In 2017, fashion was all about celebrating individualism, embracing comfort and moving toward more conscious consumption. We may love Gucci, but minimalism really spoke to us. Reformation, and eco-cool brands like it, are all the rage. Canadian fashion is on the rise—from outerwear to T-shirts, we want to shop homegrown talent. And high heels? Yeah, we’re over those. 

Below, the year’s top 10 fashion stories on ELLECanada.com. 
 

10. Is Fashion Walking Away from the Stiletto?
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With searches for sneakers outpacing heels and the rise of women-for-women shoe designers (Mari Giudicelli! Rachel Comey!) the draw towards flat footwear is real. Read about it here.

 

9. 7 Ways to Wear Chanel’s Gabrielle
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This year, Chanel debuted a buzzy new handbag style inspired by binocular cases and VR headsets. The best part? The bag could transform from a cross-body to a chain-wrap clutch. See them all here.
 

8. Where to Shop in Toronto
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We kept our eye on the coolest independent boutique openings in Toronto—from west-end designer darling Ease, to WANT Apothecary’s latest outpost. Read about them here.
 

7. Meghan Markle’s Aritzia Dress is Selling out Fast 
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At her first public outing as Prince Harry’s girlfriend, the (now formerly) Toronto-based Markle made us all add a certain bordeaux-coloured dress to our baskets. Read it here.
 

6. How Montreal-Based SSENSE is Changing the Luxury Retail Game 
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A rare behind-the-scenes look at the rule-breaking, trend-setting luxury e-tailer. Read it here.
 

5. The Best Cruelty-Free and Vegan Outerwear Brands
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Staying warm doesn’t have to involve down, fur or even wool. Here’s proof.
 

4. 6 Brands to Know if You Love Reformation 
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We all love cool-girl sustainable brand Reformation, and here’s more brands to round-out your retro-chic, eco-minded wardrobe. Read it here.
 

3. The top 11 Canadian Outerwear Brands
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We’ll say it: No one does cold-weather gear quite like Canadians. Read it here.
 

2.  Fashion Brands Every Minimalist Will Love
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Whether you’re drawn toward clean lines and simple silhouettes, or just want pieces that let your individuality shine through, these brands prove that minimal doesn’t mean unimaginative or mundane. See them here.
 

1. The Top 10 Canadian Fashion Designers 
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We’re as proud of our Canadian design talent as you are. See them all here.