As a self-proclaimed fashion expert, I’ve always had an opinion on Vancouver’s fashion culture. A 2011 article by Canada MSN Travel ranked Vancouver the third worst-dressed city in the world.
We’ve got a broad range, from the athleisure cults to Birkenstocks to power suits. We’ve got it all. And with that, there is good and bad.
Next time you’re on a city stroll, look around at the outfits people have put together. Take note of the colours, styles and textures your fellow Vancouverites have come up with. And I’m not talking about high fashion here. I’m talking about your neighbour Linda or some guy walking his dog on the sea wall. Clothing is a way to tell a story about yourself without saying anything. Everything you wear is intentional, whether you believe it or not.
With my humble and usually correct opinion, I will be reviewing and analyzing some Vancouver fashion staples and trends.
You had to be there. pic.twitter.com/kYB6pAA19E
— lululemon (@lululemon) March 3, 2021
Vancouver is the birthplace of Lululemon, one of, if not the most successful athleisure brands in the world. This is why the athleisure style is so (in my opinion) over-saturated here on the coast. Yes, guys, I know it’s comfortable and practical! But that’s where it ends. Leggings and track pants aren’t a look. Sure, wear them while you’re working out, but I’m sad to inform you, you’re not pulling a ‘look’ together. It just is what it is, bland and not very flattering. Add to that, way too expensive, oh my god.
On average, Vancouver has 192.4 rainfall days a year. We all got to have a sturdy raincoat, and with that comes, believe it or not, raincoat culture. There are more affordable options like MEC. But many Vancouverites splurge and stunt some Arcteryx or Patagonia. And hey, if you’re going to spend 400 dollars on a rain jacket, why wouldn’t you wear it all year? If you were to pull Vancouverites off the street and guess the weather based on their outfits, you would be thrown for a loop. Raincoats are worn year long as a subtle flex of wealth and practicality. I think it can look a little silly when the sun is out, and the prices are insane, but it seems like a good investment as a raincity resident, and I’m kind of here for it.
Vancouver isn’t only for rich people who can throw their money away on leggings and luxury raincoats (I mean, it kinda is). The other notable side to Vancouver is our West Coast, Commercial Drive East Vancouver Hippy realness. That in itself can mean many things, but I mean, it is a lot of things. Birkenstocks are a must, and I know they get a bad rap. Often criticized as “Jesus sandals,” the chunky sandals are a little ugly, but they somehow have stuck around for years, so there’s an undeniable beauty to the infamous footwear. I’ll also lump canvas totes and linen flowy pants with the sandals, as they are all shapeless, almost anti-fashion pieces. I think I’m biased as the child of two East Van hippies, but this style gets a yes from me. It’s reasonably affordable, effortless, and it also just gives off good chill vibes, unlike athleisure, which gives evil sci-fi vibes.
With all this being said, wear whatever the heck you want. I’m a hypocrite, and I’ve probably worn all of the above but let me have my moment. Whether you like athleisure or not, your style is your style, and it’s a tool to express yourself, so have fun with it!
“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” —Yves Saint Laurent