The Holt Renfrew Fall 2010 Preview.

We as Calgarians endure seemingly endless Fall and Winter seasons. The months drag on and the snow together with chilling winds in December,  become never-ending as April rolls around.  Here we are at the end of July, with the Calgarian summer in full effect, and I’m reminding you in a matter of months, you will pull your staple winter jacket out of  your closet once again.

Now, lest I ruin your summer time high, I can tell you: there is a silver lining we often forget.  A Western Canadian Autumn can be unseasonably warm, and even when the air begins to chill slightly, our Fall can be one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. As Barb Atkins, Vice President of Fashion Direction at Holt Renfrew stated, “As much as we wish Spring and Summer were our seasons, Fall and Winter are when Calgarians get to be fashionable.”

Let’s face it, with our true Spring  and Summer  amalgamation expected to last a mere 3 months at best, we can always count on the cold weather  to remind us of the fashion quotient the city has.

This week, Holt Renfrew hosted its annual Fall Fashion Preview, giving us insight on the newest and brightest styles for the coming season. The presentation focused on the most relevant runway styles for Fall 2010 .

The world-wide economic slump beginning in 2008 would see consumers gain a heightened awareness of the depth of their pockets. The most publicized effect was a noticeable downturn in sales in almost every sector. Now, two years later, specialists state we can begin to breathe easy and the worst is over. Of course, we are still wary, viewing every purchase with marked interest and discern.

Authenticity and timelessness now champion the hot  and trendy. Shoppers want to be assured the products they are purchasing will last and remain in style for years to come.

There was a chord of unity in the direction for Fall, showing designer awareness of the need for authenticity and quality in their designs.

Here are a few key style progressions we think will prepare you for the season to come:

Marching Orders

This is a style that never retreats or  surrender,  much to our delight. The structure and classic cuts of military garb transcend the years. You already know the trench coat, the muted greens, greys, browns and  navy blues in strong fabrics like wool accented by polished embellishments, but expect to see more of the military style boot.

Knit Picking

When the temperature plummets, you pull out that cozy sweater and  toque  and layer, layer, layer. The knit is diversified for Fall, appearing in every part of your wardrobe, and in different gauges and styles.  We love oversized chunky cable-knit sweaters, and fresh looks include knit skirts, and a new direction for Fall heads toward knit embellishments on shoes, bags and jackets.

Wild Thing

Fashion takes inspiration from nature, and for as long as humans have been invested in clothing, animal prints have been a popular choice. For Fall, we see an increased focus on the warm hues of leopard print, appearing as a staple on runways like D&G, Gucci, and Blumarine. Fall may bring a move to more subdued styles in many senses, but we suggest a splash of animal print to spice up your wardrobe.

The Greats

For every great designer, there is a token item such as a scarf , leather jacket, or a pair of shoes, a coveted item created to become an iconic representation of the designers sense of style. Whether you believe it or not, sometimes, that drool-inducing item that you have lusted after for months, even years, is worth the extra cash. Quality goods naturally will cost more, and while we still recommend you do your research, there is a reason why these pieces become the calling cards of designers.

Adriana Sveen