What We’re Seeing at the Buying Show

Tales from the Buying Show

I just got back from a buying trip for next spring and there’s quite a bit that just isn’t the right fit for our ladies, and in case you were wondering, the crop top trend isn’t going anywhere! But there is quite a bit that does work for us more mature gals. 

Every year there are fashion sites that publish their "trend reports," we all nod along, and then most of us quietly ask: okay, but does any of this actually come in my size or for my age?

So, here’s Skippy and I wandering up and down the aisles of the buying show, doing some digging into what people are actually typing into Google right now… in Ottawa mind you. We’re not looking at what’s walking down a runway in Milan or pulling together trends for the season.

What we did is what we always do: figured out how to buy for the women who actually walks through our door in Westboro, in sizes 2, a size 18, and more importantly, for ladies 30 and up.

Here’s what we found:

Purple Is Suddenly Everywhere

I’m not bothered with what "the new It colour" is according to those fashion sites. What we’ve been seeing is that purple has spiked this season. From soft lavender all the way to deep eggplant. It's a shift from the neutral-heavy fall palettes we've seen the last few years, and honestly, we're thrilled to see some colour again. Purple is one of the most flattering colours out there because it spans warm and cool undertones depending on the shade you pick. Which makes sense with the colour analysis trend also spiking. 

If you're newer to colour, start small: a lavender blouse under a neutral blazer, or a scarf in a rich plum. If you're ready to commit, an eggplant sweater does the work on its own. Check our New Arrivals for what just came in, since this is exactly the kind of trend our clients chase early.

Chocolate Brown Is Also Everywhere! 

Brown has been quietly building for two seasons and this fall it's fully arrived, especially in deeper, richer shades that read more "espresso" than "beige." It's an easy trend to wear because it works as a neutral, which means it plays nicely with everything already in your closet. Don’t be afraid to mix it with other colours too! I love a black and brown outfit just as much as a blue and brown moment. 

A chocolate brown cardigan or topper is the fastest way in. Layer it over a cream t-shirt, add gold jewellery, done. We’ve had some very nice Outerwear and Toppers for pieces that lean into this shade without feeling like you're wearing a paper bag.

Plaid and Checks Are Back, but you knew that was coming, Plaid climbs every few years around this time and this year is one of those years. The key for fall 2026 is that it's showing up on structured pieces, blazers, jackets, even skirts, rather than just flannel shirts. That structure matters if you're worried plaid reads "lumberjack" instead of "put together."

Our advice: let plaid be the statement piece, and keep everything else simple. A plaid blazer over a plain black dress. A plaid skirt with a solid sweater. Have a look through some of our new Jackets and Blouses for pieces that do the pattern justice. Remember that most other prints you can wear with plaid also! It’s what we would call a “neutral print.” It goes with everything! 

Your Coat Is the Outfit Now

This is our favourite trend for fall 2026, outerwear has stopped being an afterthought you throw on at the door and started being the whole point of the outfit. Think texture (velvet, faux fur, metallic threads) and shape (dramatic collars, sculptural sleeves) doing the heavy lifting so what's underneath can be as simple as you want.

This is genuinely good news if getting dressed on a busy Ottawa morning feels like a chore. One great coat over jeans and a plain top looks finished without any extra effort. It's also one of the easiest categories to shop and we have tons of fabulous new coats arriving for every weather type. 

What's New on the Sweater Wall Right Now

I know that summer isn’t over but we’ve already been pulling out our transitional pieces and we have sweaters that are flying off the shelves. Some of the favourites have been: 

The Habitat Mixed Stitch Pullover is the one we keep reaching for ourselves. It comes in Harbor, a soft blue-grey that plays well with almost everything, with a mock neck and raglan sleeves that skim rather than cling. It's a cotton and acrylic blend, so it's warm without being bulky, the kind of piece you can wear under a coat or on its own with jeans.

For something with more personality, the Charlie B Cardi has a tone-on-tone floral pattern in Ecru, three ties down the front instead of buttons, and a slightly longer 20-inch back length that makes it work over dresses, not just tops. It's a nice way to bring in texture without committing to a bold colour.

And if you love a bit of detail, the Dolcezza Viscose Sweater in Light Pink has a keyhole neckline finished with a small row of accent beads and 3/4 sleeves, perfect for that in-between fall weather when a full sleeve feels like too much. It's designed in Canada, made in Europe, and right now it's on sale, so it won't last.

All three are limited runs, which is normal for us since we buy in small batches rather than restocking the same thing all season. If one catches your eye, don't sit on it. Browse the full Sweaters collection online, or come try them on in person.

So, whatda think?

Pop into the shop and we'll help you find the version of this fall's trends that's actually yours. Or start browsing what's new right now on the web and we'll see you soon.