Learn the insider tricks of the street style trade with our guide to making your outfit instantly cooler
Words Joy Montgomery
LOOK OUT FOR QUIRKY DETAILS
Scroll through Pinterest’s street style galleries you’ll notice that a recurring theme is quirky details. Embroidery, fringing, oversized buckles, flared hems, ruching – the list in endless. These motifs elevate an outfit, but in a subtle way that only other fashion-lovers will notice. However, be wary of high street iterations, which can sometimes overdo the ‘trend details’. Unfortunately the ‘more is more’ look often only works with the luxe fabrics of designer brands. If you are shopping the high street it’s best to focus on one look: whether it’s a flared sleeve or embroidered collar. As the saying goes: the devil is in the details.
EXPERIMENT WITH UNUSUAL COMBOS
Unusual outfit combinations are the lifeblood of the fashion elite. Each season there’s a new juxtaposition to covet. Last season it was all about mashing high fashion with low. Cue sports hoodies paired with tailored trousers and track pants with crisp shirts. This season it’s all about layering dresses over trousers and tulle over tees. But there’s no need to follow the crowd – why not try experimenting with pieces in your own wardrobe? Start small – layer a sleeveless coat under a spring jacket, or clash a floaty slip dress with a structured leather jacket a la Alexa.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO MAKE A STATEMENT
Ok, so we can’t all become peacocking bloggers, with OTT, eye-popping ensembles. We can, however, learn from their fearlessness and propensity to embrace the avant garde. Adding one statement piece to your outfit is a great way to boost your style points. Whether it’s those high shine vinyl trousers or that pair of oh-so-impractical furry sliders, it’s all about having fun and expressing your individuality through your clothes. It’s time to embrace the #manrepeller look. Take notes from the street stylers and keep the rest of your outfit low-key to allow your statement piece to shine.
OPT FOR OFF-BEAT HUES
Stand out from the crowd by shopping around for unusual hues. The high street tends to use traditional colour combos because they’re more commercial and cheaper to manufacture. Designers, on the other hand, like to experiment with more off-beat spectrums: retro oranges, bubble gum pink, russet red. You don’t need a designer budget to get the look, however, and it’s just a case of shopping around. It’s also worth checking out vintage stores for more unusual spectrums.
ADD FASHION-FORWARD ACCESSORIES
Adding fashion-forward accessories is one of the easiest and quickest ways to make your outfit cooler. A simple white t-shirt and jeans combo will instantly become elevated by a knotted skinny scarf. A pair of high-waisted trousers and shirt enhanced by a logo belt. Fishnet socks offering an edge to cropped flares. The possibilities are endless.
