The Shoe
Adore it or abhor it, the Birkenstock is back. The fashion pack, including the Olsen sisters, were wearing them last summer but it took Givenchy’s £590 Barka leather sandals being launched on their Spring/Summer 2014 catwalk, with a close resemblance to Birkenstock’s classic Arizona style, for them to once again become a coveted item. The re-re-rebirth of this practical but cool German sandal is hardly surprising considering the 90s revival of the last two years; was it really going to get any better after jelly shoes? If you fancy trying it out for yourself, the popular Birkenstock Arizona sandal is only £64.95, and the Madrid black patent flats are £39.95.
The Skirt
The new season's pleated skirts are prevented from being too Gossip Girl by being of a longer length, and having a glam edge in metallic colours, as seen at Proenza Schouler and Haider Ackermann. Keep it cool by pairing with a plain black cami top, or have a gold rush and double up on the metallics. The perfect new season statement piece, they can be dressed up with strappy stilettos and a slinky crop top, or made suitable for the every day with chunky boots and a knit sweater. For a much cheaper high street alternative than those on the catwalk, the Demi Jacquard Full Midi Skirt from Boohoo is a steal at £12.
The Coat
No longer reserved for the colder parts of the year, when a good coat is more of a necessity rather than fashion statement in Edinburgh, a simple, structured trench in a bright colour is the easiest way to brighten up an outfit and look instantly stylish. Pair with sunglasses (whatever the weather) and simply shrug over your shoulders. For the ‘fashion editor look,’ leave your bulky bag at home and take an oversized clutch, or simply carry the essentials. If you’re on a budget, ASOS’s ‘Yumi’ waist tie trench coat is a bargain at £45; its bright red colour will see you through every season. If you’re willing to splurge a bit more, then Warehouse has a delicate mustard yellow draped trench for £95 – for if you want a pop of colour but prefer a slightly more laid back look.
All White Everything
The classic, fresh look for spring and summer has returned but now it’s white on white, and so easy to wear it hurts. Be doubly on trend and bring pleats into play with the popular white American Apparel tennis skirt (£46), but don’t just pair it with any white shirt; this season’s white shirt is edgy and asymmetric, featuring mean collars, mesh panels, sharp sleeves and cut-outs, all of which were seen at Victoria Beckham, Paul & Joe and Valentino. Topshop’s £32 Textured Cut Out Shirt can be worn with a white tank, or if you’re looking to make more of a statement, go without; for a fun twist, look to Jessa from Girls for inspiration and go neon pink in your lingerie choice.
Art Attack
According to the Spring/Summer 2014 collections, the art of the clash is back (a fitting trend for the month of upcoming fashion and art exhibitions from Edinburgh College of Art; the ECA Fashion Show takes place from 23–25 April). Pop art-style figurines, violent brush strokes and extreme colour blocking were all seen emblazoned on clothing at Chanel, Prada and Celine; at Chanel, models donned sketchbooks as handbags. OTT is the game; think jazzy, trippy prints and Mondrian style colours and lines. The Geometric Print Trousers from Zara (£29.99) are artwork in themselves, and can be clashed with a cobalt blue or daffodil yellow structured shirt to highlight individual flashes of colour in the print. The phrase ‘less is more’ has never been more untrue.
Sports Luxe
A recurring favourite, and an easy trend to manipulate, luxury sportswear doesn’t require you to work up a sweat. Think simple American Apparel mesh t-shirts with suede shorts, trainer heels and a sleek ponytail to top it off – hoop earrings optional. Trainer heels, love or hate them, are having a moment once again; Kurt Geiger Carvela Black 'lady' mid heel wedge trainers are a chic sporty investment at £59 from Debenhams, with an even cheaper option being OLYMPIA-X textured wedge heel trainers for £30 from Dune London. Trainers aside, why not treat yourself to H&M’s luxurious green suede shorts, currently on sale at £40? Their chic colour and texture will take you right into autumn.
Riona Doherty for The Journal
@rionadoherty
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