Your Guide to Looking Vancouver Ready for Fall

Your Guide to Looking Vancouver Ready for Fall

Vancouver’s style is all about effortless transitions. One minute you’re runway-ready for dinner in Gastown, and the next you’re decked out in rain gear, strolling the farmers market or hiking the Grouse Grind. Our fall fashion is all about being ready for the next adventure, even if that adventure means cozying up by the fireplace with a hot chocolate on rainy days. While you're packing for your trip to Vancouver, be sure to come prepared for all kinds of fall outfits that can handle day and night transitions.

What Should I Wear in Vancouver?

The first thing to know about fall in Vancouver is that it's not just serene autumn leaves – it rains. A lot. But that's part of our charm. Rain showers turn our city’s greenery into lush rainforests and our cobblestone sidewalks glisten under street lamps. So with that being said, you’ll need some pretty good rain gear. A waterproof shell is gonna be your best friend. Vancouverites swear by local brands, like the Arc'teryx shell jackets, for a sleek, hiking-approved look. Or if you're feeling something more fashion-forward, a long trench works great against the drizzles. Head over to Robson Street to browse the Arc'teryx and other storefronts, then wander a few blocks over to The Vancouver Art Gallery, where you can warm up and linger among the art exhibits while watching the rain tap against the glass.

Beneath our unpredictable weather and beautiful mountains is a city of casual dressers. We’re talking jeans and sneakers. You may already have these staples in your closet, but if you’re looking to shop local for your fall outfit, check out Duer for effortless denim. And on the days when you’re dodging rain clouds for lattes at a café in Mount Pleasant, waterproof pants will make the day so much more enjoyable. While the squeaks of waterproof pants might not scream glamorous, you’ll thank your future self for the rain gear later.

For shoes, sneakers are the vibe, but waterproof pairs from Vancouver’s Vessi keep you stylish and dry when puddles catch you off guard. For something sturdier, invest in some Blundstones. They're basically a rite of passage in Vancouver, and just about everyone owns a pair. They’re easy to slip on and great for hiking or stopping at a brewery tasting in North Vancouver.

What Styles are Trending in Vancouver?

Layering is the fall fashion trend that even your least stylish friend can manage. Start with a basic tee as the base for your fall outfits. Vancouver brands like KOTN in Kitsilano for simple, sustainably-made fabrics, Oak + Fort for oversized knits, and Kit + Ace for their soft merino wool. On cooler days, throw on a knit pullover to stay cozy as the air turns damp from 13°C (55°F) to 7°C (45°F). Both light layers and heavier knits are versatile options that keep you comfortable and stylish as you stroll through neighbourhoods and take in autumn's colour palette.

Function with fashion is our mantra. When packing for day-to-day, a good bag to throw over your shoulder is essential for all fall outfits. It should be able to fit your umbrella and a few extra goodies. Tote bags and cross-body bags are a popular choice here, keeping you hands-free at bookstores on Commercial Drive or carrying home fresh finds from weekly farmers' markets.

And finally, you’ll need to accessorize. Practical rain gear is crucial, but some fall outfits just aren’t complete without a cute hat and a colourful scarf. While the weather isn't freezing, a good toque (as Canadians say), that's both warm and water-resistant, is part of the Vancouver starter pack. Pair it with a fun scarf that peeks through your coat and cuts through grey skies. Explore MEC for technical toques and cozy scarves built for the outdoors or for breezy walks around Vancouver.

Vancouver’s fashion is all about balance. The best fall outfits keep you layered, cozy, and backed up with solid rain gear, so you can wander the city without slowing down for the weather. Now that you’ve gotten the scoop, you can spend more time chasing trails and less time stressing about what to wear.