Falling into Fall Fashion

Four Up North stores share their top trends for 2025

By Geri Dietze | Oct. 11, 2025

Ah, sweater season. Cooler weather has us checking out the fashion scene in four of the region’s most popular retailers in the Charlevoix/Petoskey/Harbor Springs Area. Read on to get a look at what’s in demand for grown-ups and kids alike, and how they’re faring in the tariff storm for imported brands.

Threads: Petoskey

When asked how many lines are carried at Threads, owner Chris Jaconette admits that she “can’t even begin to count.” At a glance, there are over 60 brands on the Threads website—mostly American, but also including some interesting European lines—so that gives you a good idea of the breadth of choices offered by this career merchandiser.

Threads appeared first in Bay Harbor and then moved to Petoskey’s Gaslight District in 2009, and discerning shoppers have been keeping the place busy ever since.

This is not fast fashion, and the prices reflect it, with most pieces, but not all, landing in the $200-$400 range. But if one thinks about modern, timeless pieces, with exceptional materials and construction as an achievable investment, it all starts to make sense.

In Store: At Threads, you’re shopping White + Warren, the American go-to for fine cashmere; or Velvet by Graham and Spencer, beautifully realized pieces, still mainly constructed in Los Angeles, along with a select group of international producers; Cara Cara, whose prints, knits, and fine fabrics are hand sewn by small teams chosen specifically for their expertise; or 1970’s vibe Xirena, with colorful lifestyle pieces combining LA sensibility with the aura of European resort life. And don’t forget Hat Attack, creator of classic accessories made of natural fabrics, much of it produced right here in America.

So far, inflation and tariffs have not seriously affected Threads, but Jaconette does share that “a couple of companies no longer ship to the U.S.,” and others have raised their prices.

On Trend: According to Jaconette, trends for 2025 are varied: neck scarves; denim in just about every shape; western influences from stitching to bandanas to boots; plus a deep, rich color palette including chocolate brown, reds, and burgundies. Oh, and animal prints continue their long run.

Shop: 400 Bay St, Petoskey or shopthreadsonline.com; (231) 439-9844. (P.S. Just up the street is Apres, Thread’s sister with clothing, fun accessories, and choices for gifting.)

J. Phillips: Charlevoix

Charlevoix’s J. Phillips packs a lot of fashion into its 1,000-square-foot storefront, as it continues to build upon a family legacy going back over four decades, when Rod and Judy Phillips first started retailing in Petoskey. Manager Jene St. Amour took the reins of the Charlevoix location in 2021.

In Store: Currently the store represents 30 to 40 lines, both established favorites and comparative industry newcomers. She recommends Tribal, a Canadian brand known for mix and match separates, with flattering fits, especially in pants. “Tribal is a beautiful line,” St. Amour says.

On the other side of the globe, Zaket & Plover is an Australian knitwear brand featuring cashmere cotton blend sweaters in a mix of color combos. “[The] line is unique, with color blocks, prints, and stripes…in pinks, oranges, and teals.”

St. Amour admits that prices have gone up thanks to tariffs, but while J. Phillips runs in the higher-priced range, sales and deeper discounts are not unheard of, so stop in often.

On Trend: Consistency has always defined J. Phillips in quality and in style. They're not controlled by trends, but rather guided by a solid knowledge and appreciation of what endures in fashion.

But colors define fall and winter, and St. Amour shares that some are carryovers from the previous year. “We’re still seeing black, browns, purples,” and, depending on the lines, there are some blues, greens, and burnt orange, plus neutral shades and bright color blocks.

Natural, sustainable fabrics dominate at this time of year, including cashmere. “We do very well with cashmere,” St. Amour says. Alashan Cashmere, for example, was founded in 2004, when the apprentice to a third-generation Rhode Island fiber processor bought the business and applied his skills in color, spinning, and weaving to create a singular line of luxury knitwear. Traditional navy and chocolate brown, plus creams and teal blues speak quiet luxury.

And, no surprise, denim, in all shapes, is still popular, especially the “very in” barrel style. Lysse New York and the Canadian line Sympli offer comfort with clean, modern style. Also look for cold weather jackets and coats in leather, pleather, and faux suede and fur.

Shop: 317 Bridge St, Charlevoix; (231) 547-6072.

Fox and Hound: Petoskey

Petoskey’s Fox and Hound is the source for well-dressed kiddos, from infants to ages six or seven. Owner Alexis Murphy, who grew up in Petoskey and Harbor Springs, presides over this beautiful collection in a beautiful setting, sometimes accompanied by her sweet lab, Winnie. The space is cozy, restful, and full of must-haves for the small set.

In Store: Fox and Hound carries Michigan-made clothing—Chunky Cheeks and Northern Needles for example—as well as a couple of brands made stateside. To counter the tariff issue, some international lines shifted to U.S. warehouses to stay ahead of production and availability. “These brands depend on the U.S.,” Murphy adds.

Still, spending has remained steady from residents and visitors alike, and Murphy emphasizes the importance of shopping small and local. “I have loyal, local customers,” she explains, “[and the] support comes full circle; you don’t just support the business, but also the community and small brands.”

On Trend: Fashion-forward baby designs moved to a neutral color palette some time ago, and the trend continues. Look for soft shades of grey, beige, brown, sage green, and everything in between. “Neutrals are always a timeless look,” Murphy explains, “especially for [gifting] ahead of the gender reveal.”

Boys have a wide selection of mix and match sweaters, pants, and shorts, plus onesies and sets in charming prints. “For girls, [it’s] always dresses,” Murphy says. (Anyone who has ever cooed over a baby outfit knows the fun in dressing little girls.)

She adds that there is a “country, nostalgia theme, with floral patterns and pretty collars.” And believe us, collars are in, big time: wide, Peter Pan, frilled and ruffled And, bubble rompers are everywhere, for both boys and girls, in soft, organic fabrics. (Fun fact: The romper goes back a century or so, and was originally just for boys, but little girls like to romp, too.)

Shop: 204 Petoskey Street, Petoskey or foxandhoundkid.com; (231) 489-8122.

The Outfitter: Harbor Springs

Here, every member of the family will find clothing, accessories, and gear all under one roof, with 4,000 square feet dedicated to an active life. Starting as a Harbor Springs gun store, The Outfitter came into being in 1972 when it was rechristened, and has spent the next half century of careful stewardship under only two other owners.

In Store: Because activewear is also fashion wear, buyers will find just the right combination of style, comfort, and versatility. Look for all the best brands, for men and women: Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, Toad & Co, Duck Head, KUHL, Smartwool, Outdoor Research, plus so much more.

Spokesperson Emily Keen explains that local and seasonal customers keep the Outfitter busy year-round, but that they are starting to feel the pinch of international trade policies.

“[Our] confidence remains high, and the atmosphere is overall positive,” she says. But tariffs have had an impact. “Unfortunately, we have seen the effect of tariffs on almost all our brands. Price increases are apparent across the board and have even affected the availability and production of certain styles and brands.”

On Trend: Embracing active wear for Up North lifestyles means lots of easy-to-layer pieces. “We’re seeing a lot of cozy fabrics—like sherpa, boucle, bamboo, and chunky knitwear—return this year,” says Keen. “Oversized silhouettes are still very prominent, as well as a neutral color palette with pops of jewel tones like dark garnet and sapphire blue.”

Taking its place among the heavy hitters this year is Belong Designs, the Colorado-based company dedicated to getting people outside, and doing it with responsible sourcing and sustainable materials. Great designs and a fun color palette help.

“They specialize in outdoor apparel that can take you from trail to town; their super soft knits are already a hit with our staff and customers!” Keen adds.

And, since we’re entering the sloppy seasons, outdoor fashionistas might enjoy Hikas gaiters, reimagined in quilting and bright colors. Plus, they’re sustainable, with goose-free down made from oyster shells and recycled plastic bottles.

Shop: 153 E. Main St., Harbor Springs or outfitterharborsprings.com; (231) 526-2621.