Be it social conditioning or simple repetition, in the new year I can get lost in thoughts of what’s new, what’s over, and what will stay the same. I try not to fall into the full-on sure to set oneself up for failure, “New year, new me,” mantra, but I’m likely splitting hairs. All that to say, come the new year I pose the following question to myself: what is new in the world of fashion in 2023? 

As vaccinations continue to go into arms and spaces open up in Alberta, I’m actually starting to think about getting together with people, in public, and possibly indoors for the first time in a very long time. But what shall I wear?

For many of us we are enjoying that the sun is shining and the heat is rising. Eager to get outside? You bet. It’s no understatement that this summer is different from any one before it. We are likely all trying to navigate how to stay safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. And sane.

My current taste veers more to Run DMC Adidas vibes than say “The O.C.” Juicy Couture. Rihanna’s Fenty for Puma is so good I can feel it in my bones. Beyoncé’s latest Ivy Park drop did not do anything to minimize my coordinated leisure thirst. No, I’m full on into it. Give me a matching suit and I’m delighted AF.

Yes. Yes, you can. I decided to skip the suspense because we have enough surprises - often horrible - in these times. Of course, you can pass. Just like the D.A.R.E. personal service announcement posters in my school urged, you just say no.

Every few years I feel like I am getting closer to self-actualization through dress. Yes, I’ve manipulated Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to be entirely sartorial focused. I’ve come to realize when it comes to loving yourself you either start from the inside out, or like me, the outside and work towards the deep dark in.

I’ll say it. When it comes to style I dislike fitting in, looking like everyone else, and a lot of the hurry-up-and-join-everyone-else trends for trend sake. This is not to say that I don’t love seeing a new interpretation of something and thinking to myself, “Hey that looks like it’s my jam.” Or “So-and-so would look greatttttt in that.” Fashion is fun. That’s part of the attraction. Where I struggle is the seemingly inauthentic adoption of “cool” just because it’s what everyone is doing.

Hair can be such a thing. It can mean a million different things depending on culture, geography, life phase, sex, gender, beliefs; it can go on and on. I get it though. In simplest terms it’s another way to share who you are, how you want to be seen, and what you value. When you actually step back and take a moment to think about it all it’s really a lot to take head on (I couldn’t resist).

With this crazy nice sunshine weather we are having I wanted to give a shout out to one of summer style’s MVPs: the sunglasses. Throughout the season they take us through some pretty stellar moments. The come to the pub and help keep the sun out of our eyes yet our noses get too rosy. They go for long walks down 17th with our dates. If we’re really luck they can even take us poolside.

I’ll admit it, when it comes to spring I’m a bit of a hater. The season, to me, is a just a necessary stopover to the main attraction: summer. Why, you may ask? Well it’s a lot of little things. For one it’s bit messy outside and it makes it hard to wear what you want.

Does seeing and doing the same thing over and over bore you? Do you ever play devils advocate, just for fun? If you see a group of people all dressed the same do you get disappointed (and I’m not talking about working people in a mandatory uniform)? I say, Yes, yes, and oh for sure yes.

Canada Day is a sunny feeling day for me regardless of the weather. We are so lucky to have a day off that says, “Happy birthday to us, take the day.” Oh, Canada. With a country so prosperous and diverse as ours, I was curious to know how people celebrate. After a bit of thought, here’s what I have it boiled down to.