Fashion Tips with Jon & Jenny: Dressing for Fashion Week

Welcome back fashion lovers, it’s time for another instalment of Fashion Tips With Jon and Jenny, right in time for Toronto Fashion Week. Not sure what to wear to that show next week? worried that you will be photographed in something atrocious at that after party? Never fear, we’re here to help.

Try not to wear any current high street store stock from places like Zara or H&M, not only will people recognize it, you could easily be caught in the same outfit as someone else.  if you are going to wear a piece from a mass retailer, wear something that is from a past season but still relevant. people won’t necessarily be able to put their finger on where they know it from, and your chances of showing up in the same floral dress as someone else will be slim to none.

Another trend we’ve noticed at pre-fashion week events is the serious abundance of boys dressed like girls.  I mean, we were only half joking when we said that tran trans are the next Dr. Martens, but after scoping some new tranny man meat at the Greta Constantine show we’re not so sure.  Not any all-american boy can pull this look off–you’ve got to have some serious confidence and the ability to walk in a stacked heel. Look out Cary Tauben and Fritz Helder, there are some new kids out to knock off your style.

After checking out all of the cotton candy hued hair this season, we think blondes really must have more fun!  We’ve spotted blondes toning their hair in colors ranging from light pink to fluorescent yellow, and any color in between a la Proenza SS 2010.  If your platinum blonde hair just isn’t making you feel like you stand out as much as it used to, revert back to your 90′s tween self and invest in some different colors of Manic Panic–you can change your color every week.  Use it for an all over tone, or change it up with a dip dye look.

We get it if you are going all “anti fur” in a Stella McCartney or Pam Anderson way, but listen, don’t’ claim your fake fur as real please.  There is no shame in wearing fakeif you are going to own up to it and create some sort of back story for your purchase, but don’t lie to us, we know that Le Chateau spun poly urethane vest is NOT rabbit.

Hey girls, FYI no one wants to see that pale winter belly during fashion week.  We are just coming out of winter in Toronto, so no judgment if that summer body isn’t there yet but if that’s the case, please, no crop tops.  Not only will people be silently judging  you, but there are swarms of models everywhere, and God forbid you get caught in the same frame as one of them while showing that not so hot muffin top.  Give yourself a break and at least wear something high waisted if you are just dying to wear that short shirt.

We understand wanting a head of messy curls, but lets make this a tip for all seasons: no freshly pressed hair.  The main goal here is to look effortlessly chic, not like you are dressed up for prom night.  When your hair moves as a single entity and you can’t run your fingers through it, you know you’ve gone too far.

Unless you’re Rihanna, no sunglasses at night.  That’s it.

It’s totally worth a shot to crash a show that you are dying to see, you really only have your dignity to lose so why not? If you’ve missed the RSVP or even if you weren’t invited, you might as well try.  Act like you belong, and get as much info on what the RSVP situation was like, so that you can answer unforeseen questions from the door girl.  If you show up at the door and a person with a list in hand awaits, try and do a quick scan of the names on the list, they will never remember who they gave John Doe’s spot to if he happens to show up.

Try to keep it business drunk.  We all know that the open bar is a nice touch to any fashion week show or party, but try not to get too crazy. It’s not a Vice party, act like you’re there for more than just the free booze.  Just remember that double fisting is not cute, at least consolidate your wine into one glass or ask for a heavy pour so that people can’t call you out on being a lush.

We’ve been seeing a lot of distressed fabric lately, and we’re not just talking denim.  While a distressed jean is totally in fashion right now (especially a lighter wash), we’ve had our eye on all of the hot young locals wearing those Thomas dresses.  This design duo has had some buzz in Toronto for the past couple of seasons, but it is great to see some more styles from them other than that coveted razored black shirt from last spring.

If you are lucky enough own a piece from the show you are seeing (and really, the season is irrelevant) make sure to show your love and wear it, even if it is an accessory or a layering piece. if not, try and invest in some of the local talent during fashion week, supporting Canadian fashion is always in style.

That’s all for now, we’ll be back for next season to save you from any future faux pas!