Fall in Canada has never been just about the changing leaves. It’s a cultural reset. As the humid haze of summer fades into crisp air, Gen Z across the country are rewriting the rules of seasonal dressing. From Toronto’s bustling Queen Street West to Vancouver’s rain-soaked sidewalks and Montreal’s effortlessly cool café terraces, young Canadians are showing that fall fashion isn’t about following trends, but about shaping them to fit a uniquely northern rhythm.
In 2025, Canadian fall style isn’t trying to copy New York or Paris anymore. It’s claiming its own identity — layered, versatile, and unbothered by whatever the weather brings.
The Canadian Layering Renaissance
If there’s one thing Gen Z knows, it’s that a Canadian fall requires sartorial adaptability. Morning frost, afternoon sunshine, and an unexpected evening downpour? All in a day’s outfit. Instead of seeing layering as a burden, Canadian Gen Z have transformed it into an art form.
Think slouchy oversized knits draped under structured Smythe blazers, cargo minis paired with Wolford tights, and an endless rotation of bomber jackets, leather trenches, and puffers. The secret is balance: loose paired with fitted, cozy textures juxtaposed with sharp tailoring. It’s more than just staying warm—it’s about creating an outfit that evolves with the weather and the vibe. “Layering here isn’t optional—it’s survival,” laughs Maya, a 22-year-old fashion student in Montreal. “But Gen Z is turning it into a flex. It’s about how many ways you can remix your outfit between a morning lecture, a café hangout, and a night out.”
Homegrown Labels at the Forefront
Fall 2025 is also seeing a new pride in Canadian fashion houses. For Gen Z, who crave both authenticity and sustainability, supporting homegrown brands is a natural extension of personal style. Aritzia remains a staple for effortlessly chic basics, while smaller indie brands like Kotn (Toronto-based, ethically sourced essentials) and Beurd (Montreal streetwear with a sustainable edge) are gaining traction.
On the luxury side, Smythe continues to define Canadian tailoring, Roots is experiencing a revival with elevated leather and heritage-inspired outerwear, and Hilary MacMillan’s bold vegan leather trench coats are popping up on campuses from Ottawa to Calgary.
“I think we’re past the point of just looking south to the U.S. for inspo,” says Julian, a 24-year-old content creator from Vancouver. “Wearing Canadian brands feels like repping your own culture. It’s like—why would I not wear something made for the exact weather I’m living in?
Thrift Culture and Sustainability
No generation has embraced second-hand fashion quite like Gen Z, and Canadian thrift culture is thriving. From Value Village finds to curated shops like Common Sort in Toronto or Empire Exchange in Montreal, vintage hunting has become a ritual. Thrifted leather jackets, ’90s denim, and oversized varsity sweaters are all making their way back into Canadian closets. The appeal is more than aesthetic—it’s about aligning with values.
“Why would I buy fast fashion when I can find a $15 bomber that feels way more original?” says Priya, a 21-year-old UBC student. “Canadian thrift shops are gold mines, and it’s way cooler to say your outfit is second-hand than from Zara.” Gen Z’s embrace of thrifting isn’t just an aesthetic choice—it’s a rejection of the waste-heavy fashion cycle. In Canada, where climate conversations loom large, sustainable style is as much a flex as a look.
The Digital-First Influence
Like everywhere else, TikTok is shaping Canadian fall style, but with its own spin. Micro-trends—from “Canadian campus chic” (oversized knits, cargo pants, New Balance sneakers) to “prairie-core” (romantic dresses layered with cowboy boots and jackets inspired by the Prairies)—are surfacing as uniquely local aesthetics.
Influencers across Canada are redefining what fall looks like through short-form content. Toronto creators are showcasing subway-friendly layered looks, Vancouver’s scene is dominated by waterproof chic, and Calgary influencers are embracing cowboy boots with oversized blazers. And of course, Canadian music festivals—like POP Montreal and Rifflandia in Victoria—serve as real-life runways, where fall style is pushed to playful extremes.
Canadian Fall Staples for 2025
So what’s actually in the closet of Canadian Gen Z this fall? Think of it as a mix between street style, nostalgia, and weatherproof sensibility:
1. Oversized knit sweaters in muted earth tones or ironic graphics
2. Tailored blazers and trenches from Smythe and Hilary MacMillan
3. Thrifted denim and leather—bonus points if it’s vintage ’90s
4. Chunky boots and New Balance sneakers (waterproof versions trending)
5. Oversized scarves and balaclavas as statement layers
6. Vegan leather trousers and skirts—edgy but practical
7. Roots revival pieces—heritage hoodies, leather bags, and jackets
8. Canadian indie brands (Kotn’s essentials, Beurd’s streetwear, Eliza Faulkner’s playful silhouettes)
The result? A fall wardrobe that’s distinctly Canadian: layered, experimental, practical, and full of personal narrative.
Featured Image: Launchmetrics Spotlight
