Eight key pieces for your new fall wardrobe

Girl in BC wearing sequined sweater

Peekaboo prints

Turn heads at the office with a feminine animal-print skirt. It's a great way to add an edgy hit to office basics.


Turtleneck, $295, Ça va de soi. Jacket, $149, Moon. Michael Kors skirt, $125, 1-866-733-5677. Stockings, $19, Mondor. Bag, $129, H&M. Boots, $695, Stuart Weitzman.

Mismatched separates

This slouchy look begs for bohemian touches like a wide-brim hat and a wrist full of bangles.


Top, $92, J.Crew. Belt, $62, Banana Republic. Michael Kors skirt, $165, 1-866-733-5677. Bracelets, $25, $30, Cocoa Jewelry. Hat, $129, Olsen Europe. Shoes, $230, Dr. Martens.



Gastown: Hip, buzzing and just plain cool, Gastown is the epicentre of Vancouver's urban revolution, complete with historic buildings and streets full of trendy shops, restaurants and cafés.

Head-to-toe grey

Tired of black? From deep slate to smoke and silver, this cool tone is the definition of sophistication right now.


Turtleneck, $340, Ça va de soi. Lundström Collection coat, $845, Eleventh Floor Apparel. Bracelet, $28, Cocoa Jewelry. Pants, $265, Judith and Charles. Bag, $303, Michael Kors. Stuart Weitzman sandals, not available at press time.



Coal Harbour: Tucked right in between downtown the legendary Stanley Park, this chic inlet is home to soaring glass towers — and it's the perfect spot to take in million-dollar views of the North Shore Mountains.

Patterned pants

Make a statement with ankle-grazing slim trousers. All you need is a soft sweater and a pair of killer heels — and you're good to go.


Ted Baker London sweater, $225, PYA Importer. Pants, $172, J.Crew. Ring, $459, Thomas Sabo. Shoes, $100, Aldo.


Fairmont Pacific Rim: Sleek, stylish and yet somehow cozy, the lobby bar of this state-of-the-art hotel (built just in time for the Olympics in 2010) is your best chance to spot Hollywood A-listers and Vancouver's glitterati out for cocktails.

Unexpected stripes

Add warmth (and a dose of fun) by layering a sporty striped turtleneck under a tailored dress.


Ponytail holder, $6, H&M. Turtleneck, $54, J.Crew. Dress, $445, Sand. Ring, $265, Topaz Jewelry. Shoes, $129, H&M. Vince Camuto sunglasses, not available at press time.



Olympic Village: Nestled on Southeast False Creek, the former athletes' residence is now a burgeoning new neighbourhood with all the trimmings for the sporty and the jet-set crowds (organic food market, pups, gyms). Check out Myfwany Macleod's giant bird sculptures lining the waterfront.

A flirty tuxedo

Pull off this traditional evening look during the day by slipping on a pair of flats — and a messy do to finish it off.


Coat, $129, H&M. Elizabeth + James shirt, $290, The Bay. Pants, $295, Pink Tartan. Shoes, $245, Cole Haan, 416-926-7575.


Gastown: For some of the best people-watching in the city, do drinks and nibbles at the Six Acres patio (right by Gassy Jack's statue), or for a slightly edgier vibe to The Keefer Bar's beautiful little patio on the border of Chinatown for an apothecary-style drink.

Winter whites

White after Labour Day? You bet! This pale shade makes even the simplest shapes look elegant.


Hat, $74, pants, $150, ring, $50, all Banana Republic. Sweater, $195, Lacoste. Michael Kors shoes, $295, 1-866-733-5677.



Fairmont Pacific Rim Roof Terrace: It's the ultimate staycation: The Owner's Suite has its own elevator, butler and private rooftop terrace with a firepit and meditation pond. It didn't get its nicname the "Rock Star Suite" for nothing!