Fall is one of the most anticipated seasons in fashion. The cooler weather allows designers to layer up looks to create dimension and texture that’s just not seen in summer clothes. Plus, the layers of clothes help us transition easily from fall to winter.

Though most of us think of buying new clothes for kids going back to school in the fall, there’s something to be said for an adult fall fashion shopping spree. In that vein, Hillcrest Mall hosted its first annual Fall Fashion Show. Featuring outfits from nine of the mall’s retailers, the adult fall fashion show gives shoppers a first-hand look at all things fashionable and available at Hillcrest this season.

With clothing for men and women, Guess offers shoppers cool, accessible urban style with its fall line. Guys will look cool and casual in distressed jeans, paired with a trendy plaid shirt and black motorcycle jacket, or dress up with a three-piece-suit that’s relaxed with an un-tucked shirt. Meanwhile, girls can mirror the guys with a motorcycle jacket done in hot pink that’s worn over a flouncy A-line dress and lots, and lots of accessories.

Over at Cassis, ladies can pile on the knits and layer their looks with cozy wraps, turtlenecks and new Arabian-inspired head scarves that keep you warm while looking cool. Pair these trends with a classic pencil skirt or wide leg trousers for a look that is perfect for work or a night out on the town.

Canadian favourite, Laura and Laura Plus offers women of all sizes the most fashionable of trends in styling inspired by hit series Mad Men and the sleek, polished look of the ’50s and ‘60s. If you want to look sharp and sexy, Laura’s got the clothes to do it. Try a neutral grey cowl neck dress with a handkerchief hem and accentuate your waist with a wide black belt, complete with metallic detailing. Or wear a Chanel-inspired jacket that’s perfect for the office with trumpet skirt that easily takes you out to cocktails with the girls.

As usual, The Bay has something for everyone this fall, with a few new brands that are garnering a lot of attention. Jeans by Jessica Simpson, separates by Moon and fashion-forward pieces by infamous Fashion Television host Jeanne Beker’s EDIT line are all great options for ladies, while men will look great in classic Levi’s and a serviceable military-inspired trench – a look that’s warmed up with a plaid shirt. Add a po’ boy hat and a side satchel for an old fashioned newsie look.

Tabi is celebrating 30 years in business this year and showcasing the classic range of blouses and knit cardigans that made the company famous. But new this year is a touch of the unexpected from Tabi, with trendy cape-style wrap jackets, patterned blouses and light cowl neck sweaters with those classic blouses peeking out beneath. Add a funky scarf in bold colours for that “wow” factor and added warmth.

More mature women can interpret fall’s fashionable looks more appropriately at Tan Jay. Rich jackets, traditional suiting and sleek trousers go a long way when done in fall’s popular pops of colour: blue and purple.

The younger crowd will get a kick out of Le Chateau’s trendy fall line. Men can kick it up a notch with a sharp three-piece suit, or break it up for a more casual configuration, losing the jacket and un-tucking the shirt for a look that’s still dressy, but more comfortable. Young women can modernize and feminize a traditional tuxedo with black leggings and a long white jacket, a look that’s completed with a fabric belt tied in a big bow and accented with a pop of colour found in a skinny purple neck tie.

Zack’s collection of clothing from popular brands Conrad C, Lana Lee and Simon Chang are mixed with the company’s own private label for looks that are versatile and showcase all of the fall’s trendy colours, fabric and styles.

Hillcrest saved the best for last, wrapping up the fashion show with an assortment of casual street wear and trendy office wear from Melanie Lyne. A long purple sweater with ruffle detailing in rich purple will keep you warm in those perpetually cool offices, while a grey cape looks great over a sheer black tunic and animal print top. Or dress up for a big meeting with a black pencil skirt, high-necked white shirt and an oversized lapel Chanel-inspired blazer with wavy geometric detailing.

For more fashion-forward fall clothing, visit Hillcrest Mall or go to www.hillcrestmall.ca.