Style Lab: the Fall Trend Report

Five fall trends and where to get the look with haute goods from the best of Vancouver design and DIY communities

 

I’m tempted to procrastinate when writing about fall fashion.

 

It’s not because I don’t love the fresh looks; it’s because fall shopping evokes that back-to-school feeling of yore when running free in the sunshine with long brown limbs and microscopic denim cutoffs transitions into pasty skin, tall galoshes and homework.

 

But this year’s round up of seasonal trends will make even the most sun-kissed beach devotee crave a snap of frost in the early morning air.

 

Here’s what to wear for fall, as you replace sandy picnics with apple picking and Yuzu-vodka slushies with spicy Calvados cocktails.

 

All-woman

This season, the lady goes vamp in contour-hugging frocks with revealing sheer side panels. Hot new Vancouver designer Crystal Yeoms has you covered with her Fall/Winter Cyeoms collection ‘Animal House.’

 

The leopard panel leggings are incredibly tempting, but if you have to pick just one piece, opt for the ironically named ‘Modesty’ mini dress (pictured above), with just enough leopard silk counterbalanced by sheer long sleeves and a plunging sweetheart neckline. Cyeoms Modesty dress, $133, Cyeoms.com.

[pagebreak]

Nomad Alpaca Cowl, $90, Seedknits.etsy.com.

 

Craftwork

 

Toss on a tribal knit scarf, patterned poncho or wrap for instant arts and crafts chic. If you want to take the trend further (to the optical illusion level), add a crochet skirt or zigzagged velvet tunic. With Van’s thriving DIY community, I wouldn’t be surprised if many of you knit/crochet an on-trend garment for yourself this season.

 

I like to support our local designers on Etsy, particularly Seed (soon to be renamed Hendrik.Lou) for their chunky hand-spun alpaca knit cowls in ginger, fawn, forest and smoky grey.
[pagebreak]

Phoenix pants by Dace, $176, Dace.ca.

 

Ode to gents

 

Embracing your inner tomboy is an easy way to look sharp. Pair crisply tailored pants like the high-waisted ‘Phoenix’ pant by Dace (available in black, tan or olive) with a clean cream or stark white blouse. I’d put on a pair of brogues to take this look all the way, but if you’re feelin’ girly, go for stacked stiletto sandals with socks.

[pagebreak]

Allison Wonderland Marnie dress, $196, Allisonwonderland.ca.

 

Jewel tones

 

Pardon the bad pun, but the rich and dazzling jewel-toned hues in Fall/Winter 2011’s luxe colour scheme seriously rock. The best bit about the jewel tone trend? You can and should wear bold pieces together.

 

This is your chance to don garnet trousers with a yellow-gold blouse. A sapphire dress (like local designer Allison Wonderland’s Marnie dress) shines with a suede amethyst satchel. Cobalt ankle boots add kick to emerald trousers. You get the gist.

[pagebreak]

Long-sleeved cocktail dress by Standing Armed, $395, Standingarmed.com.

 

1940s chic

 

The ’40s inspired dress is one of fall’s hottest tickets. Think strong shoulders, a nipped waist, statement sleeves and a below-the-knee hemline. Pair it with lady-like heels and costume jewelry to complete the look.

 

Standing Armed has a classic black 1940s-inspired frock, ideal for multiple uses. Allison Wonderland’s red ‘Spellbound’ dress is a standout retro piece, with a peter-pan-collared floral top attached to a high-waisted, slim, wool skirt.