In with the new!
8 easy ways to refresh your wardrobe
Feel like you’ve been in a fashion rut the past few seasons? Have your wardrobe purchases this year been repeats of pieces already in your closet? When was the last time someone complimented you on what you’re wearing, and asked: “Is that new?”
It’s a fashion dilemma we all experience.
Kajoo Kamal, founder of Klassique Designs in Scotia Centre, says this is the season to shake up your wardrobe and refresh your style.
“For me, there are some significantly different looks for Fall/Winter than we’ve had in a few seasons. It’s time for something new,” says Kamal.
“It’s a season of new proportions, bold colour, graphic design and comfort.”
For over 35 years, Kamal has kept her finger on the pulse of changing style trends, bringing in exciting looks from leading Canadian and international designers to her Scotia Centre Boutique. It’s no wonder that iconic Canadian designer Simon Chang calls Kamal “one of the sharpest buyers” in North America.
What’s on her “must-have” list for Fall/Winter?
1. THE NEW TROUSER
“We’re seeing a return of the trouser in some of the better Canadian lines and the European lines. It’s a slim pant, a little more substantial than the leggings that have been around for so long,” says Kamal. Who’s doing it best? Kamal loves the new tailored trousers and slim pants by designers Iris Setlakwe, Ecla and Norma Kamali. Menswear-inspired pin-striped pants are featured by a number of designers this season, including several iterations by Simon Chang.
2. SWEATER WEATHER
“There are such interesting sweaters this season. There are longer graphic sweaters. The cut is a bit fuller and not so clingy. We’re moving away from the slinky knits. There’s a big emphasis on natural fibres, including cotton knits. The fabrics are more weighted and hang better on the body,” says Kamal.
This season’s sweater options include cowls and turtlenecks, as well as multi-layered one-piece sweaters. “Capes and capelets are big. There are exciting sleeve treatments, including bell sleeves and the return of the dolman sleeve,” says Kamal. Among the standout sweaters at Klassique are Hilary Radley’s eye-catching onesleeved capelet, combining two hot trends in one.
3. SOPHISTICATED SKIRTS
“Longer, fuller skirts are back,” says Kamal. “We’ve brought in a gorgeous Norma Kamali bold windowpane check skirt that extends mid-calf but has two slits in the front, to show off a great boot and a bit of leg. We also have some high-waisted tailored pencil skirts that look fabulous with a tucked-in blouse or floaty top.”
4. TRANSFORMERS
What better way to infuse excitement into your wardrobe and make the most of your fashion dollars than with this season’s “transformers”? “There is a remarkable number of reversible dresses, coats and wraps this season that offer two looks in one,” says Kamal.
“We’re carrying a dress line by Eroke, an Italian fashion house. These amazing dresses are completely reversible, with a different coloured print inside and out. Wear it one way one day; then turn it inside out for a totally different look. The seams are finished to perfection. They are wonderful for travelling,” says Kamal.
5. PANT SUITS
All the top designers were trotting out pant suits during Fall Fashion Week, from Alexander McQueen to Gucci. This season’s fresh take on the pant suit includes patterned jackets with matching trousers. “They’re gorgeous when they’re on. What’s nice about it is you can begin with the jacket and trouser, add a pencil skirt for a different look, or team the trouser with a different jacket. You can put together all different kinds of looks with just a few pieces,” says Kamal.
6. DENIM DRAMA
“Everything works back to denim this season,” says Kamal. “Even in suiting, women want pieces that they can pair with denim for casual wear.”
Embellished denim is one of the season’s hottest trends and no one captures this artisan look better than Simon Chang.
For true diva style, Kamal pairs Simon Chang’s embroidered jeans with his uber-glamourous gold brocade evening coat.
7. COAT CHECK
Winter coats get a real workout in Saskatchewan. It doesn’t take too many seasons before your go-to winter coat looks shabby and dated. The good news is there are so many exciting new designs to choose from this season.
“There are lots of stunning coats this season. The silhouettes are changing. They’re still fitted, but we’re moving to a more relaxed cut. I think it’s a nice change. The more generous silhouette is easier to wear over top of jackets or sweaters with dolman sleeves. The finishings are beautiful,” says Kamal.
8. GLAMOUR GALORE
Klassique Designs is known across western Canada for its divine selection of evening wear, and this season is no exception. “Evening wear this season is very glamourous, but very sophisticated. We’ve got everything from ball gowns to sleek beaded sheaths. Many of the gowns have full skirts; pockets are very popular. The fabrics are richer, with a heavier hand, which is flattering to every figure type,” says Kamal.