Rebecca Meiser
When it comes to personal style, Hallie Abrams believes fashion should make life easier – not more complicated. As founder of The Wardrobe Consultant, the Chagrin Falls stylist has spent nearly two decades helping clients take the stress out of getting dressed.
A Cleveland native and self-described “stylist for real people living real life,” Abrams brings an approachable, methodical touch to fashion – combining her background in retail and brand messaging with a deep understanding that clothes are a form of communication. Here, she shares her thoughts on wardrobe essentials, trends worth trying, and the one color everyone will be wearing in 2026.
What’s one trend everyone will be seeing in 2026?
Brown is everywhere. From bags to jackets to shoes, it’s not slowing down. Adding brown to your wardrobe is an easy way to feel fresh this season.
Can everyone pull off brown?
Absolutely, but it depends on the tone. If you’re hesitant, start with accessories like a bag, belt, or shoes – it doesn’t need to be near your face. Even if you usually wear blue, cream, or black, a brown accessory breaks things up nicely.
Let’s talk wardrobe basics. What are three must-have items everyone should have?
A pair of jeans that makes you feel fabulous.
A pair of shoes that are both comfortable and a little sexy.
A topper to finish your outfit – like a blazer, cardigan, or leather jacket. It’s not outerwear, per se, but something to layer over your outfit.
What’s an easy way to refresh last year’s look?
Colors are always an easy update. Adding brown, especially in suede, is very current. When it comes to trends, I focus on pieces with longevity. Think brown suede bags, jackets, belts, or shoes –they add texture, feel fresh, and are easy to mix with other colors.
What’s the most polarizing trend right now?
Barrel jeans, for sure. I’ve been wearing them since before COVID, probably the late teens. When I posted about them a couple of years ago, I received more hate than anything else –aside from the antisemitic comments I received after October 7, which were truly awful. But barrel jeans? People said things like, “You look like you just got off a horse,” or “Who would choose to wear these?” I love them and still wear them – it didn’t bother me.
It’s similar to when skinny jeans first came out: at first, people resisted, then they got used to them. Barrel jeans are polarizing, but they’re incredibly flattering because they create a visual hourglass, similar to a fit-and-flare dress. Clothing can act as an optical illusion, balancing proportions where needed. Barrel jeans widen at the bottom, naturally creating that balance.
How do you style barrel jeans?
A top that hits at the waist or is tucked in helps maintain proportion. A jacket or cardigan that sits above the hip works well. I recommend boots or booties with a tighter ankle shaft so the pants fall nicely over them. The goal is balance and proportion.
Effortless and chic – brown suede is officially the color (and material) of the season, says Hallie Abrams. Photo courtesy of Hallie Abrams
Do skinny jeans still have a place?
Absolutely. Modern skinny jeans – not jeggings – work really well, especially tucked into taller boots or snug ankle booties.
Any trends you think will fade quickly?
Micro trends like tabi shoes (flat shoes with a visible toe separation) and genie pants are trends I’m keeping an eye on. Interesting, but I wouldn’t invest heavily in them.
Any other trends we should watch?
Denim-on-denim, especially darker denim paired together, looks elegant and elevated, almost like a suit without feeling too dressy or casual. Barn coats are very hot, and we’re seeing them again in the spring. My gut, and this is only my gut, feels that it might be peeking out. That doesn’t mean there isn’t still runway interest, but it’s been around for a while.
Lightning Round: Quick Takes with Hallie Abrams
With a fall wardrobe budget, should you invest in high or low boots?
If you don’t have either, go for low boots with a snug ankle shaft—they’re versatile.
Oversized sweater or blazer?
A blazer. It adds polish and versatility. You can change the look with what’s underneath. An oversized sweater is less adaptable.
What about jackets—leather or suede?
Suede. Suede adds texture, interest, and is forgiving when pairing with other colors. With proper care, it lasts.
Buy or rent new trends?
If you can rent, absolutely rent it and try it first. I always recommend this for very trendy items. I like to think of a healthy, balanced wardrobe like a pyramid—similar to the nutritional pyramid from our youth. The very top, like the sugary sweets, represents trends. They shouldn’t take up a lot of your budget or closet space. That said, incorporating trends adds a little sweetness and keeps your wardrobe feeling fresh. I like to call it being trend-informed rather than trendy.
What three things do you always carry in your purse?
I really rarely carry a purse. I like the way they look, but I don’t like schlepping it around. When I do have a purse, I always have sanitizer, mints or gum, and lip gloss. Otherwise, my phone and keys go in my pocket.