Fall fashion: Invest in timeless pieces this season
Credit to Author: Aleesha Harris| Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2019 18:00:48 +0000
In recent seasons, fashion has celebrated a more maximalist esthetic — embracing bright colours, bold brand logos, and an overall mentality of more is more.
But, according to Tyler Franch, the fashion director for Hudson’s Bay, things are set to become a bit more toned down for the cooler months of fall and winter.
“There is a shift toward minimalism — streamlined silhouettes, less details and tonal dressing in opposition to bold elements like oversized and colourful coats inspired by the ’80-’90s,” Franch explains.
Tyler Franch.
With the stark shift in trends this season, one might wonder about the sustainability of embracing such a dramatic sartorial change. It’s a factor Franch commented on when questioned about the overall speed of the industry’s trend cycles.
“The fashion industry and brands will have to create garments that last longer and adopt a different approach to trends,” he said.
Social media is undoubtedly an area of influence that’s driving the rapid trend movement, as an influx of influencers posting and sharing their everyday outfits has prompted what Franch refers to as “micro” trends to pop up more frequently than seasonal shifts.
“Social media has definitely had a huge impact on trends within fashion,” Franch says. “It allows for micro trends to emerge, which are fun to play with in the moment, but those do turn over even faster than before.”
If you’re looking to invest in pieces that you can pull back out of your closet at this time next year and still be excited to do so or are eager for ways to increase the sustainability of your seasonal style, it’s wise to consider picking up timeless pieces that you’ll love for years to come.
One such piece is the blazer.
“Blazers are a classic item that everyone can wear,” Franch says. “They are timeless, always look chic, and upgrade any outfit.”
The style insider pointed to the “boss” blazer — a chic style with sharp shoulders and a slightly oversized fit — as the silhouette that would work for all ages, shapes and sizes.
“I’m particularly excited for new styles from Tibi, which is a new brand at Hudson’s Bay this season, and Birgitte Herskind, one of the designers being featured in The Scandinavian 7 pop-up (that launched) Sept. 13,” Franch says.
His personal picks will be two of the new designer brands that are expected to become available at Hudson’s Bay this season, including Harris Wharf London, Coperani, Diemme and more.
While silhouettes and hues may be more staid than seasons past, one way to punch up the personality of an outfit is with layering — a fashionable and functional approach in cold weather.
“It offers so much more possibility when getting dressed, and allows for creativity with the juxtaposition of textures, colours and prints,” Franch says.
As for accessories this fall/winter season, when it comes to handbags, it’s a lesson in contrasts.
“Mini bags are still very important this season, but they are getting a styling update — we’re seeing lady bag styles, hardware details, unusual shapes, bold colours and croc effects,” Franch says.
“In opposition to the tiny bag trend, oversized under-the-arm bags are also important,” Franch says.
In recent seasons, thanks largely to the increasingly popularity of athleisure style, sneakers have been the go-to shoe for many. But while platform styles — reminiscent of Spice Girls-esque styles from the ’90s, just not quite as elevated — have captivated fashion fans, according to Franch, this season’s shoe styles will be a bit more sleek.
“Trends are slowly moving away from the popular chunky sneaker,” Franch says. “The focus for fall is on boots. The slouchy knee-high boot and the lug sole being key styles to shop for a wardrobe update.”
As for the item Franch recommends shoppers save room in their seasonal budgets to splurge on, he stuck to a garment category that fits perfectly well for both the seasonal shift, and the country that we live in.
“A statement coat,” Franch says definitively. “In Canada, you can never have too many coats.”
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