Finding fashion in London-town
The ‘other' London that is
This past spring, I had the opportunity to study a fashion course abroad in one of the world's top style cities, London, England. Not only did I earn a credit, but I was also able to observe British street fashion, firsthand.
During long tube (subway) rides I couldn't help but excitedly gawk at the outfits worn by the uber-chic crowd around me. In a city as smartly dressed as London, I came to learn that even a ride on the tube can seem like you're attending a fashion show. Whether it's men or women, the English all seem to treat their body like a blank canvas; creating art- a personal statement through their choice of clothing and accessories.
While walking through the high streets, I anxiously scribbled down anything and everything that caught my eye, fashion wise. In conjunction to Britan's usual cool and drizzly overcast weather; I found that their clothing closely reflected the dark/damp climate. Even in the spring, most people wore subdued, darker tones much like the colours we typically wear during fall and winter seasons in Canada.
Here is a list of popular trends from overseas that aren't too against the grain for you to pull off before the trends hit Canada (we're about two seasons behind Europe).
Opaque tights, as well as knee highs, were not only worn under a summery dress or skirt but also under shorts or baggy tee-shirts. Though I mostly saw darker colours worn, leg wear was one exception to the rule. Joe Fresh has a great variety of opaque tights from basic black to electric blue, for around $5.
I saw a lot of menswear influenced fashions sported by women. For example, belted men's blazer jackets, pintuck tuxedo shirts worn with a pair of tights and lace up oxford shoes. You can find a perfectly chic pintuck shirt at Old Navy for $26.50, which comes in an assortment of colours and works as a great layering piece. Gap's knit blazer for $58, in its unusual knit fabric takes a bit of the masculine structure out of the garment and softens it up for that perfect hint of boy meets girl style.
My attention was also drawn to the presence of the ever classic bowler hat, worn on the heads of both men and women. Not only did I see them played out tremendously as a daywear accessory, but they were equally relevant for night-time outfits, too. After searching through a list of my favourite online retailers, I found a wonderfully retro felt bowler hat with a grosgrain ribbon trim finish at Forever 21 for only $16.80.
The mixture of prints such as florals with tribal, stripes with geometrics and plaids was quite prevalent. As noted in Harpers Bazaar “What's in, What's out section,” “Nubby plaid coats paired with abstract prints” is an of the moment look. For a splurge purchase, check out C. Ronsons indigo dress, retailing at $118, which can be purchased online at UrbanOutfitters.com. This woven cotton cap-sleeved dress is cut short and topped with vintage-inspired ties at the neck. To get the look, coordinate this dress with your favourite plaid jacket.
As I learned, London is a place of eccentricity and creative possibilities-it's a place to express yourself and feel inspired by the individuality of the people around you, just as I was.
This past spring, I had the opportunity to study a fashion course abroad in one of the world's top style cities, London, England. Not only did I earn a credit, but I was also able to observe British street fashion, firsthand.
During long tube (subway) rides I couldn't help but excitedly gawk at the outfits worn by the uber-chic crowd around me. In a city as smartly dressed as London, I came to learn that even a ride on the tube can seem like you're attending a fashion show. Whether it's men or women, the English all seem to treat their body like a blank canvas; creating art- a personal statement through their choice of clothing and accessories.
While walking through the high streets, I anxiously scribbled down anything and everything that caught my eye, fashion wise. In conjunction to Britan's usual cool and drizzly overcast weather; I found that their clothing closely reflected the dark/damp climate. Even in the spring, most people wore subdued, darker tones much like the colours we typically wear during fall and winter seasons in Canada.
Here is a list of popular trends from overseas that aren't too against the grain for you to pull off before the trends hit Canada (we're about two seasons behind Europe).
Opaque tights, as well as knee highs, were not only worn under a summery dress or skirt but also under shorts or baggy tee-shirts. Though I mostly saw darker colours worn, leg wear was one exception to the rule. Joe Fresh has a great variety of opaque tights from basic black to electric blue, for around $5.
I saw a lot of menswear influenced fashions sported by women. For example, belted men's blazer jackets, pintuck tuxedo shirts worn with a pair of tights and lace up oxford shoes. You can find a perfectly chic pintuck shirt at Old Navy for $26.50, which comes in an assortment of colours and works as a great layering piece. Gap's knit blazer for $58, in its unusual knit fabric takes a bit of the masculine structure out of the garment and softens it up for that perfect hint of boy meets girl style.
My attention was also drawn to the presence of the ever classic bowler hat, worn on the heads of both men and women. Not only did I see them played out tremendously as a daywear accessory, but they were equally relevant for night-time outfits, too. After searching through a list of my favourite online retailers, I found a wonderfully retro felt bowler hat with a grosgrain ribbon trim finish at Forever 21 for only $16.80.
The mixture of prints such as florals with tribal, stripes with geometrics and plaids was quite prevalent. As noted in Harpers Bazaar “What's in, What's out section,” “Nubby plaid coats paired with abstract prints” is an of the moment look. For a splurge purchase, check out C. Ronsons indigo dress, retailing at $118, which can be purchased online at UrbanOutfitters.com. This woven cotton cap-sleeved dress is cut short and topped with vintage-inspired ties at the neck. To get the look, coordinate this dress with your favourite plaid jacket.
As I learned, London is a place of eccentricity and creative possibilities-it's a place to express yourself and feel inspired by the individuality of the people around you, just as I was.
