by Renae Virata

There’s a pretty good reason why they call it “Hot-Lanta.”  Atlanta is hot and humid much of the year, but more so it has become such a hotbed for urban couture style it should be called Haute-Lanta.  While cool southern gentility reminiscent of Designing Women is still a mainstay in many parts of the city, the rise and prestige of the Southern hip-hop scene as well as the cosmopolitan scene a la The Real Housewives of Atlanta has given way to a new generation of equally modern urban designers such as Mychael Knight of Project Runway fame and a heightened sense of style and fashion in the city.

What to Wear and Pack | Style Inspirations | Weather | Resources | Shopping

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“Atlanta has definitely come a long way over the past ten years,” says Chenelle Parker. “Atlanta has become the place to be, to live, and to shop especially for young blacks.  It is seen as the place where African Americans are thriving and are hugely successful.”

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With that in mind, a little more sophistication is in order and goes a long way in Atlanta, so it’s never inappropriate to break out your favorite statement pieces, even to go to the grocery store. Instead of flats, for example, opt for a pair of low wedges or kitten heels in a schnazzy look or color.

Great for lunch, a concert or just hanging out.  Click on an item to shop this look: Arden B Cold Shoulder Top $39; Arden B Cuffed Cropped Jeans $49; BC Metallic Flat $45

“I would say the overall theme for Atlanta is street chic,” adds Parker.

According to a number of young and mid-professionals, businesswomen tend to lean more toward the casual end of the spectrum.  Slacks, for example, are favored over skirts for most women.  But if you do decide to wear a skirt, except in the most extreme heat of summer, err on the side of conservative and slip on a pair of sheer hose.  In true So-Co (Southern Cosmopolitan!) fashion, make sure you have at least two or three stylish pumps in your wardrobe or at least low heels.  Like most hot and humid cities, offices in Atlanta are borderline freezing with the A/C turned up.  It’s always a good idea to bring a cardigan or fun jacket that will work for the office.

Click on an item to shop this look: Sena Cut-out Dress $385; Arden B Metallic Sexy Heel $49

To top it all off, make sure that your hair is coiffed and your nails done.  They’ll go a long way toward creating a polished look and keep you in line with the new wave of fashion in Atlanta.

Click on an item to shop this look: Isabella Oliver Sexy Blazer $142.50; Arden B Ruffle Front Camisole $49; Max Studio Wide-leg Pants $38; Max Studio Peep-Toe Pumps $128

One thing for people to remember when visiting Atlanta according to local wardrobe stylist Karen Hughes, owner of StyleYOUniversity.com: “It is not the South.  It is a true metropolitan area.  It’s like New York or LA.”

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Temperatures in Atlanta during the summer keep true to its nickname “Hot-Lanta.”  But the humid subtropical climate drives temps higher when humidity this time of year rises to about 80 – 90 percent.

Temps start to drop once the holidays appear.  Atlanta is higher in elevation than most Southern cities, so temps are mild but cooler.

January is the coldest month in Atlanta, but once in a while a warm front will raise the temps into the low 60s or an Arctic air mass will lower temps into the teens , so be prepared!  You might see snow, though it is rare.  Rainfall is heaviest during this time of the year and through March.

It doesn’t rain nearly as much in Atlanta as it does in its southern coastal sister cities, but March is one of the rainiest months of the year with about 5 inches average throughout the month.

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Ann Roth Shoes | Designer Ann Roth describes her shoes as “nostalgic, whimsical luxury.” Espadrilles, ballet flats, heels, and customer-designed footwear – unique and in Atlanta!  The perfect complement to an Atlanta ensemble.

Mychael Knight | Third season competitor on Project Runway, he is back in Atlanta working on his next collection of street chic designs.

Anne Barge | Her wedding gown designs won the Today Show Throws a Wedding Competition in 2003 and has made an international presence in Saks Fifth Avenue stores around the world.

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Crave Atlanta

Atlanta Design

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