Written by The Strategy

After growing up in Toronto and spending years watching and attending the Toronto International Film Festival, we feel confident that we can provide new-comers to the festival a little black book on what to see, where to eat and what to wear. 

Watch

’71 – Jack O’Connell is on everyone’s radar this year, and seems to be the one-to-watch. If you missed seeing Starred Up last year, be sure to catch ’71, a British historical film set in Northern Ireland.

The Imitation Game – Yes, this is another British historical drama, but definitely worth adding to your list. The film starring Benedict Cumberbatch is one of the most anticipated films of the festival.

This is Where I Leave You – Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver, Rose Byrne…need we continue? Our abs are already hurting from laughter.

Eat

Brassaii – The low-key gem of the King St. West area.

Buca – Brushing past Colin Farrell at the entrance or snagging a table before Eli Roth, this is the place to be for a star studded dinner during TIFF.

The Drake 150 – We won’t lie when we say the Photo Booth in the restaurant isn’t a huge factor in why we think this place is a favourite. 

Drink

Soho House – If you are lucky enough to be a member, of course.

The Thompson – You’re lucky if you can get yourself up to the rooftop bar, but if not, the lobby bar is a great place to grab a drink before a night out.

Sweaty Betty’s – Don’t expect anything fancy when you come here. A perfect place to go if you don’t feel like dressing up or putting your aching feet into heels.

Wear

 While they run at the same time, the fashion game for TIFF is completely different than that of NYFW. At NYFW, you dress to be spotted and featured on a street style blog.  At TIFF, unless you are actually “someone”, the name of the game is to dress as low-key as possible. And by low-key we don’t mean, schlepping on your boyfriend jeans and a. wang t-shirt (both of which are our go-to on a normal day in the city). Instead, we mean dress as a PR maven (looking at you Natasha Koifman) would. Sky-high heels, dark sunglasses and a carry-all tote. 

Our choices include:

Acne Studios Black Matte Frame Sunglasses

Givenchy’s Antigona Tote

Gianvito Rossi Bonnie Pumps