Lovely, limitless, Luxe & Local
P.S: There are no wrong answers for late summer fashion
By Allison McCrory / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
Wrapping up summer with eyes toward fall calls for some style shift inspiration, and Jen Wells of Jen’s Designer Deals in Gulf Breeze has it.
“Late summer and fall 2026 are all about comfort meeting confidence. We’re seeing fashion become incredibly wearable while still making a statement.”
Look for flowy pants and skirts, lots of wearable art prints, rich chocolate brown, but also all of the colors of a peacock, with blues ranging from cobalt to teal as well as desert-inspired hues and “beautiful purples like plum, eggplant and violet.
“Butter yellow isn’t going anywhere, but it’s being joined by rich golden mustard tones. Reds are deepening into chili pepper, merlot and red wine shades,” said Wells, adding that nature-inspired greens are a late-summer-into-fall staple. “Soft grays and luxe neutrals like cream, oatmeal, parchment and warm ivory round out the palette.”
Easy, functional capris and pedal pushers are trending. But hey! Wear whatever works for you — and own it!
“There are no wrong answers in fashion. What you choose should reflect your own personal style and lifestyle,” said Wells. “For example, while I personally love a flowy palazzo pant, I’m probably not wearing one while riding my bike around East Hill. But since capris aren’t really my style either, I’d be much more likely to grab a skort or a pair of buttery-soft athleisure leggings. Fashion should work for your life.”
While solids are timeless and versatile, prints are defining 2026.
“Animal prints continue to dominate, with zebra and snake becoming more prevalent while leopard and other big cat prints remain wardrobe staples. Florals and botanicals are everywhere, along with abstract prints, paisleys, portraits, cityscapes, murals and even pet portraits,” noted Wells.
“Some prints are soft, subtle and repetitive, almost like beautiful wallpaper patterns, while others are bold, artistic and mixed together in unexpected ways. Think about our own Graffiti Bridge!”
Fabrics shift from breathable cottons and linens to jacquard, tweed, faux suede and richly textured as temperatures drop.
“For dressier occasions, we’re seeing tulle, organza, mesh, lace, crochet and fringe,” said Wells.
Accessories?
“Oversized jewelry, lots of layering, gold, pearls, enamel and natural materials are all having a moment,” said Wells. “We’re also seeing themed jewelry and accessories continue to grow in popularity. Mahjong, pickleball and tennis-inspired pieces don’t just complete an outfit. They become conversation starters and let people show off their personalities.”
Shoes and scarves can easily define an outfit.
“Scarves are making a comeback as versatile accessories, while footwear continues to focus on fashion that feels good. Retro sneakers, Western-inspired boots, animal-print shoes and statement footwear that becomes the centerpiece of an outfit are all trending.”
Mickey Rushing
Mother of five, grandmother of 11, September model Mickey Rushing’s local roots are deep.
“I am a Pensacola girl through and through. I was reared in Myrtle Grove — Go West Side — and later settled in Navy Point after meeting my husband, where we built a life together over 49 years of marriage.”
Artistic pursuits are a stream running strongly throughout Rushing’s full life. She was the décor buyer for the successful furniture store she and her husband owned and later the co-owner of Purple Julia, a Garden Street gift boutique, with her daughter.
“Working alongside her every day was one of the great joys of my life,” said Rushing. “Today, I work with several wonderful businesses in downtown Pensacola — the Sarah Soule Webb Gallery, Colette’s on Jefferson Street and Parfums de Marly.”
In addition to artistic pursuits, water sports and other active hobbies fill Rushing’s calendar.
Grand Champion of the Ladies Billfish Club three times in the ’80s and ’90s “still makes me smile,” Rushing said. “I have always loved boating, fishing and tennis, and those passions remain very much a part of my life.
“Pensacola — its people, its spirit, its beauty — is where I belong, and I am proud to call it home.”
About the Locations
The Old Historic Sacred Heart Hospital
Bayview Community Center overlooking Bayou Texar
12th Avenue Tree Tunnel
Clothes compliments of Jen’s Designer Deals
360 Gulf Breeze Pkwy.,
Gulf Breeze
850-977-4419; jensdesignerdeals.com
Hair compliments of Anna Orr
Nineteen North
6675 Pine Forest Rd., Suite 10, Pensacola
850-471-4840;
hairbyannaorr@gmail.com;
@hairbyannaorr
Makeup compliments of Kendall Frazee
Kendall Frazee Beauty Co.
104 Nightingale Lane,
Gulf Breeze
KFrazeeBeauty@gmail.com
Model compliments of Izon Models & Talent LLC
301 N. Barcelona St.,
Suite E, Pensacola
850-433-2099;
izonmodels.com
