Summer’s swan song is ringing out and, for fashion lovers, it’s music to our ears. Attention has now turned to the new trends – think brights, knits, tailoring and mod looks – topping our must-wear list. And they all leave room for the wearer’s personality to shine through. Whether your image is subtle or flashy, individual interpretation is encouraged. Perhaps gorgeous fabrics and sharp design are your guides? Maybe you fancy pops of colour and mood-altering prints? Now’s the time to experiment with your wardrobe, even if it’s just the addition of a subtly embellished vest or pair of glittering mary janes. It’s the combination of details and how you wear them that define your sartorial prowess – time to pick your pleasure.
Cuts above
There’s no shortage of suiting with pizzazz this season – labels such as Boss Hugo Boss, Victoria Beckham and Armani showed cropped trousers, playful prints and unique lapels on their runways. Blazers, vests, gilets and waistcoats were also plentiful, acquiring interesting details such as metal clasps and ruffles. And white suits and separates – no longer gauche after Labour Day – offer a refreshing take on office wear.
From left: Helmut Lang vest, $455 at Holt Renfrew (www.holtrenfrew.com). Max Mara waistcoat, $1,250 through www.maxmara.com. Calvin Klein shoes, $159 at Hudson’s Bay (www.thebay.com). Theory blazer, $415, and pants, $270 at Holt Renfrew. Jennifer Torosian top, $225 through www.jennifertorosian.com. Opening Ceremony shoes, $425 at Hudson’s Bay.
Bright ideas
Awaken your wardrobe by taking a cue from the colourful fall collections of Prabal Gurung and Christian Dior. Playing with a rainbow palette – mixed in either a sleek, atonal scheme or with colour-blocked abandon – will breathe new life into your look. Contrasting textures (such as a silky blouse paired with a felted wool blazer) add novelty – and will help you avoid looking like a paint-by-numbers portrait gone wrong.
From left: Weekend Max Mara jacket, $750 at Hudson’s Bay (www.thebay.com). Joie blouse, $174 at Holt Renfrew (www.holtrenfrew.com). Kaelen trousers, $535 through www.oaknyc.com. Jimmy Choo shoes, $625 at Davids (www.davidsfootwear.com). Helmut Lang blouse, $315, Eileen Fisher dress, $310 at Holt Renfrew. 3.1 Phillip Lim trousers, $445 at The White Space at Hudson’s Bay. Manolo Blahnik shoes, $625 at Davids. Torn by Ronny Kobo crop top, $218, Diane von Furstenberg blouse, $250 at Holt Renfrew. Jennifer Torosian trousers, $269 through www.jennifertorosian.com. Jimmy Choo shoes, $625 at Davids.
Knit wit
Cozy up to fall’s biggest story: From exaggerated sleeves and asymmetrical hems to co-ordinating accessories, knits just got interesting. The quintessential cool-weather piece, sweaters were the star of many fall runway shows. Acne Studios wrapped models in outsized black and white sweater dresses, while Stella McCartney did the same but in marled, neutral tones. At Marc Jacobs, the knit vest was rehashed yet decidedly more glamorous than its acrylic seventies ancestors thanks to a cashmere makeover. Even pants, oversized and pyjama-style, were given the tactile treatment. With an array of knits this sumptuous, you’ll actually be glad to see the temperature drop.
From top: McQ Alexander McQueen sweater, $575 at Holt Renfrew (www.holtrenfrew.com). Blak-i sweater, $135 through www.blak-i.com. Marc Jacobs sweater vest, $1,100, scarf, $250 through www.marcjacobs.com.
And then there’s mod
Fashion’s love affair with the sixties exploded with hiked-up hemlines, groovy graphics and louche fur coats seen at Saint Laurent, Gucci and Diane von Furstenberg. More London youthquake than San Fran bohemian, this fall’s take on the look is polished yet playful, with shift-dress silhouettes, slim trousers and pea coats that have a timeless quality despite their retro association.
From top: Gucci dress, $2,700 through www.gucci.com. Pollini boots, $845 at Hudson’s Bay (www.thebay.com). Dries van Noten dress, $1,860 at Holt Renfrew (www.holtrenfrew.com). Tabith Simmons shoes, $795 at Davids (www.davidsfootwear.com).
From left: Stella McCartney sweater, $1,060 at Holt Renfrew (www.holtrenfrew.com). Malorie Urbanovitch skirt, $375 through www.gravitypope.com. Jeffrey Campbell shoes, $129 at Capezio (www.capezioshoes.ca). Tibi sweater, $345 through www.tibi.com. Vince sweater dress (under Tibi sweater), $475 at The White Space at Hudson’s Bay (www.thebay.com). Shellys London boots, $120 at Capezio. Eskander sweater dress, $1,270 at Holt Renfrew. Shellys London boots, $110 at Capezio.
Styling by Odessa Paloma Parker.Makeup by Vanessa Jarman for Rimmel London using TRESemmé/ P1M (www.p1m.ca). Hair by Cody Alain for TRE Semmé/P1M.