Top Trends from Vancouver Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2014

From leather to micro prints to beautiful bold blues, here are some of the trends to come off the Vancouver Fashion Week runways

Vancouver Fashion Week gave us a strong glimpse into what trends will hit the stores this autumn and winter. Across the runways, there were definite themes that popped out from many of the collections. Don’t worry: they’re all extremely wearable and should integrate well into your existing wardrobe. Introducing a few key pieces is all it’ll take to keep you ahead of the style curve this winter.

Read on for eight VFW style trends that you’ll be seeing later this year.

Blue: From Turquoise to Cobalt

While the classic winter palette of grey, black and white prevailed at VFW, the accent colour for this winter will be a bright, saturated blue. Blues ranged from turquoise to cobalt, and didn’t stray too far from this range. But they were bright, bold and beautifully popped against the more austere colours. This winter, your scarves, iPhone covers, even shoelaces will be blue.

Blouses: Feminine and Detailed

After a few years of the utilitarian silk shirt dominating, it was refreshing to see designers unveil proper blouses again. Many had slightly exaggerated details and Victorian touches, either at the neckline or sleeves. The result was a detailed, feminine piece that perfectly stayed just on the right side of costume.

Harem Pants: Fluid and Graceful

Harem pants continue to go strong into the winter, so if you’re still in doubt over this silhouette, it’s time to embrace it. While you don’t have to be a model to rock them, take a note from the catwalk and pair them with a crop top or jacket and heels.

Fur: Indulgent Yet Practical

Texture played a large role in this season’s collections and fur, both faux and real, was used to maximum effect. Fur collars were exaggerated and wispy, fur coats were plush and chubby, fur shrugs were structured and luxe. Whatever the application, the effect was indulgent yet practical.

Leather: Tailored and Sophisticated

Leather made a strong appearance on the runways in the form of skirts, vests, suits and dresses. After a few seasons of leather being used merely as an accent, it’s now fully in the spotlight. There was nothing subtle about leather here. Pieces were confident and bold, with detailed tailoring to give this unwieldy material a refined and sophisticated treatment.

Draping: An Art Form in Layering

Layering is always a familiar winter strategy, but this year it’s more of an art form through dramatic draping. Designers sent flowing, asymmetrical layers down the runway in every form: coats, skirts, capes. And sweaters were oversized with loose drapey cowl necks.

Embellishments: Lavish Use of Embroidery, Lace and Feathers

Many collections showcased pieces with lavish embellishments such as elaborate embroidery, beading, lace and even feathers. It was decadence at its finest. If fairy tale glamour is your MO, you’ll have plenty to choose from this winter.

Small Prints: Fun and Thoughtful

Prints were everywhere, from florals to plaids to camouflage, and the one thing they had in common was size, and that size was small. The smaller scale also made it easier to mix and layer patterns, which was also a common theme amongst designers. Micro prints seemed particularly refreshing – more thoughtful, less twee.