Many of the trends this season involve items you already have in your closet. Pair your basic black jeans and slouchy white t-shirt with any of these trends and you will look chic for the colder months.
Classic Minimalism
We may be on the tail end of the recession but investment dressing will never go out of style. Many of the pieces shown on the runways this season were wardrobe essentials that every woman should own. You won’t have to feel guilty about buying that knee length camel coat, sharply tailored blazer or modest leather skirt. Phoebe Philo, who started the trend at Celine last season, described her collection in three words, “Strong, powerful, reduced.” The key to this look is an impeccable fit so don’t be afraid to head to the tailor to have your clothes nipped, tucked and hemmed to perfection.
Shearling
Christopher Bailey’s Burberry show was one of the most influential of the season. Each model went down the runway wearing a covetable coat in every style imaginable. There were pea coats, military styles and the brand’s classic trenches, but the most enviable of all were the shearling-lined bomber jackets. These leather aviator jackets with over-sized collars were described by the designer as being the perfect versatile coat because they are “strong and sexy, masculine and feminine.” Though the Burberry originals will run you up a couple of thousand dollars, most of the major chains were inspired by Bailey’s designs and have much more affordable options in store.
Capes
In Canadian winters, having a stylish coat is essential. This season, the easiest outerwear option to modernize any outfit is a cape. Throw a cloak on over any outfit, whether it be jeans and a t-shirt or your evening attire and voila, instant chic.
The most flattering styles hit above the knee and can be black, camel or even plaid. Pair it with elbow or wrist length leather gloves depending on the weather.
Faux Fur
Wearing real fur is a thing of the past. Even at Chanel, which is the epitome of classic dressing, Karl Lagerfeld opted to show models wearing head-to-toe fake fur as they walked a runway with an enormous melting iceberg in the middle. The message was clear: being environmentally friendly has never been more fashionable. There are a lot of great imitation furs out there but beware: it’s easy for the materials to look cheap. Opt for natural-looking neutral colors over black or white as they look more like the real deal. Whether it’s a vest, cropped coat, scarf or even a purse, adding a touch of fur to your ensemble will keep you stylish and cozy this winter.
Leopard Print
If there is one print to invest in for fall this year it is leopard. It was shown in bags at Mulberry, on bustiers at Dolce&Gabbana and on blouses at Dries Van Noten. Wearing this feline pattern takes a certain amount of confidence so if you’re not ready to don a bold trench or shift dress, try a more subtle accent like a scarf or cardigan. The key with wearing this daring print is to keep the rest of your outfit minimal and let the leopard take centre stage.
Ladylike
Marc Jacobs says it felt like “a time to just do something really beautiful” this season and he succeeded with his fall/winter ready-to-wear collection for Louis Vuitton. The show was all about traditional femininity, taking us back to the New Look of the 1950s. The wasp waist, full tea-length skirts and corsets created a new curvy silhouette that hasn’t been seen for decades in the fashion world. The collection maintained a modern feel with unexpected details like the leather circle skirts in shades of cream and blush the strong shouldered coats. To achieve this look, focus on accessories. A pointy toed heel or structured crocodile bag will update a simple outfit without looking like you’re in a period costume.
Lace-up Boots
The easiest way to add an edge to your fall outfit is with a pair of sturdy heeled lace up boots. There are many types to choose from whether it is a hiking style, military inspired or lined with shearling. A flat combat style boot works for daytime paired with a touch of femininity and a high heeled ankle variety will toughen up your body-con dress.
Alpine
At D&G, Dolce&Gabbana’s younger and more affordable label, all the models looked ready for a day of sipping hot chocolate at an Aspen ski lodge. There were knit sweaters with snowflake prints and rompers with reindeer prancing across them. This trend translates easily from the runway to the real world but be careful not to overdo it. One piece at a time is cheeky and ironic, more than that is overkill. Michael Kors show also had an après-ski vibe, but with more basic pieces like chunky knits, sporty overcoats and slouchy pants in beige and dove gray.
