Trends

Our editor's top 10 fall fashion essentials

This fall, fashion is all about chic and sober elegance. Here, Elle Canada’s fashion editor, Denis Desro, reveals the top 10 essential looks you’ll want to add to your wardrobe.

by : Emmanuelle Martinez-Curvalle- Oct 3rd, 2011

Photography by Richard Bernardin (above image)

The below-the-knee skirt

FCUK black high-wasited mid-length skirt ($138), at fcuk.com

The “midi” skirt is the key element of the ultra-feminine, sophisticated look that is reminiscent of 50s movie stars. For Denis Desro, this look exudes that primness: smooth, straight hair, modest makeup and nothing too ostentatious. Paired with a shirt or slightly flowy blouse, this skirt works just as well with heels, loafers or boots laced up to the knee. Classic and chic. We like it!

A seventies-style boot

Pinkton Black leather boot from Locale ($220), at localeshoes.com

With the arrival of autumn comes the annual question: which style of boot do I choose out of all the options that will soon be arriving in shoe stores? For our fashion editor, the boots that go all the way to the knee will be popular in the coming months, especially “the seventies-style boot with the block heel.” As far as materials go, there will be a little bit of everything, from suede to leather that looks like snakeskin. It’s up to you to decide!

The fedora

Tristan grey felt fedora($49), at tristanstyle.com.

The fedora was a hit for summer and we are so happy that a felt version is back for fall to give a hint of elegance and style to even the simplest outfit. Before we turn to our heavy winter hats, we can’t resist this grey number that is sure to turn heads!

The turtleneck

Le Château cream-coloured turtleneck ($29.95), at lechateau.com.

This fall, the turtleneck finds its way back into our closets. Spotted on the runways at Céline and Chanel, its charming austerity plays into the whole straight-laced, streamlined look. We prefer it in a neutral colour under a structured jacket for a timeless, chic style.

The faux fur handbag

Miss Sixty large faux fur handbag ($350), at misssixty.com.

According to Denis Desro, the fall trend for handbags is minimalism. Look for a rectangular shape without any embellishments. This faux fur model adds a touch of whimsy to an outfit and works well with the midi skirt. But avoid head-to-toe fur at all costs!

5 more pieces you must add to your wardrobe on the next page…

The boyfriend jean

FCUK the boyfriend jean ($79.99), at Fcuk.com.

Wondering about which style of jeans to get this season? Denis Desro favours the boy-cut, I-just-borrowed-my-guy-friend’s-jeans look. “You wear them a little too big, roll up the cuffs and pair with a low-cut boot,” recommends our expert.

The military-style jacket

Zara blue military-style jacket ($199), at zara.com.

Spotted on several fall 2011 runways, the military-style jacket is back with a vengeance. Double-breasted and nipped at the waist, it adds structure to an outfit and adds both a touch of classic femininity and a little masculinity like what we saw on models from the Céline and Hermès collections. Wear it with a baggier pant for a flawless look.

Patent leather shoes

H&M Black patent loafers with raised heels ($79.95), at hm.com.

The loafer has made a big comeback, dressing our feet with an old-fashioned elegance. Look for this androgynous-style shoe in patent leather with a heel that is no higher than two inches. For an even trendier look, go for a reinforced sole and wear it with a straight-legged pant or midi skirt. Simple, sober and classic.

The in-between trouser

Le Château Wool pants ($135), at lechateau.com.

We’ve left behind some of the tapered and extra-wide-legged pants of summer behind to return to a more in-between, straight leg. Fitted around the thighs, the look for fall is feminine, but with a hint of masculine elegance. We love the rich materials and colours that are easy to wear with a white shirt for a ladylike look.

Feminine and structured tailoring

Mango black fitted jacket with leather sleeves ($139.90), at shop.mango.com.

Because well-tailored ensembles never go out of style, and the androgynous look is coming back this fall, we propose a jacket that is rock-star-chic. This one has leather sleeves with a leopard lining. This classic fit and and fine tailoring would look perfect with jeans for a night out or a skirt for work.