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FALL FASHION: Have fun with cool combinations

Nanaimo News Bulletin’s Bastion Magazine previews autumn’s trendy looks
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When it comes to fall fashion for women, it’s an exciting season, says personal stylist Michelle Addison.

Fall is just around the corner and Addison, a Vancouver-based style expert on CTV morning live, finds a lot is trending: menswear-inspired blazers, embellished jeans, white ankle boots and even vinyl.

This season, Addison suggests tucking away those knee-high boots in the closet for another day and switching to an ankle boot, which has been trending for the last few years and is a good update for everyone’s wardrobe, she said, also pointing to white boots and pumps as something people will see a ton of in fashion circles.

Nearly all jean brands will have some kind of embellishment on their jeans this season –embroidery, patchwork, pearls and ruffles – she said.

“That’s probably the most exciting for the general public is switching up their jeans to have a little bit more fun.”

Layering is always popular for the fall and Addison finds it’s more so this year. She said people will see layers of sheer underneath a sweater, popping out a little at the sleeves or a turtleneck underneath a button-up top.

High-shine silk, including dresses and tops, are also in style this season, and men’s wear is trending on all fronts – though, Addison said it certainly doesn’t mean going to your dad’s closet and getting his blazer. She describes the look as menswear-inspired, longer and with strong tailoring. She’d pair a blazer with a tight pencil skirt and ankle boots, a juxtaposition between conservative and feminine, or with slim jeans, a silk blouse and ankle boots.

“If I had to say anything about the way fashion is going it’s definitely moving into a more casual realm and it’s this idea of casualization which is amazing for everybody because it becomes less dressy but it becomes something you’ll get more bang for your buck,” she said. “The mindset is having some key strong trending pieces, but mixed in with our classic staple investment pieces.”

Fred Jeffery, owner of Lucid in Nanaimo, said there’s an “Island esthetic where they don’t quite dress the same way they do in the city.

“It’s why plaid will always be popular here, plaid and hoodies. We’re more practical. There has to be some practicality to fashion.”

He said overalls are making a comeback and things from the ’90s like turtlenecks and camo. An idea for a look this year would be denim overalls, with a horizontal-striped shirt underneath or turtle neck. Also trending are toques, beanies or a wool felt hat, he said.

Nanaimo’s Quintessential has fall trends on display and owner Carla Samson is finding embroidery is big this year, whether it’s on jeans, jean jackets or tunics. Cold sleeve and off-shoulder tops that accent the shoulders are also big this season.

“They go pretty quick when we get them in,” she said.

Samson suggests people insert trends into their wardrobe with key pieces for the fall. One look could be to have an ankle jean, embroidered or regular wash, with a pair of ankle boots, a cold shoulder or off-the-shoulder top or T-shirt with an oversized scarf and a kimono to dress it all up.

Stacked bracelets and chokers, layered with medium and longer necklaces are also trending. It’s creating a story with your jewelry, Samson said.

As Addison said, a lot is trending, but the stylist says if the trend doesn’t appeal, avoid it.

“Most of the time I think we want to try to look current but that being said, you still want to feel like yourself, so pick things you love versus you think you have to wear,” Addison said. “You won’t really get me in a vinyl raincoat. It’s just too crazy and bold, but I’ve seen it on people and it looks amazing.

“It’s just pick what you love and avoid the rest.”

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