Knits, plaid, purple and vests are among hot back-to-school looks

D4

By Lauren La Rose
THE CANADIAN PRESS

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TORONTO - Girls needing a little inspiration for their back-to-school ensemble may want to peruse their dad's or older brother's closet when the time comes to pull together an outfit.

Menswear-inspired pieces for those interested in gender-bending designs with feminine flair are popping up everywhere this season, both for the tween set and the older crowd.

One particularly noteworthy item is the vest, which is no longer relegated to being tucked away under a stodgy three-piece suit.

Vests are emerging as popular pieces to wear on top of scoop-necked shirts, collared blouses and T-shirts. In its "With the Band" style look for girls, retailer Winners even combines the trio of a button down shirt, vest and tie set with jeans and high-tops.

Brigitte Martin of Reitmans said the womenswear retailer also has key items that follow the menswear trend among its fall offerings, such as a vest and trouser combo, and sweater vests in cable knit and argyle.

The menswear influence on clothing doesn't mean all things feminine are out the window this season. Many traditionally feminine touches can still be seen in the form of floral appliques, ruffle details and bow-blouse styles, said Shannon Johnson of Winners.

"What I like about it is it's feminine, but it's being incorporated into structured pieces," she said. "It's not just flowy, frothy pieces."

Johnson said knits are also on the list of must-haves, with the look ranging from chunky cable to the larger, more slouchy variety, with a lot of scarf attachments being featured on sweaters.

Martin said knits in the form of long and short length cardigans are great accompaniments to what she and Johnson agree is the hot silhouette in pants for the fall: the wide leg.

"Pants are much fuller," Johnson said. "The skinny pant is still there, but it's getting a wider silhouette."

Regardless of the look you opt for, Johnson cautions it's all about balance. If you're wearing a full bottom, go for a slimmer top. Similarly, while sporting a big chunky knit, opt for a slimmer bottom.

A popular trend emerging for fall isn't a colour but a pattern: plaid.

Whether it's traditional tartan styles in a trench or shirt, you will see it in more refined pieces that are very structured and have lots of details, Johnson said. For an essential must-have item, try adding a plaid jacket or blazer to your wardrobe, she said.

For boys seeking a skater look, plaid is even popping up on footwear, like canvas shoes which can be paired with a fleece jacket and dark wash denim.

Plaid also pops up in Reitmans' casual shirts, include one incorporating purple, a colour that continues to reign supreme long after being deemed a hot hue several seasons ago.

Martin said while purple continues to be in style, it is evolving with the changes in shade that are emerging every season. For this fall, expect to see rich and deep tones like plum and burgundy, she said.