We Heart Functional Fall Fashion!

Fall has arrived in Vancouver, with crisp mornings, colourful leaves and pumpkins appearing on doorsteps around the city. While it can be a little sad to say good-bye to the warm, bright days of summer, great sweaters, boots and hats offer some measure of consolation. Who doesn’t love fall fashion?

Today we’re sharing some tips for throwing together functional fall outfits. The best fall looks will take you from preschool drop-off to work to the playground, and maybe even out for a coffee date with a friend. Here are our suggestions for piecing together the perfect fall look.

Functional Fall Fashion: Five Tips

1. It’s All About the Layers

At this time of year the temperature can change a lot over the course of the day, from chilly fall mornings to balmy afternoons to crisp evenings. This means layers are your friend. Think light jackets, sweaters and scarves, which you can add and remove as needed. While you may be tempted to size up for roominess, stick with pieces that actually fit you for flattering fall fashion. Also keep an eye out for interesting outerwear this season, with different colours and textures, including faux fur, leather, and details like eye-catching buttons.

2. Embrace Colour

Rich plums, emerald greens, electric blues and reds are popping up everywhere this fall. The trend towards interesting patterns we saw in the spring is also continuing this season. For fun and functional fall fashion invest in a few pieces to give your look interest. A fun shirt, a bright scarf, or a great bag can add visual interest to your look and add variety to your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

3. Choose a Great Pant

Skinny jeans are still hot when it comes to fall fashion, and they work really well with a great boot. Many moms shy away from them, but they’re surprisingly flattering and their stretch makes it easy to keep up with your kids. If you just can’t do it, the boyfriend jean is also hot this fall. For a more formal look, go for slouchy trousers that skim your ankles – pants are shorter this season. Pants are the foundation of functional fall fashion, so start there and build a polished, pulled-together look that works almost anywhere.

4. Boots, Boots, Boots

Does anything beat a great boot? We don’t think so. Browns are especially popular this season. While a boot with a high heel looks fabulous, you’ll also see lots of playground-friendly styles in stores. Worn over skinny jeans or with a skirt they’re practical, comfortable and polished. Of course, a great rain boot is a must in Vancouver, as well. Those leather boots are fabulous, but you’ll want to switch them out when it’s time to head to the pumpkin patch.

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5. Top it All Off With a Great Hat

Hats aren’t just fun, they’re also functional. They can keep your head warm and dry, and add a lot of visual interest to your look. This fall they’re particularly hot. Floppy knits, fedoras, toques – the world’s your oyster. At a time of the year when rain can feel like a constant companion, having a hat on hand can really help keep you from getting soaked when you have to venture out in the weather.

This article was sponsored by Art Knapp. You probably already know Art Knapp has a full selection of unique, quality products for the garden and home. But you may not associate them with a refreshing women’s fashion department that includes funky and modern clothing, scarves, shoes and jewelry. Well, prepare to be amazed! Art Knapp’s extensive line of fresh women’s clothing features their flagship design brand Vero Moda, a line that offers quality, inspiring pieces at an affordable price. They also carry brands like Soyaconcept, Jack, Papillon, Kersh, Desigual and Crocs – to name a few. You’ll also find accessories like purses, scarves, shoes and hats – all to help you pull together some fun and functional fall fashion.