Style Across America: Dallas

This month, our SAA team hits the birthplace of iconic retailer Neiman Marcus (founded in 1907), now home to a thriving art scene and a downtown urban renaissance, and finds chic locals putting a fresh spin on the larger-than-life Texas ethos. Here, their guide to shopping the city.

TYLER JOE; INSETS COURTESY OF VENUES

“When I moved here five years ago, there were rules of style—that’s changing,” says Russian transplant Nasiba Adilova. “Women are wearing furry slippers and gravitating from cocktail dresses to separates from new designers.”

Jeweler Sue Gragg “embodies Dallas.” Adilova got one of her delicate gold nameplate necklaces when her son was born; now “I give one to all my friends when they have babies.”

When fashion folk flew in for Chanel’s western-themed Métiers d’Art show in 2014, “they went crazy!” at East Dallas vintage emporium Dolly Python. Designer pal Mary Katrantzou found printed circle skirts there that served as inspiration for her next collection.

Deep Ellum—”the Brooklyn of Dallas”—has an emerging foodie scene just east of downtown.

Crepe trench coat, Prabal Gurung, price on request, similar styles at prabalgurung.com. Her own Gucci pumps.

TYLER JOE; INSET COURTESY OF VENDOR

“Despite the popular stereotype of big hair and boots, Dallas women aren’t afraid to experiment,” says Taylor Tomasi Hill, a Texas-bred former fashion editor. Known for her fiery red hair and madcap layering, she moved home this summer to work at Forty Five Ten (newly relocated to a 37,000-square-foot compound downtown). Tomasi Hill also launched a smaller concept store in outdoor shopping center Highland Park Village, TTH Forty Five Ten, which stocks emerging designers plus luxury brands “I believe in,” such as Harvey Faircloth, Jacquemus, Palmer// Harding, Unfortunate Portrait, and Sacai.

Also on her must-see list: “I love Tenoversix“—an arty shop in the Joule hotel stocked with woven recycled-plastic Truss bags and Polka Dot Club stuffed toys—for “the best gifts.”

On weekends, “I live in the Design District,” scouring vintage showrooms White Elephant, Antiques Moderne, and Scout for French country and midcentury-modern bits to decorate her new home.

Seersucker top, Rosie Assoulin, $1,695, collection at Forty Five Ten, Dallas. Her own Stella McCartney jeans and Azzedine Alaïa sandals.

TYLER JOE; INSETS COURTESY OF VENUES

“I bought a fantastic Valentino jacket” at consignment shop Vintage Martini “and wore it in Paris to the Valentino show,” Christen Wilson says. “Mr. Valentino leaned in and said, ‘Don’t ever get rid of that—it’s special.'”

Her pick for the Dallas Art Fair (starting April 7): mixed-media artist Pierre Huyghe’s show at the Nasher Sculpture Center. “Friends usually stay at The Joule,” a meticulously restored 1920s neo-Gothic bank turned hotel: “Meet for margaritas by the rooftop pool for a great view of the action.”

At North Park Center mall, “I love that I can park my car and shop at Neiman Marcus—one of the best shoe selections anywhere—watch the Dallas ladies lunch at the store’s Mermaid Bar, see works by Kaws and Michael Craig-Martin, test-drive a Tesla, and buy my kids Legos.”

Cotton twill jacket, $1,800, chevron-printed vest, $495, cotton canvas joggers, $360, all, Rochambeau, visit rochambeau.nyc. Lapis and turquoise earrings, Lapis Jennifer Alfano, $515. Her own Dior pumps.

TYLER JOE; INSET COURTESY OF VENDOR

Cristina Lynch’s colorful cotton blouses and long, flowing dresses are inspired by her mother’s Mexican heritage; they’re hand-embroidered in Oaxaca and finished by seamstresses in Dallas.

Her “go-to for unique flowers” is concept store Grange Hall, a wonderland of Eastern-inspired bijoux, quirky porcelain plates, and feather-covered skulls.

Another favorite boutique is Canary, which “always has the best selection of Golden Goose sneakers.”

Downtown shop VOD boasts “a gorgeous collection of international up-and-comer” resortwear: “I love going there for fun finds before a trip.”

Silk-embroidered cotton top, $395, silver earrings, $375, all, Mi Golondrina, visit migolondrina.com. Python-stamped calfskin ankle boots, Altuzarra, $1,100. Her own Rodebjer jeans.