By Leanna Pankratz (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: August 21, 2012
I’ll admit, to the predictable shocked glances of others, that as much as I adore the heat, romantic ennui and spontaneity of summer, I will always be an autumn girl at heart. I love seeing the transition from sunny yellows and pastels to deep golden hues, in both les feuilles mortes that flutter by, and in the shop windows.
There’s something a little less fleeting, more substantial and a little more luxurious about fall. Beach parties become chic indoor parties, and wild neons become delicious, mysterious bolds. This fall season is all about a return to luxury – less high gloss, less future-drama-fetish, and a little more deluxe. Trend reports are foreseeing a resurgence of fur of all kinds (both faux and the real deal), chic, earth-toned bohemian prints, patent and matte leathers, and a bit of formality in the sense that hats are back.
I can’t wait to get back into scarves and boots. I love the scent of new leather, and the feeling of soft suede – and fall 2012 is going to be exactly that. Apart from the usual sweaters, there is a return to a deep, richer colour palate (think reds, oranges, purples, and browns) and boots replacing the never-ending flip-flop stream that is summer. I just adore a look that commands attention. Something that is, in a way, only possible in fall and winter, when mystery and drama seems to become fashionably commonplace.
It’s always a little disappointing, however, when the price of fall/winter fashion seems to rise – you are paying for more material, and the price of warmth in Canadian winter months is not cheap. While a browse through Holt Renfrew and the haute couture playgrounds that are designer stores is indeed fun, more affordable local options include crowd favourites like Aritzia, Le Chateau, H&M and Aldo with a few splurge-worthy pieces thrown in here and there.
I’ve always found winter clothing to be more of an investment than summer clothing, as the colours and general trends tend to remain static. So really, if the beautiful black suede coat with the high gloss and fur collar is a little out of your average price range, just think of all the winters to come that it will keep you warm through. It pays for itself … right?
Some tips to guide you through the coming cold spell? Never too much fur. You don’t want to look like you just got back from the bear hunt. Also, as much as patent seems to make its return each year, it is just not a look that is advisable on most. Particularly when it seems to take on unique colours, such as mustard yellow or slightly off-brown. Do you really want to wear a gleaming mustard yellow coat? Patent … for some, but not all.
Also, I know it’s difficult to say goodbye to your legs. It really is. But there’s nothing worse than seeing a girl freezing to death on a cold November day, for the sole purpose of showing off her now pale, and goosepimpled legs. Oh dear me. They make opaque black nylons or stockings for a reason. Use them well.
In essence, have fun with fall fashion. A lot of fun. It’s a wonderful thing, the change of seasons, particularly in the fashion world, when there are so many new options to take advantage of. I wish you luck on all your back to school endeavors.
