favorites like coney dogs, smash burgers, kettle chips and local craft brews. Add a crockpot of chili and a tray of caramel apple bites for a sweet nod to the season.
Beautiful serving pieces are the foundation of any great spread, so invest in versatile platters and appetizer dishes you’ll use year-round. Set up a simple drink station with Michigan-made sodas and small-batch lemonades. Keep a cozy throw blanket in your car along with a couple of pillows that can double as lap warmers, picnic cushions or an impromptu tablecloth.
Most importantly, take time to enjoy Michigan’s seasonal foods, fresh-baked treats, apple harvests and locally made products. Celebrate the Great Lakes State with family and friends.
Shannon White is an architect, designer and fashionista – a small but mighty cheerleader of all things Flint! Holding both Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Michigan, she is the founder of the FUNchitecture design firm and co-founder of the new she-powered Downtown Fenton retail business, SHIFT.
