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The weather is shifting once again, and it might just be our favourite temperature to dress for in Toronto. And what better way is there to get inspired than with Toronto’s emerging fall trends? Here are five fashion staples you’ll be spotting on the streets of Toronto this fall, from an animal-inspired aesthetic to towering boots.
Saddle up
Bella Hadid called it — horse girls are so back. A few fashion trends with a common theme have emerged for fall, and whether you’ve done some horseback riding yourself or are just more of a dog person, there’s something for everyone if you’re looking to give your wardrobe a 2024 upgrade. Equestrian chic encompasses everything from the much lauded barn jacket to riding boots to chambray shirts and suede or corduroy shackets. Falling neatly in between Westerncore and prep style, equestrian style takes a little from both and might be a bit more accessible for those of us who don’t want to do a full closet overhaul. Lug those tall weatherproof boots you stopped wearing 10 years ago out from the back of your closet, don a button down in a more sturdy material and thrift a barn jacket (or, hey, just use that chore coat you love instead — no one is checking!) to really commit to the aesthetic.
Burgundy is the new red
You might recall that for the past year and a half, there was one colour that ruled them all: red. From pops of colour through accessories and shoes to matching red sets and even colourful tights, reds of the firetruck and cherry varieties were simply everywhere. And the colour hasn’t exactly gone away this season — it’s just toned itself down a few shades. Enter burgundy (or dark cherry, or merlot, or maroon); the muted, elegant older sister to the red of 2023, this autumnal shade is ideal for fall dressing. Opt for burgundy outerwear, especially of the leather variety as spotted on the runway, or go for a dark cherry purse — this shade basically operates as a neutral when it comes to cold weather dressing.
Knee-deep in style
Tall boots are always a classic for fall and winter — not only are they incredibly chic paired with mini skirts and tights or under a calf-grazing midi, but they offer a necessary extra layer of warmth as Toronto inevitably gets colder. This year, we’re taking that warmth to the next level with over-the-knee boots. These thigh-high concoctions are super stylish and super convenient, and pair perfectly with that micro mini you thought you had to store away for the fall, trench coats or even over jeans if you want those boots to be the star of the show.
Boho vibes only
The resurgence of the 2000s continues with the return of boho chic for fall. You know the one: fringe and florals, flowy layers and sheer ruffles, over-the-knee boots and long necklaces on top of long necklaces. The trend seemed to have come straight from the runway this time, after Chemena Kamali’s debut collection for Chloé had tongues wagging and influencers running out to purchase their own sheer ruffled maxi dress. If you wish to infuse a little boho into your style this season, there are plenty of ways to do it: opt for flowy maxi dresses and skirts layered with romantic blouses, shearling-trimmed jackets à la Almost Famous, studded clogs (and studded anything), brassy accessories and prints galore. A great fashion trend for fall, when the weather shifts from damp and windy to sunny and crisp in the span of a day and will have you shedding layers, take your inspiration from the 1970s and opt for all things loose and liberated.
Super suede
Leather is still in, but this fall, it’s all about suede. From outerwear to boots to skirts to bags, suede, particularly of the chocolate brown variety, has been dominating the fall fashion cycle — and for good reason. There’s something deliciously autumnal and cozy about this brushed fabric, and luckily it’s pretty easy to find thrifted too, since suede has a better chance of holding up over time than cracking-prone leather. A suede shearling coat, moto jacket or trench would all be the perfect outerwear for the season, while a suede skirt or slouchy bag (hello, boho) will add a little flair to more casual looks. Suede boots (perhaps over-the-knee) will also serve you well — just make sure to give them a waterproofing protective spray as we head into winter.
BONUS:
On the prowl
Somehow, leopard print — and other animal-inspired version — has stuck around for fall. While the original “mob wife” iteration of the trend involved a lot of fur and catsuits and leather, we’re going a little more demure this season with a focus on just the print itself. Fashion experts suggest treating the over-the-top print as a neutral, and if that’s the case, you can’t go wrong with neutral accessories. Opt for a printed handbag or leopard shoes and belts to walk on the wild side with your more basic outfits this season.
