The New Southern Tastemakers

Meet the stylish go-getters who are shaping their corners of the South. Then take notes on their favorite fall trends and beauty finds. Our 13 tastemakers joined Southern Living editors at our offices in Birmingham for a photo shoot and an
inspiring day of discussions in January.  

Houston, TX
Blogger, @lonestar.looking.glass

“Jetting across the pond seems romantic, but the South is equally idyllic—and easier to experience in a weekend!”

Texas Kicks
“I can’t live without my cowboy boots. I’ve inadvertently started my own collection of them.

Atlanta, GA
Clothing Designer, @annmashburn

“What excites me about the South right now? The weather—always!”

A Timeless Trend To Try
“I thought I might get sick of sleeve details, but they are actually so feminine and classic that I’m still feeling them.” 

Houston, TX
Teacher + Blogger, @authentically.b

“More and more Southerners are staying true to their roots while creating new traditions for themselves and the generations to come through acceptance and open minds and hearts.”

My Signature Seasonal Color
“During fall, I’ll typically swap out my bright-red lipstick for a deeper shade of berry or maroon.” 

Houston, TX
Blogger, @houseofharper

“It’s encouraging to see creative communities growing outside of L.A. and New York. Houston has so many talented female business owners, like designers Hunter Bell and Paloma Contreras.”

No-Fail Styling Move
“Layers! A jacket or blazer instantly makes a look more sophisticated.”

Nashville, TN
Accessories Designer, @ceri_hoover

“The South is the cultural soul of America right now, and it starts with the food and music. There’s no better place to find that than Nashville.”

Why I Choose Classics
“Trends are like the Old Faithful geyser at Yellowstone National Park. They’re exciting for an instant, but there are more consistently beautiful things to enjoy.”

Greenville, SC
Artist, @dorothy_shain

“I’m excited about all the young female leaders creating amazing brands. It builds a powerful network of collaboration and support across the region.”

My Simple Style Secret
“Think of your closet like an art collection: Add pieces that you will have for years and can style through transitions.”

New Orleans, LA
Dessert Shop Owner + Blogger, @juleyjames_

“I’m excited by the relatively new interest in smaller, rural areas and how they’ve become more progressive than many believe.”

The Comeback Look I’ll Be Wearing All Season
“I’m really loving the return of wide-leg pants and can’t wait to wear my favorite rust-colored pair with cozy sweaters this year.”

Washington, D.C.
Illustrator, @louloubaker_

“One of the things I love most is running into my neighbors during periods of nice weather and inviting them, spontaneously, to grill out and enjoy cocktails as well as each other’s company. This never happened in any of the other cities that I lived in. Be it spring, summer, or fall, the conviviality is one of my favorite attributes of the South.”

The Seasonal Trend I’ll Never Tire Of
“Riding boots. I think they’re just the best way to tie a sweater and blue jeans together.”

Dallas, TX 
Designer + Curator, @officialzindagi 

“I moved to Dallas in 2011, and it is truly incredible to see its growth. I remember that it used to surprise me so much when I met someone from Europe or Africa here, but now it happens more often, and it’s so fun.”

Cold-Weather Staple
“Turtlenecks. They add a classy, trend-defying look to any outfit.”

Atlanta, GA
Clothing Designer, @crosbybymollieburch

“The South is brimming with female entrepreneurs and makers and women who are passionate about having a positive impact on society through their work. I think that desire to do good is something rooted in the Southern way of thinking. The people are so kind and full of heart. It’s exciting to see those values at work in such entrepreneurial ways here.”

The Game-Changing Accessory I Love 
“A good statement belt. It’s fun to style with an easy top or sweater or to cinch in an oversize dress.”

Taylor, MS
Jewelry Designer, @niettmetals 

“All over the country, we’re seeing an increase in small businesses. Specific to the South is that many of them are the first to do what they’re doing in their towns, states, or even regions.”

Autumn Trend That I’m Itching To Try
“Dressing up coveralls and wearing them outside the studio!” 

Charleston, SC 
Founder + Creative Director, @ibumovement

“The vibrancy of valued traditions being elevated and transformed excites me—the crafts made by hand, the music of the
land, and (of course) the soulful writing that we’ve always loved.”

The Layering Piece I’ll Never Grow Tired Of
“Capes. I love a wrap that flows and breathes.” 

My Go-To Pattern
“Spots! A leopard print is always a fabulous neutral.” 

Charleston, SC
Model + Content Creator, @venitaaspen 

“What excites me about living in the South right now is the strong push from my generation for positive change. The South is a place that’s been all about tradition, tradition, tradition, which isn’t a bad thing. But not all of it is worth continuing, and my generation isn’t afraid to say that!” 

Drugstore Beauty Buy
“Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation. My shade is 356 Warm Coconut.” 

Fall Saple Everyone Needs
“A denim jacket. It’s a timeless piece.”