Summer Styles on Whyte Avenue, Edmonton
by Sravya, 2017 Miss Northern Alberta World
I thought long and hard about finding the most fashionable street where one can find the perfect outfit and draw inspiration to style themselves in the latest and trendiest clothing offered in Edmonton. From Jasper Avenue to the corporate world of the 50th street, I have explored them all to showcase the best styles around the city. But what stood out to me the most was the legendary Whyte Avenue, located in the heart of the Old Strathcona district. Named as one of Canada’s best shopping areas, Whyte Avenue offers a variety of retail from higher-end international fashions to quaint Canadian brands. With its chic boutiques blended with eclectic night clubs, Whyte Avenue has become an unconventional fashion runway in Edmonton. From ripped jeans & a simple tee to ethnic wears such as kurtis and Qi Pao, you can see a wide variety of fashions from all over the world on this avenue.
Carol looking Street Chic on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton. Photo by Sravya
On mid-summers day of July 6th, I embarked on my quest to find the hottest outfits and comfortable styles on Whyte Avenue. My day was off to a great start when I ran into this beautiful lady. It was hard not to notice her as she looked angelic in her white, ruffled blouse she purchased at Simon’s for $29.99. Trends and seasons change but a black & white outfit is a universal combination that never goes out of style. Knowing this, Carol perfectly tucked in her white blouse with high-waist black culottes with pleats purchased from Zara for just $39.99. Carol likes to be comfortable while looking professional for her workplace. So she accessorized with a simple Swarovski necklace to add sophistication to her outfit. Finally, she finished off her look with a simple pair of black heels purchased from Aldo for $19.99.
Dan is a stylish engineering student at the University of Alberta
Accompanying Carol is Dan, an engineering student at the University of Alberta. He was on his way to meet with his friends at a local restaurant on his lunch break at work. He rocked the business casual look with his black on white polka dot shirt purchased from American Eagle Outfitters. To make the most of your outfit, it’s important to vary the choice of fabric depending on the time of the year. One of the most stylish fabrics that transcends across all seasons is cotton. To beat the heat while looking professional, Dan chose to wear lightweight, breathable cotton pants from Jack & Jones. To complete his look for the day, Dan rocked a pair of brown dress shoes he purchased from Saks OFF 5th. I particularly loved the way Dan bought class to his look with a leather watch he purchased from Fossil for $59.99.
Kinza in a maroon colored kurti, spotted on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton
As I continued my journey along Whyte Avenue, I met this beauty with brains, an engineering student with a love for fashion. In Canada, we find strength in our diversity – not just economically and politically but also in fashion. Kinza looked stylish and classy in her maroon colored kurti, a type of dress traditional to people from South Asia, paired with black leggings. The thin layer of silk fabric added a pretty flare in a gentle breeze – a look perfect for a July summer night. Kinza finished her look with a contrasting black scarf which she purchased at a charming boutique in Edmonton named Flora Designer Wear.
Aly in high-waisted vintage Guess jeans and a chic woolen crop top.
Old is always gold when it comes to fashion. From repurposing mom’s jeans to oversized t-shirts, imitating the trends of our previous era with a touch of modern simplicity is the new go-to for many teens. A fan of this trend, Aly styled herself in high-waisted vintage Guess jeans and a chic woolen crop top. She added modernity to her look with gold hoop earrings and shoes she purchased from Martiniano. Reviving the vintage look with her personal touch, Aly successfully created a nostalgic outfit that will take you back in time.
While a designer is merely a creator of clothes, fashion stems from your own personality and attitude. I chose to write about the above individuals because of how rather than what they wore. So whether you are wearing body swallowing hoodies or pencil skirts with a crop top, add your personal touch and flaunt it with absolute confidence. That is the essential key to being stylish and making a fashion statement.