Angie, I'm in Vancouver, which is a bit cooler and rainier than Victoria. We are not sure how long we will stay here -- it's a year at least with a possibility of longer, depending on family needs.
Thanks for sharing my excitement! Sterling, I had to laugh at the thought of moving especially to fix a fashion problem. That's definitely getting one's priorities straight, right?
I love wider legs right now. Much like Lisa P I had an epiphany the other day. It wasn't Cindy Crawford who sparked mine but a more ordinary young woman wearing a 3/4 length plaid wool coat over wide crops and booties. (Hey, this is Vancouver. It was pouring, so she also had an umbrella.;) ) I took one look at her and one look at my own legs encased in skinnies and thought, of my skinnies, FEH! I'm DONE with you!
Of course, I'm not really done. I'll still wear skinnies, especially in winter. They're too practical to get rid of. And if we do move back to Ontario they're a necessity. But for now I'm having fun with the new silhouette.
Wide leg crops were another item that had a short season in my former climate. I figured out how to layer with long underwear and/or tights, but they are less comfortable that way and more bulky. Plus, there was the cold ankle issue. But wonder of wonders -- in this climate (at least in the transitional seasons) it's not seasonally confused to wear crops with booties and a small gap showing the skin. My tall sock booties fill the gap but some of my other booties (even the higher shaft ones) only almost meet it. Now I can have bare skin (if warm enough) or knee highs and still feel insulated.
I find the gilet works with straight skirts and many flared skirts. It works with wide legs, culottes, and with slim or skinny crops.