From bordeaux to merlot, rich burgundy hues are a luxurious color trend for Fall 2011. Posh, elegant and timeless, these romantic shades of deep red are flattering to nearly every skin tone and beautifully compliment the season’s warm color palette. Highlight your fall wardrobe with trendy burgundy accessories for a subtle statement. For chic, high color impact, burgundy clothing is flawless day or evening.

1. Club Monaco “The Nanette Skirt” ($150)
2. KORS Michael Kors “Patent Leather Pumps” available at Shopbop ($200)

3. Theodora & Callum “Border Leopard Scarf” available at ShopBop. ($158)

4. J Brand “Low-rise Corduroy Skinny Jean” available at Net-a-Porter ($175 USD)

5. Aritzia T.Babaton “Jolie Blouse” ($98)

6. J.Crew “Skinny Patent Belt in Merlot” ($42)

By: Elizabeth Pryde, Vancouver

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

Maybe it’s the Kate Middleton effect, but we’re in love with ladylike dressing. One way to get the prim and proper look is with lace, whether it’s a dress, top, or accessory. Lace pieces have an old-fashioned vintage appeal that’s ideal for work or play, as well as a bit of a naughty side. Pair it with something edgy (think leather, studs, or sultry colour schemes) to keep it from being too sweet, or go head-to-toe and embrace the duchess within.

1. TopShop Lace Flippy Dress, $95

2. J.Crew Heather Lace Mini, $86

3. Free People Scalloped Hem Lace Short, $77

4. Net-a-porter Carven Cotton Lace Blouse, $785, available from

5. Forever 21 Tailored Lace Jacket, $30

6.  Aritzia Talula Fleetwood Dress, $75

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.

Originating from traditional Japanese geisha attire, kimonos appeal to that hybrid between elegance and effortless bohemian. The kimono-style jacket is a great alternative to a cardigan or shawl, making it perfect as the summer days transition into fall. Mix and match a flowy topper with jeans, leggings, shorts or your go-to maxi dress for some eastern influence on any look. Spotted on celebrities such as Nicky Hilton and in designer collections such as L’Wren Scott, here are some kimono options you can add to you closet right now.

1. L’Wren Scott Spring 2011 RTW Collection, style.com

2. Wilfred Loti Kimono $165 at Aritzia

3. Floral Kimono Cardigan $30, Forever 21
4. Nicky Hilton wears the Kimono jacket trend

5. Mason by Michelle Mason Kimono Top

6. Red Rose Print Sheer Kimono, $85 USD, Topshop

Daniela DiStefano, Toronto

Follow me on Twitter @ddeestefano.

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

Call the racecourse your new runway. Spending a day at the races is one fabulous affair, complete with big hats, equestrian attire and dapper gentlemen. Think British high society, a la Kate Middleton. Pair clean lines with feminine silhouettes and emphasize fewer colours to avoid looking costume-y. The ultimate accessory? Your cap, of course!

1. Style inspiration: Kate Middleton at the Epsom Derby. Photo courtesy Indigo/Getty Images.

2, 3. Channel the late and great Isabella Blow by topping off your look with a bold hat or hair accessory. Aldo Straw Hat ($25) and  Zara Flower Hair Fastener ($11.90).

4, 5. Blend tailored blazers with flirty dresses and skirts for a classic look. Subtle details and unique shapes give your ensemble a modern twist. A Moveable Feast Jacket, available at Artizia ($225) and Zara Tulip Dress ($119).

6, 7. Ladylike accessories will keep you looking proper. Keep details to a minimum in order to balance out your top half. Zara Floral Clutch Bag ($99.90) and Elizabeth and James Open Toe Pumps ($175), available at Shopbop.

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.

Many of you are undoubtedly making getaways to sunny destinations to kick-start this return to summer. Though vacation-dressing can be pretty simple in theory (summer dress + sandals + sunglasses and you’re usually done), there’s no reason why you can’t up the ante and add a fashionable edge to your look either! Whether that means playing with bold stripes or throwing in some chic accessories to tie the whole look together, we’ve got you covered with inspiration from the following two summer looks:

Hollywood actress, model, and Chanel muse Diane Kruger is photographed here in St. Tropez last year at a Karl Lagerfeld-hosted bocce tournament. Though she’s still comfortable and entirely warm-weather appropriate, Diane manages to look exceptionally chic by paying attention to the little details in her outfit. Tying your braid or ponytail with a simple ribbon (which can be found for next to nothing at any fabric store) gives your look a retro-inspired, coquettish vibe.

1. Zowie Skirt, Club Monaco $119

2. Wilfred Karol Tank, Aritzia $65
3. Jessica Simpson Sandals, Sterling $114.95
4. Straw Fedora, Gap $29.95

Joana of Rio de Janeiro (captured here by Garance Doré ) perfectly exemplifies ideal beach-side style. This time, it really is as easy as throwing together three pieces. The key is to have standout pieces and to throw them together without abandon. Bright colours or patterns do the trick nicely.

1. Scosha Necklace, Club Monaco $59
2. Kimchi Blue Straw Doctor Bag, Urban Outfitters $58
3. Cooperative Tank Dress, Urban Outfitters $49
4. Rothrock Sandals, Aldo $40

By: Alexandra Grant, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @ToVogueOrBust.

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.

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

Get an early start on your spring wardrobe by choosing pieces that work double duty for winter and spring. While it may seem superfluous to start shopping for sundresses while the mercury barely breaks zero, pretty cardigans, slim pants and silk scarves all work at this time of year. So as long as Mother Nature remains a major tease, put some spring in your step with these transitional pieces that will carry you through to the warm-weather months.

1. Chambray tie neck blouse, $64.95, available at Gap
2. T.Babaton Graydon Trench Coat, $250, available at Aritzia
3. J Brand skinny cargo pants, $255, available at JacFlash
4. McCarthey booties, $59.99, available at Spring
5. Anadyomene Cardigan, $88, available at Anthropologie
6. Tribal Scarf by We Are Owls, $180, available at Net-A-Porter

By: Sara Constantineau, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @sara_rochelle.

Lace is far from your grandmother’s variety these days. The reinvention of this ultra-feminine fabric has been popping up in recent Spring and Summer 2011 collections like Alexander McQueen and Valentino. Infuse this romantic and flirty trend into your wardrobe by layering pieces under a boyfriend blazer or pairing a lace item with a high-waisted pant or skirt. Sexy yet sophisticated, don’t be afraid to play with this season’s hottest trend.

1. Wilfred Madeleine Tank, $70, available at Aritzia
2. Stretch Floral Lace Long Sleeve Mini Dress, $60, available at American Apparel
3. DKNY Silk-Blend Lace-Paneled T-shirt, $245, available at Net-A-Porter
4. Pins and Needles Lace Dress, $69, available at Urban Outfitters

By: Shareen Sandhu, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @ShareenSandhu.

Snuggle up in style this fall and winter with chunky knits and fuzzy sweaters. This season is all about unique shapes, bold details and a touch of retro. Personally, I am craving 90s grunge-inspired sweaters à la Alexander Wang – loose knits, slashed sleeves and holes galore. Add these killer sweaters to your fall wish list:

1. Who knew that faux fur could feel so luxurious? Not to mention that the look is so on trend for fall. Motel Polar Fuzz Cardi ($110), available at NASTY GAL.
2. A unique cut and bold details give a simple black cardigan a modern twist. Jan Ahlgren Tassel Cardigan ($364), at OAK NYC.
3. The sweater coat is the ultimate must-have item of the season. TNA Sweater Coat ($165), available at Aritzia.
4. A knitted sweater vest is a versatile piece that compliments an array of looks. IMPROVD Cross Front Knit Cardi ($275), available at Revolve Clothing.
5. Pom poms, braided knits and unconventional elements give your ensemble a cool retro feel. ASOS Premium Twist Yarn Pom Pom Sweater ($68), at ASOS.
6. Bell sleeves and oversized shapes are great for layering. Pair this style with a long sleeve blouse and slim bottoms to balance out the look. Zara Oversized Two-Tone Jacquard Jacket ($95.90), at Zara.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver