As the saying goes, fashion is art, and you are the canvas. Quite apt when you consider how far fashion has come in terms of “rules” and what is deemed acceptable, fashionable and trendy nowadays. What was once thought of as “won’t be seen dead in” is now commonplace. But there are still a few trends you might be hesitant to try, like dad sneakers, cycling shorts or clashing prints. Fashion is all about self-confidence and having fun – here’s how to pull it off.
LOOK 1: Clashing prints
Checks, florals, stripes, animal print… So many options! There’s no reason not to clash prints – it’s the easiest way to show your fashion cred. The trick to pulling off this playful look is by staying in the same colour palette and finishing with solid colour-blocked accessories.
The Check Skirt
Check print is everywhere right now and it’s an easy-to-wear pattern when you want to tip you toe into the clashing-prints trend. Plus – bonus – this piece can also be paired with a white T-shirt or shirt, or even a cosy knit. Plus it’s ideal workwear attire with a blazer and block heels.
Tailored Heritage Check Pencil Skirt
The Animal Print Shirt
Who’s the queen of the jungle? You are, in this leopard print wrap shirt. Leopard print and checks shouldn’t work on paper but trust us, it does in real life. And anyway, leopard print is basically a neutral these days.
Petite Wrap Tie Blouse In Leopard Print
The Ankle Boots
This look needs a pair of fierce ankle boots. Remember, if you are clashing your clothes, try keeping your accessories as neutral as possible. The patent finish on this pair gives a polished feel and the black pulls the whole look together nicely.
Geometric Heel Leather Ankle Boots
The Faux Fur Mini Bag
Teddy faux fur is everywhere at the moment, be it coats, jackets or sweaters – this mini bag is the perfect little accessory to keep this cool look on-trend for the winter.
Teddy Faux Fur Crossbody bag
LOOK 2: Biker shorts
Why not have a little full-spead-ahead fun with fashion? Cycling or biker shorts are part of the 90s nostalgia sweeping the runways. It looks equally good with an oversized shirt and sliders as with a tailored blazer and white heels.
The Shorts
Let’s just blame Kim Kardashian and Kanye West for this one, shall we? Love ‘em or hate ‘em, cycling shorts are making serious fashion-waves these days.
Cycling Shorts
The Oversized Top
Yes, it’s a shirtdress, which makes it double the value. It’s the perfect length to wear with cycling shorts – just like the cool street-style kids are doing it – plus it doubles up as a fab utilitarian style jacket.
Shirt Dress in Camo
The Sock Boots
Although this look would look equally as fearless with a pair of Dad trainers, why not pair it with sock boots? They elongate the legs, give a glam look and – most importantly – prevent you from being mistaken for an actual cyclist.
Black Heeled Sock Boots
The Bum Bag
There’s only one bag to finish this look – a glitter bum bag, of course! In order to pull this entire look together, the secret is emphasizing your waist. Wearing a bum bag around your waist area pulls the shirt in, giving a feminine silhouette and (bonus!) hands-free practicality.
Sequin Bum Bag
LOOK 3: Dad sneakers
Whether you like them or not, Dad trainers or ugly sneakers seem to be hanging around. One way to take the “ugly” edge off and give a street-style vibe is to pair them with a delicate midi dress.
The Dad Sneakers
Give your stiletto-pained feet a rest with a chunky pair of sneakers. If it’s good enough for Rihanna, it’s good enough for us!
Chunky D’Lites White Trainers
The Midi Dress
Stop what you’re doing – we may have found the perfect dress! This attention-grabbing red, flowy snakeskin print dress will take you from day (sneakers) to night (ankle boots or strappy sandals).
Snake-print dress
The Ankle Socks
The perfect pair of ankle socks to complement those chunky trainers.
Ribbed Logo Socks
The Beaded Bag
It’s beaded… but not as you know it. This little see-through number is definitely not your grandma’s trusty vintage beaded clutch!
Beaded See Through bag
