Fall fashion comes with a list of usual suspects.
Zara, American Eagle, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters spend each year at the top of the list of best places to shop for fall outfit pieces, and while they do have massive selections that change multiple times throughout the season, the unfortunate side effect of that - besides the obvious environmental factor - is that everyone walks away with the same things.
Not only does it perpetuate this idea of clothing as disposable but it also minimizes a lot of what makes fashion important and fun, it's all about personal individual expression.
Perhaps for some, fitting in with the crowd is the goal but for those in search of something different, these stores in Vancouver are serving up looks that are often one-of-a-kind either by nature of the fact that they're consignment and vintage stores or because they stock niche brands that other places don't.
Here are the best places to shop for fall fashion in Vancouver.
Front & Company
If the two looks of the season are whimsigoth and collegiate, then curated consignment shop Front & Company, which takes up half a block on Main Street, has you covered for both with their two pop-ups that are on now until November. They are hosting a 90s pop-up in their primary store and an academic pop-up next door. The two popups consist of contemporary and vintage pre-loved pieces that the store has been stockpiling to fit into the category of academia (like blazers, button-downs, and loafers) or 90s (like slip dresses, chunky sweaters, and miniskirts). The store rotates its offerings seasonally so there are also a lot of other fall items like coats, boots, and accessories to shop too.
The Block
The Block in Gastown is a super unique modern fashion store full of niche designers like Allison Wonderland, Colourful Standard, Bower, and others you may not have heard of before. The store carries men's and women's clothing as well as shoes and accessories with only a few of each piece. They're still rolling out their fall collection but already there are sweaters, cardigans, and vests with art deco patterns by European designers featured on their Instagram.
Faulkner
Vancouver-based luxury vintage retailer Faulkner is currently putting together an all-womenswear collection to follow up its recent men's blokecore collaboration with Grailed. The new drop will happen later this month and feature over 100 fall fashion pieces. The storefront closed down during COVID and is now strictly e-commerce by locals who can pick up items from the studio in Gastown. V.I.A will update this story as the new collection becomes available but in the meantime keep an eye on Faulkner's site.
Ecologyst
Ecologyst is for the minimalists and adventurers. This home-grown brand has stores across B.C. and strives to make sustainable clothing that's wearable for work and play. Most of the pieces are genderless and monochromatic made from merino wool or organic cotton. The durability, fabric, and colouring of Ecologyst pieces make them perfect fall basics and staples to build street style looks around too. Ecologyst also offers a second life program where it buys and sells preloved stock and funds from the clothing business fuel their environment documentary film company.
Hey Jude
The style of this vintage shop is permanently autumnal. Many of the vintage pieces are in shades of cream, brown, mustard, and green which are extremely calming to look at all in one store, not to mention seasonal. Located on Abbott Street, Hey Jude also stocks independent brands, homewares, and accessories. Expect to find lots of blazers, flowy blouses, skirts, and statement pants, there may even still be a pair of cowboy boots in the window if you hurry.
Much + Little
Much + Little is an adorable gift shop on Main St. that carries homewares, self-care and lifestyle products, accessories, and clothing for women and kids. The fall and winter collection just landed and it includes cozy knit turtleneck dresses, oversized shackets, loungewear, and more. The collection is sourced from a mix of local and independent designers, heritage brands, and artisans with a focus on craftsmanship and long-term wearability so you won't find any trends here.
8th & Main
While this store was originally on 8th & Main as the name suggests it now has locations on Granville Street and in Victoria as well. The store began as a vintage and secondhand shop but has since expanded into new contemporary womenswear as well. It's a great place to look for fall fashion items because the balance between new and vintage items covers all the style and aesthetic bases. For instance, if you like the ribbed exposed stitching mesh T-shirt trend, they just got those in stock or if you prefer 90s crochet sweaters and vintage Bratz graphic T-s they have that too.
