The gap between New York and Saskatchewan fashion is massive, but with comfort being at the forefront during this pandemic, the land of the living skies might be keeping up with a few trends.

The first one being what international fashion company Who What Wear calls “elevated loungewear.” Yes, we are talking sweatsuits — the cozy, fashionable athleisure centered around sweatshirts and sweatpants. This trend is versatile, as pieces can be worn separately or together or in matching monochromatic colours. Elevated loungewear is, as the phrase itself implies, a fashion craze focused on your hair, face, shoes and accessories rather than your fit.

Now this may be one of the precious few trends Saskatchewan has been ahead of the curve on. If there’s anything that the freezing cold winter has made normal, it’s everyday sweatpants. 

Most people going to school or working from home are only ever seen chest up by peers. While elevated loungewear might be specific to those few who really care, people may simply wear their comfortable sweats below their laptop screens. 

Up next is the winter puffer jacket trend. This one is reserved for the colder seasons and seems to have finally become more mainstream again since its last boom in 2018. Wherever you go, you’re likely to see someone wearing a puffer style jacket, whether it be short, long, two-toned or multi-coloured. The TNA brand Super Puff is unquestionably a popular source for the trend in Canada, but the jacket style can be found almost everywhere — yes, even at Costco. 

The next popular trend may have gone right over your nose, literally. Black reusable masks are all the rage right now. The best thing about it is the ease of matching it with any outfit and is being seen all over the Spring and Summer Fashion Weeks.

If you are a fashionista yourself, then you may know that certain trends and styles work in cycles and often return 20 to 30 years after they first took place.

It appears that in this cycle, the uncomfortable skinny jeans are finally going out of style. Making a comeback is it’s polar opposite —  the loose fitting pants. While Vogue may highlight the widest of the wide pants in comparison to what you see in Saskatchewan, there’s something for everyone.

The fast fashion industry is still enormous and the ongoing climate crisis is making people rethink what they buy, make and sell. Sustainability is becoming more than just a short-term trend with increased efforts by various Canadian clothing brands, such as Frank and Oak and tentree, to be more sustainable and mindful of their use of energy and resources. 

On the consumer side of sustainability, our consumer awareness is growing and the option of buying secondhand is a bit of a trend in itself. The good news for thrifters is that the resale market is predicted by some to become bigger than fast fashion by 2028. 

Many people here in the prairies like to wear what they like to wear with little thought. If you recall the iconic Devil Wears Prada scene where Miranda made us all aware that the clothing choices we make are ultimately decided by the high fashion industry’s efforts.

There are many fashion trends that will likely never become mainstream in Saskatchewan. For the few who are able to confidently channel them here — I’m assuming you will be moving to a bigger city sooner or later, when you can afford it.

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Aqsa Hussain | Contributing Reporter

Photo: Instagram | @brittanybathgate, @sincerelyjules