photography by Curtis Comeau
styling by Jessica Clark
Models Agnieszka Wichniewicz And Henry Li from Mode Models
hair and makeup by Amber Prepchuk
Shoes, $498, from Stuart Weitzman; Cedric Charlier pant and choker set, $795, from Simons; shirt, $98, from Aritzia
Fashion trends for spring 2017 are all about a return to having fun with clothing. Staples like bomber jackets and anoraks have been updated – they are must-have items during the transition between our frigid winter temperatures and scorching prairie summers. They have been infused with bold patterns, bright colours and upscale textiles. And if you aren’t ready to say goodbye to the comfort-forward dressing that has been everywhere for the past few seasons, take a sigh of relief. Designers are finding new ways this season to push athletic and technical pieces, from runners to workwear staples, towards more style conscious and fashion-centric aesthetics.
To help you curate your wardrobe for the season, we spoke with three members of Edmonton’s fashion community to get the scoop on the biggest trends for spring 2017 for both men and women.
Stylist Tip
“Pink can sometimes be a tricky colour to wear,” warns Southgate Centre personal shopper Brittanee Tomkow. “It’s all about finding the one that’s right for you. Pay attention to the shade of pink, and make sure that you aren’t choosing something that is too light and is going to wash you out.”
Burberry buckle, $1,795, from Holt Renfrew; See by Chloe $515, from Holt Renfrew; Elizabeth and James, $115, from Simons; Michael by Michael Kors, $348, from Southgate Centre; Valentino, $1,170, from Holt Renfrew; Rebecca Minkoff, $355, from Holt Renfrew;Small Chlo, $1,050, from Holt Renfrew;Michael Kors, $188, from Southgate Centre;Le Specs, $15, from Simons
Pink and Magenta
“Pink is probably the colour this season for women,” says Tomkow. “We have been seeing it everywhere for a few seasons now in the lighter blush colours, but right now is about the brighter shades and bubblegum pinks.”
One way to experiment with this season’s hottest hue is to go head-to-toe in a bold monochromatic look. Playing with outfitting multiple tones of a similar colour has been a massive runway trend this season, and it’s a fun and eye-catching way to make sure that all of the attention in a room is on you. If that sounds a little scary, Tomkow suggests easing yourself into incorporating the colour into your existing wardrobe. “If you’re scared to wear head-to-toe pink, start by finding an accessory or small item to add to your wardrobe to avoid feeling like a giant piece of bubblegum.” Y-3 Adidas trainers, $410, from Simons;Fendi black runners, $969, from Holt Renfrew;beige Adidas runners, $140, Nike see-through runners, $450, Paul Smith white stripe runners $550, Acne blue shoes, $550, all from Simons
Runners
High-fashion athletic footwear is still one of the biggest trends in menswear. No matter what your personal style, there is a shoe out there for everyone. Whether you are drawn to bright colours, interesting design details, or a more classic and understated look, finding the perfect sneaker is as simple as deciding what you like.
“When choosing a shoe, look for something that is more fashion forward as opposed to a casual runner,” says Clark. “There are so many options available now, so it’s all about finding something that reflects you and your personal style.”
Paul Smith shirt, $250, Paul Smith trench jacket, $1,200, 3.1 Phillip Lim blush pant, $61, all from Simons; shoes, $110, from Adidas
Business-casual
When choosing pieces to update your wardrobe this spring, think big. “Something we are going to see a lot more of is oversized shoulders and comfortable, baggy pieces,” says Clark. “It’s a return to 1990s street fashion, which has been a big trend on runways this season.”
Bottoms are more relaxed this spring, with designers shifting away from tighter cuts in favour of more straight-leg and shapeless denim. For tops and outerwear, look for longer pieces that play with volume for a more modern and updated take on the classic overcoat. “Baggy everything is big right now,” says Southgate Centre personal shopper Kristi Sainchuck, who warns that this trend comes with a caveat. “It can be a hard look to wear. These casual looks can very easily look like you just don’t care. It’s a fine line between messy and looking like you have it going on. Find items that are purposely fashionable. Picking fashion-forward colours and modern fabrics is a great way to dress the look up.” Dries van Noten bomber jacket, $1,395, and Gas Bijoux bracelet $100, Red Valentino jeans, $595, Vivetta shirt, $455, 3.1 Phillip Lim choker, $12, all from Simons
Bomber Jacket
The spring fashion MVP for women in 2017 is the bomber jacket. Designers and stores are stocking up on the trend in a dizzying array of colours, fabrications, lengths and cuts.
This classic piece is great for layering over just about every outfit; the luxurious fabrics, eye-catching patterns and embroidery featured this season can easily transition from day to night. “It’s one of the biggest trends in streetwear and on the runways,” says Clark. “It’s a great staple to have in your closet. It’s versatile and comfortable and, for spring, a bomber jacket is a must.” Twik floral bomber, $48, Twik pink bomber, $65, Twik bomber, $100, Twik light blue bomber, $89,Twik Shiny pink bomber, $59, Twik Shiny gold bomber, $59, all from Simons
Stylist Tip
“Bold florals are so big right now,” says Tomkow. “It’s a great way to make something like a bomber jacket look more feminine. If a more casual or athletic look isn’t your thing, look for pieces with embroidery or floral to make the outfit more polished and feminine.”
“The choker is continuing into 2017,” says fashion stylist Jessica Clark of the breakout accessory from last year. “We are still seeing a lot of chokers, and that trend isn’t going anywhere.” p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 10.0px; font: 8.0px ‘Helvetica Neue’}
G-Star Raw cargo pant, $210, Acne shirt, $330, Acne boot, $860, Acne jacket, $1,150, all from Simons
Stylist Tip
“When choosing technical outerwear pieces, look for higher end details and fabrics,” says Clark. “Designers are combining textured fabrics and eye-catching patterns and colours as a way to elevate the more casual silhouette of these items.” Carhartt hat, $63, from Gravity Pope; Dries van Noten shirt, $450, Scotch & Soda Jacket, $369, from Simons; Neuw denim jeans, $200, from Derks; Grenson boots, $580, from Gravity Pope
Workwear
Carhartt isn’t just a label for rig workers and construction foreman anymore. Across Europe, Asia, and North America, rugged tradesman-inspired pieces have been coopted by the fashion elite.
“Workwear can be fashionable,” says Clark. “Especially in Alberta, where so many people are going to and from a construction site. It’s almost like paying tribute to our hard-working Albertan labourers.”
To avoid looking too casual, pair these pieces with classic chinos or straight-leg denim in a darker wash. Leather accessories and tailored cuts will help you to embrace the trend while still looking put-together.
Stylist Tip
“This classic boot has a running shoe sole, so it’s comfortable and trendy at the same time,” says Clark. “Combining these elements gives you the freedom to wear these shoes to the office or as an everyday fashion item.”
This article appears in the April 2017 issue of Avenue Edmonton. Subscribe here.
