Many McGill collegiettes cringe when they think of the low temperatures and what they bring: seemingly longer walks to class, the dilemma between mittens and gloves, and just simply being cold. But before that time arrives, we have an almost six-week-long period, here in Montreal, where we can walk around feeling comfortable in a light jacket and not get frost-bite. That season, my friends, is fall.
This comfortable, yet brisk, time of year is a favourite of mine – weather that allows us to showcase our long-thought-out outfits before the snow falls and we’re all confined to looking like the Michelin man. Fall is a time when we can spot our friends on the street because they don’t have a fur-lined hood pulled over their heads. Fall is a time when you can sit comfortably in class and not have to re-arrange yourself every thirty seconds because you’re starting to sweat in your Canada Goose cocoon. Fall is a time when you spend your entire paycheque at Urban Outfitters / Zara / Aritzia and people who aren’t your roommates can actually see what you bought! (Can you tell I really don’t like winter?!) So, in light of the Fall solstice this past Saturday, I have compiled a list – after pouring over every fashion magazine and blog – of a few of the best things to fill your wardrobe with this season:
1. Printed Pants
Pants with a cool print are super trendy right now – perfect for adding a little oomph to your fall outfits! Try them in leopard print or florals, and wear them like you would every-day jeans. Or, if you feel like being super adventurous, try pairing them with a print shirt or sweater as well as simple jewelry and shoes. Mixing prints was all over the fashion sphere for this season.
2. Full Skirts
Put away your bondage skirts (for now) because a full silhouette is the way to go this fall. Bringing back a touch of girliness, these skirts are appropriate for both day and night. Extra points for this look in leather – adding a touch of leather to an outfit is super hot for this season, making a youthful outfit that little bit edgier.
3. Peplum
Try this feminine look on your shirts, skirts, AND dresses.
It works with every shape and can really pull an outfit together. A plain white shirt can be transformed into something more sophisticated, making an outfit more suitable for a night out or an interview.
4. The Two-Tone Jacket
The contrast between the sleeves and the torso of this outerwear piece add a little life to an otherwise plain jacket. Thrown over skinny jeans and a tank, this look says hey, we might be wearing the same outfit, but I have the better jacket. Again, up the cool factor with leather sleeves.
5. Collars
Collars aren’t only for shabby school uniforms and Peter Pan’s shirt – they’re a great way to look cute but polished. Think Blair Waldorf.
There are three ways to wear the collar:
A – Collared blouse, like the contrast trim one above
B – Underneath a knit sweater – this is a great way to make use of your sleeveless summer shirts
C – The collar necklace – wear over tops without collars.
+1 Beauty Trend: The New French
The final item on the list is a fabulous beauty trend that made an appearance at several runway shows this season. It’s an easy, breezy manicure that literally takes you five minutes (once you’ve mastered it), and looks super chic. It’s just adding colour to the ends of your nails, French manicure style! This nail trend is actually very convenient if you’re pressed for time or need a quick-fix to your old, chipped manicure. Simply remove the polish below the whites of your nails – made easier with tape – and, voila, you’re runway ready.
For more nail ideas and colours check out: http://www.glamour.com/beauty/blogs/girls-in-the-beauty-department/2012/05/5-fun-new-ways-to-wear-a-frenc.html