Toronto Fashion Week is in full swing and even though insiders are watching designers send their spring 2014 looks down the runway, the weather outside the tents is decidedly colder!
Even though fashion-lovers are flocking to David Pecaut Square to view the summer-worthy clothes, they'll likely be wearing their best fall fashions to gaze at designer maxi dresses, skirts and shorts that will make them wish they lived in LA.
As Canadians, we know a thing or two about how to brave the cold while looking stylish in Canuck style classics such as parkas, toques and chunky knit scarves.
Gone are the days when cold weather fashion was a write-off and nylon snow boots were our only option to look chic in the fall and winter.
Now, designers and retailers ensure that warmth and style are on equal playing fields. Celebrities need to stay warm too and as such, they are sporting some Canadian cold weather outerwear and accessories. Proof that looking great doesn't stop when the weather goes sub-zero.
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Celebrities In Canadian Cold Weather Style Staples
Parkas
The duvet parka re-emerged last year on celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, model Adriana Lima and even French Vogue editor Emmanuelle Alt, who showed off an interesting oversized duvet coat.
The Canada Goose parka we know oh-so-well will likely continue keeping New York-based celebrities toasty once the frost starts. We’re sure Drake will be giving his $5K custom Goose another go around in 2013, especially since he’s always home in crisp Toronto weather.
Toques
Toques have always held a place in the hipster fashion sphere but Brit model Cara Delevingne has given new meaning to the noggin-warming accessory. Her love for toques (a.k.a. beanies) has spawned a new obsession amongst celebs like Taylor Swift and actress Emma Stone who are often seen pairing a toque with a tomboy-inspired outfit for a comfy low maintenance look.
Scarves
Don’t you hate when a cold rush of wind seeps down your neck, giving you an instant chill? Well, thank goodness for the invention of scarves, which are both practical and can add a pop of colour or pattern to your outfit. Celebrities like actresses Jessica Alba, Bella Thorne and Reese Witherspoon tie one on with a variety of embellished or solid colour scarves during colder months.
Sorel Boots
They’re kind of chunky and they feel like we just voluntarily strapped a brick to our feet but they prevent a swell of disgusting wet, cold slush from flooding our delicate toes.
We’re happy to see that Sorels are making a concerted effort to add pops of colour, fur and patterns to their ultra-practical boots. Refinery 29 reported that Sorels made a big “fashion meets function” splash at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, with celebrities like Liv Tyler, Isla Fisher and Kristen Bell shielding their feet in the stylish footwear.
Blake Lively a.k.a. Mrs. Ryan Reynolds, was also spotted in Sudbury, Ontario, wearing Sorel boots along with a Canada Goose Mystique Parka. See? If Serena Van Der Woodsen can look chic in chunky boots and a parka, then so can you!
Earmuffs
For people who just can’t wear hats due to mutant-sized heads or other issues, earmuffs are a good alternative. These awesome frostbite preventative ear devices can be pretty snazzy with limitless embellishments, colours and materials. Ozzy’s daughter, Kelly Osborne wore Chanel-emblazoned muffs while singer Mariah Carey wore fuzzy black earmuffs to complement her over-the-top ski bunny get-up.
Gloves/Mitts
Hands are usually the first appendages to get cold so mittens and gloves are an essential item for us Canadians during fall and winter. Actress Anne Hathaway showed how the often-overlooked winter accessory can actually be the defining element in an ensemble by sporting cute checkered gloves which made her dark outfit pop.
Flannel Shirts
No one likes being a cliché but we have to admit that Canadians have an affinity for flannel. In fact, the cozy flannel shirt trend has really spread to our friends in the south. Beyonce was spotted happily sporting a form-fitting plaid shirt and couple Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani both looked relaxed in flannel.
Fur Trapper Hat
There’s nothing warmer than the all-encompassing fur trapper hat. You’ll see it a lot this winter amongst the stylish and sensible sect. While it's not likely you will see many over-the-top versions like the oversize black fur one Rihanna wore, expect to see less attention-seeking trappers like Jessica Alba's cozy grey version.
Cable Knit Sweaters
These heavy-duty sweaters were made for the north, even though we often see them worn as light outerwear in warmer climates.
Here in Canada, we wear these babies under our parkas and we might even wear a t-shirt underneath to make double sure we don’t freeze. “The O.C” actress Rachel Bilson and numerous celebrities definitely know how to style the classic knit sweater to achieve various fashionable looks.
Long Johns
We’re not supposed to see long johns worn on the outside but fashion can be a really weird thing. As designers continue to push the envelope, long johns, customarily worn in crippling cold conditions, have been introduced as pants. We have no immediate comment on this matter but we swear, it’s a thing! It’s only a matter of time before celebrities are seen sporting underwear in public.