Transitioning tips

Transitioning your wardrobe may seem like a difficult task (what with Canada’s unpredictable climate – one minute it’s hot, the next it’s cold). But there are some easy, effortless ways to update your closet (and you don’t have to break the bank, either).

All about colour

Although it’s getting cooler, this season’s runways were awash in warm-weather colours – blues, purples, reds and oranges. Take an update-your-wardrobe cue from
I Want, I Got’s fashion blogger Anita Clarke: “I like to add a bit of colour with my leggings and tights in the fall.” And, she’s not afraid to wear white after Labour Day (just be sure to offset the hue with darker colours to make it fall-friendly). Don’t stop at coloured leggings — add pops of a new hue in
suede boots, a bold jacket, sexy leather gloves, or a new bag. The possibilities are endless!

Accesorize, accessorize, accessorize!

From bold multi-chain necklaces at Missoni to bib necklaces at Jason Wu, fall’s runways were laden with accessories. Even leather booties and bold wrist cuffs made a play at
Gucci’s fall collection. So it’s no wonder fashion guru (and our very own
ELLE Canada fashion contributor) Nathalie Atkinson revives her summer wardrobe with a few fall-worthy accessories. For her, “a cute clutch in a bright colour and a honkin’ big bib necklace or crazy bracelet (I love Club Monaco’s jewellery right now) or new shoes or booties,” are perfect for dressing up an outfit.

For the fellas

If all else fails (and your budget is bust), focus on organization says
NOW Toronto’s fashion editor Andrew Sardone. “Going from summer to fall, I stash things like shorts, light coloured shoes and polo shirts as soon as Labour Day hits, but keep wearing my cotton dress shirts and khakis throughout September.” Come Thanksgiving, he rotates heavier suits and jackets into his fashion mix. Also, look to the back of your closet for older items that fit some
fall 2009 trends: double breasted suits and blazers, cardigans and all things gray and black.

What not to toss on the next page …

What not to toss

Every season there are trends that die, like the Marc Jacobs headwear Madonna was snapped sporting, and others that flourish. What summer trends are sticking around for Canada’s colder months?

For the ladies…
Anything Eighties. Think
leggings and dramatic shoulders and necklines. You can thank Marc Jacobs, Balmain and
Stella McCartney for the decade’s fashionable revival.

Statement Jewellery. Especially big necklaces and show-stopping bracelets.

Sheer Fabrics. Perfect for layering under a blazer or jacket.

The one-shoulder look. It’s a look befitting any leading lady: Michelle Obama, Katherine Heigl, Kate Winslet.

Curve-hugging pencil skirts and sheath dresses. Thanks to a third season, the
Mad Men look is alive and well.

For the men…
Plaid Shirts. Perfectly preppy under jackets and sweaters.

Deck Shoes. Just be sure to wear them in a darker coloured leather or in a heavy canvas.

Neutral Denim. A look that’s still fashion forward yet classic.

Expert must-haves

What would fall fashion be without the occasional indulgence or must-have purchase? What are our experts pining for?

Nathalie Atkinson

“Top of my list is… a leather biker jacket, in licorice black. My high-school boyfriend had an enviable one and I’ve wanted one of my own ever since,” says Atkinson. She recently snagged a worn-in bomber from Danier. “I’ll throw it on over my many frothy summer dresses and cocktail frocks, add some tights and my summer or evening wardrobe is instantly autumn-ready and suitable for day.”

Anita Clark

For Clarke, it’s all about cutting edge leather leggings and a leather jacket. “I’m still dying for [one] from Rick Owens,” she says. Also on her list? Menswear inspired footwear by Salvatore Ferragamo and Yohji Yamamoto.

Andrew Sardone

Sardone is on the hunt for the perfect pair of boots. They must be “rugged enough to be practical, but formal enough to wear with suits and dressier coats.” Other likely purchases? Cozy but dressed up outfits by menswear designer (also his boyfriend) Philip Sparks and Philippe Dubuc’s winter coats.

Read more
View our trends report for fall’s must-haves

Dos and don’ts of fall fashion

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