Classic simplicity: Outdoor brands offer fashionable pieces to stand the test of time
For fall 2013, simplicity is key in winter fashion pieces. SNEWS recaps the offerings in this category that we spotted at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.
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Throughout the next month, SNEWS will recap its coverage of Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2013 with select stories from the O.R. Daily we published at the show Jan. 23-26. It’s an opportunity for you to catch up on stories you might have missed in O.R.D., and for us to update and upload the articles to our searchable archives.
Who wants to bother with a couple costume changes a day? Instead of forking out hundreds for fashionable clothing for the office or an evening out, and then handing the credit card over again for active gear, outdoor consumers are seeking designs that serve both purposes. Plus, not everyone is fortunate enough to work in the industry and head to the office in hiking pants — but customers appreciate the comfort and function that are hallmarks of technical apparel.
For fall 2013, simplicity is key, said Nau General Manager Mark Galbraith
“We want to make clothing as simple as Apple did brilliantly with the iPod — it will do a million things and you don’t have to think about it.”
Getting more for the money also includes buying items that easily transfer from one season to the next.
Nau aims to achieve this in its women’s Treble Jacket (MSRP $400), which has a classic pea coat silhouette without the bulk. Its 100 percent wool face is bonded to a recycled polyester back that is wind- and water-resistant.
A pleasant surprise comes from Columbia Sportswear, which has a slew of fashionable apparel in its booth, including the Global Adventure Lightweight Jacket (MSRP $75). The black version is classic and can be worn with jeans or a dress.
Men who don’t want to change after cycling to work can consider Ibex’s 4th Street Boucle Cardigan (MSRP $175), which looks like a simple sweater but offers functional innovation. The left back pocket incorporates a reflective fabric flap that can be flipped for better visibility. For the ladies, Aventura brings its blended Walden Sweater (MSRP $119), a full-zip, mixed-stitch sweater hoodie with contrast details made of 76 percent organic cotton, 18 percent nylon, 2 percent spandex and 4 percent cashmere.
Stonewear Designs’ Exhale Pullover (MSRP $72) is made of the company’s Ubersoft Performance Jersey, mixed with polyester and spandex. It has a relaxed shawl collar and button details on the front and longer sleeves.
If your customers are looking for a sweater that performs like a jacket, look no further than Eider. The company’s Laclusaz Sweater (MSRP $270 for women, $330 for men) has a treated yarn outer that makes the technical piece look like a sweater.
Button-up shirts are coming in denim and flannel this market. Mountain Khakis offers the men’s Corduroy Shirt (MSRP $90), with color-match pearl snaps, drop tail back hem, hidden button-down collar and corduroy elbow patch reinforcements. For women it’s the Mountain Denim Shirt (MSRP $80), a 98 percent cotton/2 percent spandex mix with custom bison and pearl snaps and bison embroidery at the bottom front placket. Columbia Sportswear brings its Checked Tunic (MSRP N/A), a button-up with an empire waist and scrunched look so it never has to be ironed. Outdoor Research’s men’s Clamor Flannel Shirt (MSRP $79) has a cotton feel but is moisture-wicking with a 100 percent core woven panel.
Tunics are also big. Moving Comfort’s Chic Tunic (MSRP $90) is the perfect length to cover all the way down to a woman’s hips, but has a draw cord at the hem for her to cinch it up. Lucy Activewear’s Thrill of the Frill Wrap (MSRP $98) can be used either before yoga class or for work.
Dresses provide a simple wardrobe solution for any woman. Nau’s Repose Dress (MSRP $125) is a Micromodal jersey knit with 4 percent Spandex, an oversized Dolman sleeve with a fitted cuff and a fitted A-line skirt bottom. Its flowy top gives her more comfort. Stonewear Designs’ Riva Dress (MSRP $116) is a cozy one with an empire waist perfect for ladies who don’t want that stomach-hugging fit. Its Ubersoft Performance Jersey, polyester and spandex blend, makes it ultra comfy.
Cowl necks are also big in dresses this market. Merrell’s Indira Comfy Cowl (MSRP $85) sweater dress is a blend of polyester, rayon and Spandex for a body-hugging fit. The Simone Dress (MSRP $99) by Isis is a polyester French terry that feels like cotton but performs like polyester. Ibex has the Pearl Street Dress (MSRP $140), a 195-gram merino wool piece with a hood, cowl neck and three-quarter sleeve and draw cord.
Skirts show no sign of slowing down. Sierra Designs’ Cirro Skirt (MSRP $99) is a bit shorter and more stylish than the pencil-skirt version of the past. It has a full-front zipper and can be worn over ski pants, tights, yoga pants or jeans. Eider brings its Balmaz Skirt (MSRP $99) looks like a classic wool skirt that a teacher can wear to school or over her tights around the campfire.
