Winter is coming.....

Are you prepared? 

Not for the white walkers, but for the weather?

September brings clouds, falling leaves, rain showers, and moderate to chilly temperatures. Another thing that comes with winter, is fall fashion. Every summer ends and as the sun dresses, board shorts, and cut offs are tucked away for yet another year, we all have that moment of... "okay, what am I going to wear this fall?"

I never used to consider myself an expert in fashion. I still wouldn't call myself a master, but I am most certainly a professional. Currently working in a high end menswear boutique called Giorgio's, I have a unique perspective to tell men, and women, the necessary pieces everyone in Vancouver should be looking into for this up coming fall.

After a summer of bright colors, high-waist skinnies, and peplum shirts, you're seeing this fall come back to the neutral, perhaps more conservative color palette.

Men:

This fall you're seeing that slim is still in, with pants as well as shirts. The current trend of clothing fitting closely to the body is something that is still going strong. And as a woman, I say YES PLEASE! I am not insinuating that you need to be rocking it in your main street purple skinny jeans... I am saying NOTHING is sexier then a man in a well tailored out fit. My rule of thumb is to try to wear pants or trousers that are no less then 16''  at the bottom, this will still be slim without being to narrow. In shirts, look for the fit in the shoulders and arms first and foremost, because everything can be adjusted by a tailor after.

Mr. Gosling knows what I'm talking about!

My favorite thing about fall for men is sweaters. To me, I melt if I see a guy that has casually layered a beautiful knit over a collared shirt paired with a sport jacket. Now I know Vancouver's fall weather may be a bit warm for a lot of layers, but just be conscience of the weight of the fabric. If you're a furnace of a guy (which a lot of you are) look for lighter knits rather then the cozy wools.

When you are thinking casual, just go with your gut. You can step up any jeans and T-shirt with a blazer. Or even just go with a nice long sleeve Henley or cardigan to mix it up.

 

When you are shopping, as you try things on, don't rule them out if they don't fit perfectly the first time. That's what tailoring is all about. Aim to fit the largest part of you (i.e. does it feel good in the shoulders, and in the quads or hips?) You can easily buy a garment that fits perfectly in the shoulders but is too big in the waist, by bringing it to a tailor and having them quickly dart it and giving you the " V " appearance.

 Women

 

Other then wonderful hair and fun makeup (check out my girl Rain for amazing tips), fall fashion is another reason why being a woman is SO great! We get to have fun with layering, colors, fit, and depending what kind of look you're going for, the world is your oyster! This fall is all about textures, and layering.

 Infinity scarves are such a lovely accessory that is a must have for fall. As well as the scarves, we are also seeing the colored denim darken up to deeper tones rather then the bright florescent you saw this summer. Shoes you ask? Fall boots are the best. Every girl needs a brown  and a black pair... the rest is up to you!

For nights on the town, there are a million different trends you can gravitate towards, my recommendation is pick your look then go for fit. Avoid the cliches of the  "too-shorts," "too-low cut," or "all-round-awful." Dress according to your body, if you can't wear those jeans with out a muffin top.... try a nice wrap dress that will accentuate your luscious curves!

 

Overall, this fall you are seeing the marriage of colour, texture, and fit. Tailoring is (and should be always) the MOST important thing about shopping. It can make that dress on the mannequin (who has no curves or bumps) make it look like it was custom made for you! And who doesn't like custom?!?!?

Until next time,
Yours in style,


Emelia xx