BC Business
Style insight, advice and ideas from the minds (and closets) of B.C. professionals
“This year we have been co-creating many garments in the peach, rose and rich purple colour palette. These are definitely trending colours at the moment, and it has been inspiring to see them come to life.” —Jason Sarai, Sarai Bespoke
“While in New York and Paris recently, I saw several emerging eyewear trends on the runways. The resurgence of large frames from the ’70s and ’80s coupled with subtle indoor tints stood out prominently. The aviator silhouette remains strong for women in particular. Vintage-inspired eyewear from the ’50s and ’60s also sells well. A trend that is ‘outdated’ in my store would be the minimal rimless look.” —Sue Randhawa, The Optical Boutique
“The Devil Wears Prada era of wearing towering heels with every outfit and ultra-tailored clothing is slowly waning. I see many more fashion professionals embracing sneakers, oversized silhouettes and slouchy thrifted blazers.” —Katelyn Woodburn, Street & Saddle
“Definitely a blazer of any sort! You can throw on a blazer over jeans and white kicks for a youthful and fun vibe, or pair it with a dressier pant or skirt, pop on some heels and feel like a boss babe.” —Amelie Nguyen, Anh and Chi
“As you discover your own style and dress in a way that is congruent with who you are and how you feel, your confidence grows. That’s what others will perceive from you, more than just what you are wearing.” —Jutta Aikäs, Hudson’s Bay
“Professionally, my style matches my design sensibility. I design with a classic and clean-lined basis and then add interesting or sculptural elements throughout the home, and my wardrobe is a collection of good-quality basics that I enrich with jewelry or pops of colour.” —Lindsay Eby, Lindsay Eby Interiors
“It’s becoming more and more acceptable to dress down the formal look. For example, instead of a full two- or three-piece suit, we are seeing gentlemen wear jeans or chinos coupled with a sport jacket or blazer.” —Zahir Rajani, Rajani Bespoke
“Pearls are no longer a formal accessory saved for special occasions. We’re seeing them paired with ripped denim and graphic tees. Plus, statement jewelry is on the rise—fewer one-and-done pieces like the bib necklaces and chandelier earrings we wore in the early 2000s, and more mixing metals and playing with textures. Fashion from head to toe is becoming far more about personal expression than it is about ‘fitting in.’” —Leah Yard, Leah Yard Designs
“A lot of people are going for clothes that provide comfort and are functional. This change was triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic when a lot of people had to work from home. Designers are noticing the need for more functional and practical yet stylish pieces.” —Lerit Nifesi, image consultant
“I’ve always enjoyed wearing high-quality ties that also get people’s attention and start conversations. For years I would buy pleated and patchwork ties. My wife thought I was crazy spending so much for ties, but I loved that they were so intricate.” —Manuel Bernaschek, Stefano Ricci
“My personal style is a mix between corporate girlie and school pickup mom. I love incorporating bright colours so people can find me in a busy room! I wore a light pink power suit to a media training breakfast—so many people remembered me by it and pointed it out in their follow-up messages.” —Ada Slivinski, Talk Shop Media
“Many cis men, including myself, are starting to have their nails done and painted. It comes from a shift in unisex style and gender fluidity. It’s a positive trend that I am constantly complimented on by all people.” —Todd Mitchell, Sooo Good
Dress for Success: In my industry, the way a person dresses impacts their success at work.
Off the Clock: How different do your “workday” outfits look from your “weekend” outfits?
Denim Dilemma: In your industry, is it generally acceptable to wear jeans to a job interview?