There are two distinct factors that influence fall fashion here in Canada— runway trends and the weather. And while we’re seeing the
sea of blue (cobalt, navy) and
nouveau ladylike silhouettes from the runways trickle down to our fall wardrobe, it’s the quickly dropping temperatures that ultimately determine our daily sartorial choices. That’s why the
key pieces for fall need to be versatile, says Sandra Lévéille, Reitmans merchandising manager, who designed the Reitmans 9.5.7 collection that just launched in stores nationwide. “Layering different looks is so important.”

This also comes into play when deciding what to
wear to the office. We asked Lévéille to share her expert fall fashion tips for adapting top runway looks into sleek and totally appropriate workwear.


Fall fashion trend: Leather

There are so many ways to wear our favourite fall fashion staple item—the leather jacket—this season. For a look that’s
biker chic, “pair it with a slim black pant with a soft blouse,” says Lévéille. “I like mix of feminine with the more edgy.”

The cool sleekness of the
moto jacket is perfect with a shirtdress for work, she adds. Or pair with a black straight-leg pant. “That never goes out of style.”


FALL WORKWEAR: How to wear camel to the office

Fall fashion trend: Menswear-inspired suiting

We’re taking the look of
classic Savile Row-inspired tailoring back from the boys, and adding structure and playful prints for a feminine touch. Pair a tweed jacket with a distinctly menswear pattern together with a crossover blouse. The goal is to take a menswear fabric and create a ladylike silhouette. “The shape is the feminine twist,” says Lévéille.

Think a tweed jacket with a peplum cut. “Break it up with a delicate sheer blouse,” she explains. Try a conversational print shirt. “Playing with different patterns—that makes it interesting.”


FALL 2013 FASHION TRENDS

More ways to try fall’s top runway trends at the office on the next page…
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Fall fashion trend: Fur

Be it a
fluorescent dip-dyed Mohawk at Fendi or Cruella De Vil-inspired coat at Altuzarra, fur found its way into many of this season’s collections, in colourful (and of course, controversial) incarnations. But even as its faux counterpart, fur can be tricky to pull off at the office—but it’s still possible. “It depends on where you work,” says Lévéille. “If you work in the classic professional office, add it in a small way.” Try a playful fur trim on a sweater. “Think of it as an accessory,” she says.

If your office airs on the creative side, boldly test out runway trends and wear the plush fur vest. “Pair it with a blouse and a slim pant,” says Lévéille.

Fall fashion trend: The new ladylike look

Layering with delicate underpinnings is the easiest way to update a
leather jacket or blazer for the office everyday. Leave a structured white blouse untucked, and add a bold statement necklace for a modern-prep look. “You should always have a classic white shirt in your wardrobe,” says Lévéille.


Fall 2013 fashion: Top 10 RUNWAY TRENDS

And pair it with a knee-length pencil skirt in a sophisticated animal print as seen on Burberry Prorsum’s Fall 2013 runway. “You can always mix and match,” says Lévéille.

Fall fashion trend: Bold colour and pattern

“Bold colour is on trend this season,” says Lévéille about the mix of pink and blue tones, plus
glorious plaids seen on the fall runways. “The key is to wear them with a mix of neutrals.” Take one piece—like your statement cobalt coat—and pair with a slim pant or skirt in a camel hue.


Dressing for work: How to wear COBALT BLUE


If you’re going for a bold pop of colour, make it one strong statement—literally. Whether it’s a
navy pump with a black suit or a coloured blouse under a
leather jacket, “choose one thing only,” says Lévéille. Your must-have colourful piece this season? A plaid sweater. “You can always pull it out season after season.”


Read more:
Top 10 items you need this fall

8 boy-meets-girl pieces perfect for work

Fall 2013 fashion trends: Biker chic
Fall fashion: 10 ways to wear plaid