How to wear crochet, tiered layers and printed prairie girl dresses this fall
A cool-weather update for that free-spirited fashion vibe
Breaking up is hard to do, especially when it comes to your summer wardrobe. It's almost painful packing away shorts, sandals and straw bags, knowing that heavy duty winter coats, hats and boots are taking their place. But it's a necessary evil thanks to wicked Canadian winters. Thankfully, the runways offered a way to hang on to summer's breezy styles, and fashion insiders are setting an example that has us taking notes. Think of it as boho gone luxe.
Yes, that means we'll be tightly clinging to tiered layers and prairie girl dresses, crochet and ruffles too. Some designers like Chloe and Coach went the western route, while others like Isabel Marant and Ulla Johnson (who have made careers out of effortless vacation-ready clothes), wove nomadic references through their collections. You may not be heading to the beach anytime soon, but you can channel the season's free-and-easy attitude til the snowflakes fly.
Embroidery, check! Bell sleeves, check! Tassels, check! This dress has all the hallmarks of summer style. All that's missing is beachy waves and a field to frolic in.
Prem Dress, $268, shopdoen.com
Dreading the day you need to pull on a turtleneck? Try layering it with a fringed piece in sun-bleached pink to bring a bit of the beach to your outfit. Once the weather heats back up again, it'll look great over a bikini too.
Jen's Pirate Booty Souk Jacket, $312, freepeople.com
Fall's arrival calls for a structured bag, but that doesn't mean it has to be basic. This one has an organic feel thanks to metallic-threaded panels, a wooden frame and generous tassel accent. Its petite size means you'll only carry the essentials.
0711 Copacabana Clutch, $875, shopbop.com
With its pompoms, mixed prints and maxi length, this dress looks like it could have been picked up on your travels to a far-flung locale (when it's actually just Zara). Wear it with tall leather boots and lots of layered jewelry to fuel the nomadic feel.
Striped Dress With Pompoms, $129, zara.com
Wovens are a no-brainer in warm weather, especially when it comes to shoes (built-in air conditioning anyone?). If you're not quite ready to part with braided leather, these golden booties fill the void.
High Alba Boots, $255, sezane.com
Peasant tops (and anything with pompoms) can be tricky because they're easily associated with vacay wardrobes. Stay away from eyelet and instead, stick to a style that has sleeves and a print in darker colours.
Pleated Blouse, $49.90, zara.com
Net bags saw a resurgence this summer. Keep the look going by trading your taupe tote for a black one. Ideal for stashing all your farmer's market goodies, the darker colour instantly says autumn.
Clare V. Sandy Drawstring Clutch, $115.47, shopbop.com
A tiered, floral skirt is an easy way to give your look a little romance. Just make sure to offset all that volume with a slim sweater or a cropped jacket.
Ulla Johnson Maria Maxi Skirt, $680, intermixonline.com
This necklace makes it look like you've carefully curated a selection of sweet summer mementos, but they've done the work for you. All that's left is to make up the stories that accompany each charm.
Ravello Charm Necklace, $275, lizziefortunado.com
Caitlan Moneta (@caitlanmoneta) is a Toronto-based fashion editor, writer and stylist. She's a firm believer that there's nothing a little retail therapy can't fix.