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STREET STYLE ESSENTIALS

Nicole Oraha
Apr 20, 2017
5 min read

So you’ve heard the term “Street Style”, but what does it actually mean? Street Style is a term that refers to styles worn by bloggers, models and fashion influencers on the streets during major fashion events, such as fashion week – exactly what the word sounds like, right?

Do you ever just scroll through Instagram and feel intimidated by the street style worn by your favourite bloggers? Well don’t you fear; I’ve selected the essential pieces that you probably already have hanging in your closet and listed ways you can style them that will make you look like a fashionista – without the effort!

Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is a MUST have investment hanging in your wardrobe. It is a classical piece that adds a sense of edginess to any street look, adding that 90’s demeanour (Kate Moss approved).

If you want to feel stylish, chic and cool, make sure you go out and grab yourself a leather jacket, if you haven’t already done so.

Here are ways you can wear your leather jacket:

Pair a cropped leather jacket with a high-waisted jean to create a more fashion forward look and to make your shape look long and lean.
If you’re going for that Kate Moss approved look, pair a sleek leather jacket with a mini black skirt, fishnet tights and suede knee high boots – playing around with different textures.
Create a more polished look with a more structured jacket, putting it together with a crisp white button up shirt and black stilettos.
Drape a leather jacket over your shoulder for a try- hard stirring look – without actually trying too hard.

Crisp White Shirt

What is more essential than the classic crisp white shirt? This versatile piece is something you can always rely on, whether you want to wear it in the office, during brunch with the girls or a night out. Its structured silhouette adds a flattering and elegant shape, creating that signature look.

On top of that, you can wear a crisp white shirt in MANY diverse ways whether it is tucked or untucked, buttoned up or unbuttoned or layered with other essentials such as a leather jacket. I mean, could you ask for a better functional piece of clothing?

Here are ways you can wear your crisp white shirt:

Dress it up by tucking it into a high waisted skirt, closing the buttons all the way to the top, adding a statement necklace. Add a crisp blazer for a divine look.
Layer it with a low neck, textured knit, letting the collars hang out and exposing the sleeves. Pair with denim jeans and sneakers to create that ‘Casual Fridays’ impression.
Style your white shirt by wearing a sleeveless dress over it, adding a modern twist to that 90’s look.
Tuck it in with your favourite jeans, finishing it off with a belt. Keep it relaxed yet up-to-the-minute by adding leather pumps.

Graphic Tee

We all have that old favourite rock-band tour merch or our favourite printed tee from forever 21 hidden somewhere in our wardrobes. Well, get excited because it’s time to pull them out of their hiding and start making use out of them once again.

Our favourite fashion bloggers and influencers have been integrating their favourite tees with everyday essentials, using new styling tricks concealed up their sleeves of course.

Here are ways you can wear your graphic tee:

Dress it up by pairing your favourite tee with a pleated skirt and a pair of strap heels. Keep the look fun and exciting by choosing a coloured skirt instead of the classic black.
Oversized tees are always cool, however keep it edgy with a pair of fishnet tights and leather knee high boots.
Keep it young and fresh by tying your tee in a knot, exposing some skin. Add a chic feel to it by putting the look together with a pencil skirt and draping a jacket over your shoulders.
Slip on a dress over your graphic tee for an effortless and relaxed look.

The Lace Camisole

Who could have predicted that the lace camisole would make an ultimate comeback in 2016? This sexy and intimate garment has been spotted on the IT girls of our generation such as Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid and suddenly this trend has been re-born.

The lace camisole was one of the most notable trends of the S/S16 season. Think lace peaking under daring low neck lines, spaghetti straps and light-weight, soft silk fabrics- I mean, who could resist not having possession of one.

Here are ways you can wear your lace camisole:

Keep it sexy with a silk lace cami, topped with a silk robe, styling it with a tight leather skirt and a choker for that edginess.
For that cooler weather, slip a lace cami on top of any long sleeve top and pair with a mini skirt.
Dress it up, yet keep it sophisticated by wearing your lace cami under a suit. Expose the lace off the hem’s to really make that STATEMENT look.
Tuck into your favourite high waisted jeans to give you that flattering figure. This also creates a bold look as the neckline appears lower, revealing more of the lace.

Accessories

It’s no secret that accessories are a ladies best friend. Yes clothing make up the whole outfit, but what is an outfit without complimenting accessories?

We often may not think accessories are of significance, however accessorising is like art, suddenly changing an entire look- creating a whole new drive. Just look at all the fashionistas of the world making shocking statements with their use of accessories. As Oscar De La Renta once said “A woman makes an outfit her own with accessories”.

Here are ways you can accessorise:

Bright coloured bags- Put a hold to your usual neutral coloured bags and endue in some bright coloured bags- let’s face it, black is boring. Think electric blue, neon yellow and hot pink. These colours will add a whole new dimension to your look, complimenting any outfit, especially if you’re planning on wearing all black.
Sunglasses- Not do they only cater for days where you wish to conceal your face or prevent yourself from squinting (no one wants wrinkles at a young age) , they do so much more and are one of the many essential pieces to any street style look. Just like owning a decent pair of sneakers, sunglasses should be carefully purchased, making sure they are of good quality, lasting you a life-time. When selecting the right style, you can choose by what best suits your face shape or what style is in trend.
Scarves- You may or may have not noticed, but scarves are not just for your neck. As of recent street style trends from fashion week around the world, fashion enthusiasts have added a whole new meaning to scarves, tying them around their bags, wrist and hair. There are endless ways of accessorising with scarves that can add a whole new meaning to your look.
Play around with textures- Have fun with different textures when choosing your accessories, stepping up your game. Mixing fur with suede will add a thrilling and sensational characteristic to any look. Try a fur scarf or coat with suede or leather shoes and bag. You will have heads turning in no time, acknowledging your styling talent.