Fall 2021 fashion trends tough and soft contrast

PICKING UP

For Canadians, who often experience all four seasons in the span of a single day, taking a transitional approach to dressing is the best way to cool off fall. The trick is to find the perfect layering cut that goes with many outfit combinations. This fall, an all-over printed turtleneck could be the outfit. Go for a microprinted option underneath a la Prada cardigan, or go bold with Dries Van Notes velvet flowers. The colorful frog print on this Rachel Antonoff top is fun, and the sheer mesh material makes it easy to adapt for warm or cold days.

Rachel Antonoff turtleneck, $236 to shopfriendsofjenny.com.

LONG FORM

I think it’s safe to say that many of us never want to see another sportswear again. For something just as comfortable but reimagined for the world outside your door, a crochet dress adds elegance and vibrancy to your wardrobe. Gabriela Hearsts’ copper-toned gown was paired with a floor-length leather coat at the designer’s fall fashion show, blending comfort and sophistication. Ba&sh adds bold sleeves to the long merino-wool holster for a true 1970s look. Embrace that era of fashion by pairing it with high boots and a silk scarf.

Dress, $515 at Ba&sh (ba-sh.com).

ONLY FRIEND

Last year chunky boot returned with an update. The combat style platform boots have proven their worth through the fall and winter rounds by being both functional and fashionable. Bottega Veneta is leading the way with a colorful makeover of the military-inspired boot featuring a bold green sole and bold heel. Sorel animates his Brex Chelsea bootie with a fiery-red base. Aldo takes a more neutral approach with a mix of tone-to-season combos: black and brown.

Boots, $130 at Aldo (aldoshoes.com).

POP STAR

The fall 2021 show embraces a sense of optimism through a color palette so bright, you can’t help but smile. Jacquemuss’s fall bag stands out in a spectrum of tangerines, surprising pinks, and sweet apple reds. The Canadian brand’s wearshop offers a similar pop with pleated leather bucket bags in a vibrant raspberry color. Stauds usually muted leather is now complemented by more vibrant counterparts, including a colorful beaded handbag featuring all the shades of the rainbow.

Leather bag, $345 in wearshop.ca.

BOOST VOLUME

Two important things come together because the everyday tote bag adopts the form of a layered puffer coat. There’s no escaping the over-the-top look, the Monclers insulated puffer bag reflects the brand’s signature padded outerwear design. Want Les Essentials gives the OHare style a luxurious makeover with a leather body, while Ted Baker plays with subtle colors and prints in a tote bag that will effortlessly carry you through the winter holidays.

Leather bag, $795 in wantlessesentiels.com.

RETRO APPLICATION

Leather motorcycle jackets never go out of style, and it’s hard to find a brand that doesn’t adopt this fall staple. Hedi Slimane dispatches an army of biker jackets at Celine Homme, each complete with multiple zips and buckles. The off-center zipper option from Acne Studios features a belted waist and sheepskin. The trainer teamed up with leather jacket specialist Schott NYC for a perfectly worn vintage look that’s undeniably cool.

Leather jacket, $1,600 at Coach (coach.com).

PURL PANACHE

Knits are being infused with geometric patterns woven into crewnecks, turtlenecks, cardigans and sweater vests. The Diors paint treatment stood out, paired with a customized look in black and brown during the brand’s fall runway presentation. The more subtle version comes in a colorful, space-inspired shape from Canadian menswear brand Poplin & Co., who designs all the patterns themselves. Even the fair traditional island sweater is on display at Loewe, with the alpine motif zoomed in to the max.

Poplin & Co. Sweater, $119 via GotStyle (gotstyle.com).

HEAVY MIND

How many times can something be reinvented? When it comes to shoes, the answers seem limitless. The latest versions of menswear will make you look dapper, but still be ready for any terrain with treads that are more commonly seen in boots. The COSs pair are on the more stylish side, with black leather and chunky soles. Versace takes slip-on shoes to another level with a logo-encrusted platform tread, and brands like Camper and GH Bass & Co. change color with variations in burgundy and emerald green.

Loafers, US$225 at COS prices (coststores.com).

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