The spotlight is still on summer shopping, but fall fashion is on the horizon, to, as the Princeton stores offer an array of styles and choices.

In addition, sales, promotions, and events are all a part of the seasonal shopping scenario as summer segues into fall.

For example, Rouge, the popular women’s shop on Witherspoon Street, is in the middle of a big summer sale, which will continue as long as the products are in stock. 30 percent to 80 percent discounts are offered, and will coincide with a special sidewalk sale on weekends, and will include a number of favorite denim items.

Owner Collie Jennings reports that rich colors, stand-out prints, and a nautical theme have been big sellers this summer. “Also, cashmere is a hit all seasons of the year for us, including summer, given the AC inside and cool evenings. White + Warren travel wraps and cardigans are the ‘must have’ in light cool neutrals and also rich fun colors. We will see more of this in the fall as well.”

Summer Prints

Prints and knits have also been big sellers, adds Ms. Jennings. “Easy summer dresses have been flying out of the store, including the cozy knit fabrics Tart has to offer in their collection of beautiful summer prints. And Susana Monaco’s Go-To Summer Knit Supplex dresses that are breathable and so essential for the summer travel season are always in demand.

“In addition, versatile printed caftans have been big hits for spring and summer from Camilla, an Australian designer specifically known for her beautiful Indian-influenced original prints and Swarovski crystal beading. These will stand out among any group or at a party! They even have a U-Tube video showing how to style in six different ways, which we have sent to our clients to reference.”

Accessories complete the fashion statement, and are always a highlight at Rouge. Scarves have been very hot items this summer, says Ms. Jennings. “Beautiful print scarves from famous artists and designers, such as Epice and Lily make an incredible statement on their own. Customers will actually frame some of them, as the prints are so stunning.”

Nick Hilton Princeton, the unique studio store on Witherspoon Street offers a selection of quality styling for men and women. Long known for its outstanding menswear, the store added women’s clothing in 2006. It became such a success that the studio/store expanded its space in 2013 to accommodate additional items for women as well as more room for men’s made-to-order custom clothing.

“In the men’s line, we have a custom shirt package (four for $500) going on in July and August. The men’s tailored clothing has been great this summer, especially business suits and wear-to-work sport jackets in light weights and dark-to-medium blues and grays,”says co-owner Nick Hilton. “Also, fancy sport shirts worn with dress slacks for work have been popular.”

In the women’s department, some spring designer dresses, jackets, skirts, and sportswear are still available on the clearance sale racks, reports co-owner Jennifer Hilton. Women have favored colorful prints in all categories this summer: dresses, pants, and tailored items, she adds.

Cool Illustrations

As autumn approaches, Rouge is already receiving its first fall deliveries, says Ms. Jennings. “Designers are warming up to lots of shearling accents and cozy knits with notable stitching detail. You will see rich combinations of forest green, burgundy, pearly grays, fondant (cream), and rich shades of blue and navy. Optic prints in both color and black and white will stand out among many of our designers.

“Knits and sweaters played a huge role on the runways this season — ‘The Knitting Factor’, as style.com noted,” continues Ms. Jennings. “Among our designers at Rouge, you will see luxury handknit stitches and fisherman’s cables mixed with cool illustrations of color blocking and dying techniques. And the accessories are picking up the details of shearling on boots, textured winter accessories, studs, and pony hair bags, etc. The ‘Bootie’ is a must-have in the world of fall shoes, even in rainwear, where you will see some of these details chime in.

“And denim certainly does not fall short in the movement of texture and detail,” she adds. “We are already seeing these beautiful pleating, hardwear, and flocked printing details on our floor right now from our early fall J Brand deliveries. We are receiving our first fall deliveries right now. They are certainly an eye-opener for many of our clients.”

The women’s department at Nick Hilton Princeton is big on color, notes Jennifer Hilton. “The women’s fall line continues to show color in every category, along with shape. There is a return to lightweight coats and sweater jackets in luxurious fabrics. But the big news is leather! In new weights, colors, and designs for shirts, pants, and jackets. Women’s fall merchandise is arriving daily. We are about 75 percent complete in our assortment of pre-fall Max Mara, Strenesse, and Rene Lezard lines.”

Scottish Tweeds

The men’s department is offering a pre-fall sale on outerwear and rainwear, says Mr. Hilton. “Men’s retro traditional Scottish tweeds and the return of updated traditional shaped jackets are notable for fall. We have our preview selection of tweed jackets now, but the bulk of men’s new fall merchandise will begin to arrive in early to mid-August.”

The stores at Palmer Square offer customers a wide range of shopping choices in the unique, one-of-a-kind Palmer Square setting. “Our annual Summer Sidewalk Sale is coming up,” reports Palmer Square marketing director  Anita Fresolone. “Shops such as Kate Spade, Dandelion, and Kitchen Kapers, among many others, always have a great showing of merchandise.”

The Summer Sidewalk Sale is very popular, and will be held August 15 through the 17th continues Ms. Fresolone. “It offers three days of great deals from the stores and restaurants at Palmer Square. There is also live music. Friday, August 17, 5 to 7 p.m.: Karl Latham; Saturday, August 16, 2 to 4 p.m.: Carnaby Street Band; and Sunday, August 17, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.: The Alice Project.”

This Palmer Square shopping scenario is always a bonus for Princeton shoppers looking for quality and value.

And in fact, the entire Princeton shopping scene offers an exciting spotlight on great buys as well as summertime fun and events. This is a town where charm and convenience come together to offer customers the best there is. There is no need to head for the Big Apple — or the nearest mall. It’s all right here!