What are you wearing to fashion week? 8 statement-making outfits from the Style Panel
Nothing brings out show stopping outfits like Fashion Week Month. But we’re not just talking about the runways—the style always continues outside of the venues. Editors, bloggers and wealthy patrons tend to go all out, wearing their most attention grabbing outfits, and sometimes changing between shows. So we couldn’t help but wonder—given the chance, what would our Style Panel wear to fashion week?
In the first few days of shows, we’ve seen some jaw-dropping looks from fashion go-ers. Most notably, Michelle Harper, the queen of shock and awe, was out in a sleeveless dress with a completely see through upper-half, despite the frigid temperatures. But seemingly one of the biggest trends among fashion’s players is to mix contradictory pieces, seamlessly blending them into cohesive looks. Case in point: camp socks and gladiator sandals or a floor length grey satin skirt with a Carhartt workman’s jacket. There are no rules when it comes to Fashion Week. And if you’re ever in doubt about how to style an outfit worthy of Fashion Week, just remember: arms never go in the sleeves.
Question 90: What would your big fashion statement be for Fashion Week? Read the answers now! »
Our Style Panellists, no strangers to trying new looks or mixing it up in the name of fashion, showed how they would rock Fashion Week. Barbara Anna Solomon from Barbara Ann’s Style Blog kept things quirky with a peek-a-boo skirt and throwback sweater. Becky Kung of Velvet & Vino kept things ladylike while at the New York Fall 2014 shows with a midi skirt, it-bag and statement coat. The biggest takeaway, however, was that all of our panellists put their own unique spin on their outfits— proving that the best look for Fashion Week is something that is totally you.
BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | JILL LANSKY, VANCOUVER | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | VICKIE LALIOTIS, EDMONTON | MIKKI FOX, CALGARY | DEANNE MCRAE, MISSISSAUGA
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
While in New York for attending shows at Fashion Week, one of my go-to statement outfits has been this midi-skirt. I love the length of the skirt and also the color allows for pairing with any other color-palette, including this turquoise crop top and a bright pink coat. Not only is this skirt catchy, the length and volume of gives quite the statement!
Becky is wearing: Top, skirt and bag, Topshop. Booties, Zara. Coat, J.Crew. Necklace, Aldo Accessories. Watch, American Eagle
Vickie Laliotis, 28
Edmonton | Adventures in Fashion
Dressing for fashion week can be incredibly stressful, what with all the pressure to fit in, and ultimately, get noticed. It’s easy to work yourself into a frenzy (or seriously drain your bank account!) if you’re not careful, which is why it’s important to just take a breath, relax and just follow your gut when it comes to putting together your game-day outfits. My best advice would be to stay true to your personal style, only selecting pieces that reflect your aesthetic and are comfortable to wear — because let’s face it, if you don’t feel good in your clothes, you won’t look good either. I personally like to pick one stand-out item, like this oversized coat, and pair it with separates that make it pop. And don’t forget your statement sunnies — you might need them to cover the bags under your eyes from all those sleepless, outfit-planning nights!
Vickie is wearing: Coat, Darling. Sweatshirt, Topshop. Leather skirt, Alice + Olivia. Heels, Forever 21. Bag, Alexander Wang. Sunglasses, Karen Walker
Jill Lansky, 26
Vancouver | The August Diaries
As it’s currently still very cold in New York, let me preface this by saying I would have draped my favourite camel coat over my shoulders and perhaps worn a beanie while strolling the streets. But regardless of the weather dilemma, I am quite obsessed with the midi skirt and happy to see it will still feel fresh all the way into next fall (as this week’s NYFW has shown us thus far). Cutouts and crop tops are still very high on my list and pairing them with a longer skirt keeps the sexiness and naiveté in check. Now I really, really wish I was there.
Jill is wearing: Dress (worn as top) and clutch, Forever 21. Skirt, vintage. Booties, Steve Madden
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
This month is one of the hardest ones ever, with fashion month happening all over the world and the Olympic Games, it’s very hard to keep track of all of the amazing current events. When fashion week lands in Toronto next month, I plan to let my playful style shine. My closet is all about colour and this season I’m looking forward to some monochromatic looks. Mixing pieces like this blue floral skirt with my favourite childhood sweatshirt creates an unique outfit that is perfect to get the attention of the street style bloggers.
Becky is wearing: Sweatshirt, vintage. Skirt, Topshop. Heels, Carven par Robert Clergerie. Necklace, Topshop. Backpack, Camden Market Stables
Mikki Fox, 30
Calgary | Centre Street Style
If people watching is your forte and fashion is your vice, there truly is no better place to be than New York City during fashion week. Considered ‘The Show’ among fashionistas far and wide, choosing one’s outfit is reminiscent of finding that needle in the haystack. My search for the perfect outfit often results in my closet looking as though a hurricane blew threw it. This year however, due to the influx of incredibly chic tea length skirts, my outfit pick was relatively natural-disaster-free. When I saw this incredible ombre, lace, graphic gorgeousness, I knew instantly that it was a showstopper that needed a little bit of limelight that fashion week calls for. The best part is that it will remain at the forefront of my closet long after fashion week ends.
Mikki is wearing: Blouse, Alice + Olivia. Skirt, Tibi. Leather Jacket, Muubaa. Heels, Saint Laurent. Handbag, Chanel
Deanne McRae, 22
Mississauga | Threadbare
By the time Fall/Winter fashion month rolls around I’m pretty much in an exclusive relationship with my parka. So, making a statement during fashion month means trying my hardest to make warmth look good. Here, I’ve incorporated some much-needed pattern with these polkadot tights and fancied up my not-so-fancy coat with these booties. I’ve also layered a sweater over a collared blouse to add some extra layer and warmth.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
Disappointingly I am not attending fashion week, but if I was I would make sure to make a statement with my wardrobe. I’d be sure to wear something with just a little bit of drama (cue striped midi skirt), I’d to do a little something different with my hair (cue twist hair crown), and then I’d seal the deal with a great lip color (like this purple hue from Joe Fresh). For day two, I’d throw on a great hat and then maybe slip on some slick laceless oxfords.
Kayla is wearing: T-Shirt, Short Presents. Jacket, Winners. Skirt, eShakti. Boots, Vince Camuto. Bag, Forever 21. Sunglasses, Polette
Cara McLeay, 28
Vancouver | A Fashion Love Affair
Fashion week during the winter months can certainly be a challenge…especially this year with the attack of the “Polar Vortex”! Dressing to stand out while still being seasonally appropriate and comfortable is my goal when I travel for Fashion Week – I am currently loving monochrome looks, so I paired my favourite denim with all white for an effortless, chic look.
Cara is wearing: Shirt, J.Crew. Blazer, Zara. Jeans, Sass & Bide. Purse, Celine. Sunglasses, House of Harlow 1960. Watch, Fossil. Heels, Aldo Rise x Preen
 if you're not careful, which is why it's important to just take a breath, relax and just follow your gut when it comes to putting together your game-day outfits. My best advice would be to stay true to your personal style, only selecting pieces that reflect your aesthetic and are comfortable to wear — because let's face it, if you don't feel good in your clothes, you won't look good either. I personally like to pick one stand-out item, like this oversized coat, and pair it with separates that make it pop. And don't forget your statement sunnies — you might need them to cover the bags under your eyes from all those sleepless, outfit-planning nights!
Vickie is wearing: Coat, Darling. Sweatshirt, Topshop. Leather skirt, Alice + Olivia. Heels, Forever 21. Bag, Alexander Wang. Sunglasses, Karen Walker
Jill Lansky, 26
Vancouver | The August Diaries
As it's currently still very cold in New York, let me preface this by saying I would have draped my favourite camel coat over my shoulders and perhaps worn a beanie while strolling the streets. But regardless of the weather dilemma, I am quite obsessed with the midi skirt and happy to see it will still feel fresh all the way into next fall (as this week's NYFW has shown us thus far). Cutouts and crop tops are still very high on my list and pairing them with a longer skirt keeps the sexiness and naiveté in check. Now I really, really wish I was there.
Jill is wearing: Dress (worn as top) and clutch, Forever 21. Skirt, vintage. Booties, Steve Madden
[caption id="attachment_171631" align="aligncenter" width="464"] Photography by Trevor Negin[/caption]
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
This month is one of the hardest ones ever, with fashion month happening all over the world and the Olympic Games, it's very hard to keep track of all of the amazing current events. When fashion week lands in Toronto next month, I plan to let my playful style shine. My closet is all about colour and this season I'm looking forward to some monochromatic looks. Mixing pieces like this blue floral skirt with my favourite childhood sweatshirt creates an unique outfit that is perfect to get the attention of the street style bloggers.
Becky is wearing: Sweatshirt, vintage. Skirt, Topshop. Heels, Carven par Robert Clergerie. Necklace, Topshop. Backpack, Camden Market Stables
Mikki Fox, 30
Calgary | Centre Street Style
If people watching is your forte and fashion is your vice, there truly is no better place to be than New York City during fashion week. Considered 'The Show' among fashionistas far and wide, choosing one's outfit is reminiscent of finding that needle in the haystack. My search for the perfect outfit often results in my closet looking as though a hurricane blew threw it. This year however, due to the influx of incredibly chic tea length skirts, my outfit pick was relatively natural-disaster-free. When I saw this incredible ombre, lace, graphic gorgeousness, I knew instantly that it was a showstopper that needed a little bit of limelight that fashion week calls for. The best part is that it will remain at the forefront of my closet long after fashion week ends.
Mikki is wearing: Blouse, Alice + Olivia. Skirt, Tibi. Leather Jacket, Muubaa. Heels, Saint Laurent. Handbag, Chanel
Deanne McRae, 22
Mississauga | Threadbare
By the time Fall/Winter fashion month rolls around I'm pretty much in an exclusive relationship with my parka. So, making a statement during fashion month means trying my hardest to make warmth look good. Here, I've incorporated some much-needed pattern with these polkadot tights and fancied up my not-so-fancy coat with these booties. I've also layered a sweater over a collared blouse to add some extra layer and warmth.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
Disappointingly I am not attending fashion week, but if I was I would make sure to make a statement with my wardrobe. I'd be sure to wear something with just a little bit of drama (cue striped midi skirt), I'd to do a little something different with my hair (cue twist hair crown), and then I'd seal the deal with a great lip color (like this purple hue from Joe Fresh). For day two, I'd throw on a great hat and then maybe slip on some slick laceless oxfords.
Kayla is wearing: T-Shirt, Short Presents. Jacket, Winners. Skirt, eShakti. Boots, Vince Camuto. Bag, Forever 21. Sunglasses, Polette
Cara McLeay, 28
Vancouver | A Fashion Love Affair
Fashion week during the winter months can certainly be a challenge...especially this year with the attack of the "Polar Vortex"! Dressing to stand out while still being seasonally appropriate and comfortable is my goal when I travel for Fashion Week - I am currently loving monochrome looks, so I paired my favourite denim with all white for an effortless, chic look.
Cara is wearing: Shirt, J.Crew. Blazer, Zara. Jeans, Sass & Bide. Purse, Celine. Sunglasses, House of Harlow 1960. Watch, Fossil. Heels, Aldo Rise x Preen){kind=link}