Best of Fashion Week Street Style: London

London is the capital of the more subversive side of the fashion coin. Designers like Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, and Vivienne Westwood all call London their home, cementing the city’s status as a place where rebellious and unconventional fashion are born. More than that, London has been the hotbed for such historical and industry changing fashion trends such as mod and punk fashion. You can’t mention London without mentioning Savile Row, of course. Savile Row is the eponymous area in London, which is known for producing the best menswear and tailoring in the world.

For Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016, fashionistas stormed London in their sartorial best. But what I loved the most is how their own style became transformed and/or influenced by the signature style of this city. I’ve noticed some key London trends in the street style spotted, and here they are:

Mad for Plaid

Plaid and Tartan is for the Scots, I know. But it’s a huge part of London Style too! Especially when worn from head-to-toe and accentuated with large Mod-inspired sunnies, plaid is so chic and feels so very now.

 

Dashing and Dapper

Savile Row is famous the world over for their impeccable menswear tailoring. This legendary London fashion landmark definitely influences women’s wear too. Various incarnations of suiting styles, ranging from the quirky to the classic, has shown up on my street style radar and I am in love with how menswear suiting can be interpreted into women’s trends and styles. Putting a feminine or modern twist to a classic suit is always a great way to get dressed.

  

Prep School

London is home to a lot of preppy style as well. Classic jumpers and school girl skirt silhouettes are an essential part of preppy fashion. Refresh those two pieces for 2015 with oversized jumper silhouettes and alternative skirt fabrications like leather. You can also co-opt some school girl style into your wardrobe with Peter Pan collars, white socks worn with heeled oxfords, and overalls, of course.

    

High Street meets High Fashion

You can’t mention London without thinking of its storied high street brands such as Topshop, River Island, Miss Selfridge, and New Look. These eponymous brands has inspired a legion of London fashionistas to embrace high street trends and marry it with their high fashion sensibilities. Think of trendy fur vests, playful clutches, and gold metallic belts paired with the latest designer pieces of the season like Celine sunnies, Jil Sander sunnies and Balmain jackets.

  
London Calling

London has its own style and vibe for sure. There really is no one way to describe it. From preppy to punk, from mod to edgy menswear-inspired ensemble, one thing iis for sure London street style is characterized by a playful and youthful take on the latest trends. Just take a look at these street style snaps below, these are the perfect representations of true London style. Keep an eye out for London it girls, Chelsea Leyland and Alexa Chung.
      

Photos from Harper’s Bazaar

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Watch out for the next installment in this series. Next, I take a look at Milan Fashion Week Spring 2016 Street Style. Until the next one!

 

Must-Have Sweaters for Fall 2014

I love sweater weather. Cozy knit scarves, snug beanies, and soft cardigans are both indispensable pieces that will undoubtedly complete your fall wardrobe. With a variety of designs available to suit every girl’s style, taste, and personality, there are simply so many ways to play around with sweater dressing when you’re styling yourself. Although fall is the common time to break out those statement making knitwear, knits are also making waves with spring/summer runways and street style. All season, all occasion, and definitely all casual elegance, sweaters will give your style a texture uplift and an increase in chicness.

These celebs certainly know how to get decked out in the best and most stylish knit wear. Whether it’s more dressed up and polished or more daytime casual, we can certainly see that the sweater’s trendiness translates anytime and anywhere.

Karolina Kurkova shows off her penchant for white as she steps out clad in a menswear-inspired ensemble. Her cream knit  jumper serves as the visual texture that adds interest to her look. 

You can count on Olivia Palermo to pull of a monochromatic sweater and skirt set look. Casually half-tucked at the waist, the burgundy hue of her sweater and pencil skirt is the perfect canvas for her awe-inspiring statement necklace. 

California girl, former reality TV star, and fashion media and business mogul Lauren Conrad understands the power of knit wear and layering to instantly increase the sophistication of a tank dress and nude sandals. She does her own take on springtime layering in this chunky oversized knit cardigan.

Images from WhoWhatWear

Ready to take on the knit wear/ sweater trend? Shop my picks below:

M Missoni Wave Knit Cotton Blend Sweater from LuisaViaRoma

Missoni’s signature prints will liven up your fall/winter wardrobe. Pick one of the colors within the sweater design and coordinate it with your other cold weather accessories, like scarves, gloves etc. This will look just as good in the summer, with shorts and ballet flats.

The Elder Statesman Cashmere Sweater from Net-a-Porter

Every fashionista needs and more importantly, deserves a quality cashmere sweater. Nothing can beat the luxurious feeling that wearing cashmere gives. This one from The Elder Statesman is in a vibrant pink color that will pop with your blacks and navy blues.

Alice + Olivia Face Appliqued Knitted Cardigan from Net-a-Porter

If you’re searching for something playful, grab this Alice + Olivia knit cardigan. The super fun face applique will look extra amazing when paired with a pencil skirt, opaque tights, and over-the-knee suede boots. Elizabeth and James Oversized Leopard Print Cotton Blend Cardigan from Net-a-Porter

To any fashionable woman, leopard print is practically a neutral. This print is perfect to pair with practically anything in your closet, and this oversized cardigan from Elizabeth and James is the perfect knit cover-up for your dresses and tailored separates.

Jil Sander Leather-Trimmed Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater from Net-a-Porter

Turtleneck is a major trend this year. This Jil Sander piece modernizes and makes this trend even more covetable, with a few smart design decisions; from the leather panel detail on the inner sleeve, subtle asymmetrical hemline, and the understated gray color, of course.

 

Etro Knit Sweater from MyTheresa

The vintage print on this Etro Knit Sweater is simply stunning. Layer a crisp, white button down underneath this knit for a quick and chic office look, or opt to wear on its own and pair with distressed denim and sneakers for some effortless street style flair.

Chloe Knit Sweater Dress from MyTheresa

A sweater dress is a great way to get dressed, whether you find yourself in the midst of springtime or fall. You can wear this Chloe frock with tights or without, with heels or flats. The marled gray knit fabric and colorful geometric pattern make this piece truly versatile.

Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton Knit Sweater from MyTheresa

For the full-on preppy look, slip into this classic Polo Ralph Lauren sweater design. Channel country club springtime chic and wear it with a pleated white mini skirt and espadrilles. Come fall, accent this knit with red scarves and matching cropped navy trousers.

Sweaters are a godsend. It is both comfy and fashionable! What is your sweater pick this season?