Not ready to say goodbye to sweet skirts and sultry summer dresses? Time for some tights! Stretch your warm weather wardrobe into fall with hosiery that helps you stay toasty and on-trend. Show off your legs in bright colours, animal-print patterns, ladylike lace, or Jacobs-inspired dots—it’s a no-commitment way to try out some of this season’s hottest looks.

1. American Apparel Deco Pantyhose, $9.50

2. Forever 21 Diamond Web Tights, $6.80

3. J.Crew Dot Tights, $27.50

4. Topshop Panel Cutout Tights, $36

5. Guess Black Lace Tights, $18

6. Urban Outfitters Giraffe Tight, $14

By: Sara Constantineau, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @sara_rochelle.

Want to work in fashion? Visit fashion career website for Canada Style Nine to Five.

Models were working silk, leather, velvet, faux-furs, and animal print (including some envious python in the footwear department). Is it old world fever, due to shows like Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, or Pan Am floating around in our subconscious? Or is it just the fashion world’s antidote to the faltering stock market? Either way, were all for looking and feeling like a million dollars – even if the look costs you less than $200.

The Runway

Images courtesy of Style.com

1. Julia Nobis walking for Michael Kors Fall RTW 2011

2. Mark Fast for Danier Fall RTW 2011 Lookbook

3. Jourdan Dunn for Ralph Lauren Fall RTW 2011

4. Karmen Pedaru for Chloé Fall RTW 2011

Your Way

5. H&M faux-fur coat. Photo courtesy of Weardrobe.

6. H&M leather jacket ($59.95) and leather trousers ($29.95).

7. American Apparel velvet long sleeve mini dress ($52.00).

8. Mango silk bow top ($99.90) and faux-leather trousers ($89.90).

9. Zara snakeskin print blazer ($79.90).

10. Zara snakeskin print trousers ($49.90).

By: Sophia Loffreda, Montreal

You should follow me on Twitter @sloffreda.

Want to work in fashion? Visit fashion career website for Canada Style Nine to Five.

Style inspiration: Giambattista Valli Fall 2011 RTW. Photo courtesy of Style.com.

Here is the new rule in colour theory for 2011: clash it. Unconventional combinations of bright hues are on point for fall, not to mention, it’s a refreshing contrast in a sea of black. Think red and pink, orange and yellow, and blue and purple for a look that packs some serious punch. Not quite ready to go head-to-toe in technicolour? Try mismatching your brights with your bag and shoes.

1. Nasty Gal Blood Orange Blouse ($38).

2. Nasty Gal Red Hot Shorts ($48).

3. J Crew Silk Blouse ($98).

4. Zara Zip Skirt ($50).

5. American Apparel Chiffon Button Up ($65).

6. ASOS Cobalt Blue Skinny Jeans ($60).

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @valerietiu.

Want to work in fashion? Visit fashion career website for Canada Style Nine to Five.

Heading to the cottage for the long weekend is such an Ontario thing–there’s no better way to escape the city for the great outdoors. Your wardrobe should reflect your new surroundings, so stay chic without overdoing it. Keep things simple and pack only the essentials for an easy, effortless getaway.

1. A plush, over-sized beach towel for lakeside sunbathing.
Framed Border Beach Towel, $23.60, available from Lands’ End.

2. A practical swim suit that’s as suitable for water sports as it is for impromtu photo shoots.
 Ruched One Piece, $72, available at Victoria’s Secret.

3. Protect your tresses with sultry sun hat.
Wool Floppy Hat, $55, available from American Apparel.

4. The perfect top for backyard BBQs that doubles as a swimwear cover up.
Carmen Top, $129, available at Club Monaco.

5. Dine out in style with a charming, lightweight sundress. 
Polly Dress, $108, available at Abercrombie & Fitch.

6. A cozy cardigan to stay warm under the stars.
AE Open Hooded Cardigan, $38.78, available at American Eagle.

By: Sara Constantineau, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @sara_rochelle.

Want to work in fashion? Visit fashion career website for Canada Style Nine to Five.

Stay cool under the sun in light, translucent pieces. Work sheer tops, skirts, and dresses into a modest wardrobe by sticking to sheer accents, layering over a tank top or slip. For the daring type, just see what you can get away with. This look is best with blousy, loose silhouettes—anything too tight borders on tasteless.

1. Zig Zag Lace Scoop Back Dress, $56, available at American Apparel.

2. Silk Blend Button Up, $29.80, available at Forever 21.

3. Black Layered Maxi Skirt, $80, available at TopShop.

4. Sheer Cascade Open Cardigan, $95, available at Banana Republic.

5. Acne Denim Spellbinder Silk Shirt Dress, $200, available at Jonathan + Olivia.

6. Striped Sheer T-Shirt, $19.99, available at Kensie.

By: Sara Constantineau, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @sara_rochelle.

Want to work in fashion? Visit fashion career website for Canada Style Nine to Five.

Say goodbye to the chunky sweaters of this past winter and make room for the sultry, lightweight knits that are just right for spring. They’ll come in handy during these lingering cool temps and for all the indoor air conditioning ubiquitous in the depths of summer. This season’s knits are cozy but sheer and never bulky, with cropped, tissue-light styles and ultra-large weaves ideal for layering or showing a hint of skin.

1. Rag & Bone Open Knit Sweater, $275, available at net-a-porter.com
2. Cable Knit Sweater T, $82, available at American Apparel
3. Ruffle Cardigan, $29, available at Joe Fresh
4. Loose Knit Sweater, $64, available from Kensie
5. Kara Mesh Sweater Top, $148, available at BCBG Max Azria
6. Cropped Sweater, $85, available at Aritzia

By: Sara Constantineau, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @sara_rochelle

Want to work in fashion? Visit fashion career website for Canada Style Nine to Five.

As all the lovely ladies above demonstrate (including famed fashion bloggers Liz from Late Afternoon and Nicole from Gary Pepper Vintage, the most effective styling trick is to simply define the waist in some form or another. Since these skirts have slightly longer hems, wearing a cropped shirt or tucking in/belting your top really balances the proportions of the whole look. I took the easiest and most summer-appropriate approach and simply paired a fitted bustier with my Club Monaco Pamera skirt in lemon (that’s me in the last picture!).

Visit Club Monaco, American Apparel, H&M, and Zara. All four have beautiful tea-length skirts in store right now – happy shopping!

Image Credits: Late Afternoon, Gary Pepper Vintage, To Vogue Or Bust, Chictopia

By: Alexandra Grant, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @tovogueorbust.

It’s that time of year again…time to dust off your sunnies and stock up on extra strength SPF, because Coachella is just around the corner. The three-day music and arts festival is almost as much about fashion as it is about the bands, especially considering the stylish celebs who always make an appearance. This year you can cheer on Canadian indie darlings Arcade Fire, Death From Above 1979 and Broken Social Scene while staying chic in the desert heat (if you were lucky enough to snag a pass or two before they sold out). The festival kicks off this weekend.

1. Mid-length pocket tee, $36, available at American Apparel

2. Cross-body bag, $24.50, available at Nine West

3. Sailor short, $59.50, available at Levis

4. Tiki Print Dress, $16.90, available at Forever 21

5. Plaid-trim fedora, $14.94, available at Old Navy

6. Espadrilles, $40, available at Aldo

By: Sara Constantineau, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @sara_rochelle.

There’s no need to book a trip halfway across the world to get your hands on some eccentric and exotic prints. Fashion’s tribal styles have done the job for you this season. What could be better than standing out from the crowd in one of these incredibly bold pieces? Turn some heads (or break some hearts) while taking a chance on this latest trend.

1. Wilfred Elise Dress in Tribal, $65, available at Aritzia
2. Tribal Woven Romper, $24, available at Forever 21
3. Tribal Tubular Necklace, $50, available at Banana Republic
4. Afrika Printed Cotton Spandex Jersey, $35, available at American Apparel

By: Shareen Sandhu, Toronto

I have a confession to make: I am a little afraid of colour. When it comes to daily dressing, I tend to reach for neutrals, saving the brights for special occasions. There’s a certain level of comfort and safety to be found in dark colours that prevents us from trying something new. Black is slimming and neutrals are versatile. If the spring runways could talk, though, they would scream for a lesson in colour theory. Vibrant hues and powdery pastels pack a bit of punch, offering up a fresh contrast to the soft nudes and whites of the season.

1. Style inspiration: Jil Sander Spring 2011. Photo courtesy of Style.com.
2. Nothing says spring more than sunshine yellow. BDG Cigarette High-Rise Jean ($58), at Urban Outfitters.
3. Darker shades like burgundy are a great way to wear colour if you aren’t quite ready to go bright. Isabel Marant Satin Twill Pants ($420), at Net-A-Porter.
4. A slim cut pant in a punchy colour is on point this season. Zara Skinny Studio Trousers ($59.90), at Zara stores.
5. Pair pastels whites for a clean, modern look. American Apparel High-Waist Pleated Pant ($82).
6. Powder pinks look great with nude tones this spring. James Jeans 5 Pocket Leggings ($145), at Shopbop.
7. My favourite pastel pants are these tapered trousers from 3.1 Phillip Lim ($375), from Shopbop.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Follow me on Twitter @valerietiu.