Fashion used to have structure. There were
rules and lines one would never cross. Thou shall not be seen dead in green and
red, ones purse must always match their shoes and, a voluminous top calls for
fitted bottoms and vice versa. These are the commandments that we have all
lived by, but now Granny’s rules have changed. Matter of age, shape, skirt
lengths and colour codes have almost dissolved as a style rebellion takes
over. As we make our way through the twenty-teens people appreciate diversity
and options, in an era that has no true style definition. As
seasons have blurred into one and “fashion” has evidently gone out of fashion.
Take colour codes for example; red and pink should never mix, blue and green should never be seen, or one my favourite colour combos now – black and navy. Black, brown and navy are all neutrals so in my eyes they are a match made in heaven and a go-to outfit combo. As for the old wives tales of not being able to wear pink and red together or green and blue because they are “too close on the colour wheel”, “over-power one another” and so on. I believe they now call this trend colour blocking or something like that.
On the topic of colour combos go to for me is a good old dose of double denim. The 80’s favourite and Seinfeild wardrobe staple was snubbed in the early 2000’s, but has now made a ferocious comeback. Since Chole and D&G sent double denim down the runways for S/S 2010, the look has been going from strength to strength. Recently been taken one step for by ksubi at LMFW 2013, who showed off three to four denim layered outfits.
[Warning: if you are looking for double denim inspiration do not turn to Britney and JT]
For creating shape and balance the rule has always been if you are going to wear an oversized or voluminous top you must wear fitted bottoms and vise versa. This one I guess I understand a little however, how good does it feel to wear your favourite slouchy harem pants and oversized tee? This look is the definition of cool-casual-comfy. If you are still a bit iffy on this one the trick is to show some skin. If you are going for the oversized look maybe try baggy shorts and an oversized jumper, this way you still get to see your pins. Or maybe even a full knee-length high-waisted skirt with a box shaped crop top so you can see a little tummy.
I promise you your Granny will not approve of this one and your Mum will probably have flashbacks to Madonna’s infamous cone bra. But underwear as outerwear is having its time again. This look can be quite subtle or a full on statement. Try a coloured bra under a white tee or a black bra worn underneath a sheer black top for a more obvious approach to the trend.
White heels have for as long as I have known been a fashion faux pas; a rule that even I have always stuck to. But now I am ready to give up the fight and admit they can look pretty darn cool, especially in summer to give an outfit a touch of freshness and new glamour.
Finally lets talk about prints. I have two myths to bust and the first is the dreaded print clash. There is not much I am going to say about this because by now we should all know that it is a serious outfit option. There is a slight rule of thumb for this one though, as it is best to opt for prints that are obviously different in size so the look doesn’t blur into one. You want each print to make it’s own statement.
Secondly, I’m not sure if this one was more a rule or just incredibly out of fashion for a while there, but the two-piece, aka bottoms with a matching top is a total obsession of mine and worth a mention just in case. Wearing the same print head-to-toe is not for everyone. My favourite way to wear is look are shorts with a matching blazer. Having bear legs and a simpler t-shirt underneath the blazer tones down this look.
Other looks that are now welcomed into the fashion circle include mixed metals; yes you can wear sliver and gold together. Wearing more than one statement piece, think paring a floral blazer with bejeweled necklace and neon bag. Crop tops; no longer reserved for Britney Spears and Sporty Spice. Matching you shoes and handbag, unless you are the Queen try just simply matching both your shoes and bag to your entire outfit – not each other. And lastly what ever you do, do not believe that you can only wear white before Labor Day – this one actually makes me LOL (literally).
images via: fashion gone rogue, by jonny, Studded hearts, style.com, who what wear, vogue oz, carolines mode
Bb ox
