I am slightly late in the game with this article that was released in September about Vancouver fashion. To sum it up, MSN Travel listed the top 10 worst dressed cities in America and threw in some international and Canadian cities for good measure. Vancouver ranked as the 3rd worst dressed city in the world because of our affinity for yoga pants. To my horror, the Jersey Shore (10) ranked as better dressed than Vancouver. I cannot believe that Jersey Shore Oompa Loompas ranked higher than Vancouverites. But I digress…
If a casual approach to style makes Vancouver the worst dressed city, then yes, Vancouver’s fashion style is not so hot. For one thing, the fact that I have been told many times by Vancouverites that I am one of the best dressed people they know is telling. I am absolutely NOT the best dressed person, not by a long shot, but by Vancouver standards, the effort I put in certainly stands out.
How much effort do I put in? Well, when I look at my closet, I always ask myself one question…what would my European Nana do? She taught me to always dress with the expectation of running into someone I know (picturing an ex is good motivation!) and to always put in effort when going out to meet people because they will appreciate it. It also makes you feel good, which makes you look even better.
Would Nana appreciate the comfort of yoga pants? No, since she doesn’t understand what the word “comfort” means. She is the person who wore her high heels when she sprained her ankle, because it was more “comfortable” that way. Yeah, she’s awesome.
My question to yoga pant enthusiasts is: If you lived in Paris, would you go to a café to meet up with friends in yoga pants after working out? Ummm, I don’t think so. Since Vancouver isn’t Paris (who am I kidding?!?!), do take a page out of Nana’s style and filter your yoga style: don’t wear your yoga pants to work (unless you are paid to do so), with heels of any kind, or to establishments where you hope to meet anyone of substance. Harsh? Well, that’s my Nana.
In all honesty, who really cares what MSN Travel says about Vancouver style. So long as you are happy and, perhaps, comfortable (sorry Nana), does it really matter how the world perceives your style? Not really, but I might judge you a teensy bit when I see you at the pub in Lulu’s — I do write a fashion blog after all. 
