courtesy of flickr user anw.fr
by Courtney Rogers
This summer, get globe trotter style without even stamping your passport. Even if you’re stuck in your basement in Detroit all season, you can still dress like a well-traveled woman. Whether your look is artsy, edgy, or strictly chic here’s your guide to dressing the part of a native Florentine, Parisian, Barcelonian or Londoner. Bon Voyage!
Florence, Italy: In this Renaissance city, layers and earth tones dominate the scene. Art students flock to Florence each semester and their style can be seen in every corner café. Look for cozy, roomy knitwear, oversized print scarves and leggings or dark wash skinny jeans to balance the proportions. For accessories, leather abounds. Tie your look together with an oversized tote or over the shoulder bag and flat boots or gladiator sandals.
On the Runway: Band of Outsiders spring looks exude the easy, flowing silhouette paired with more masculine, structured outerwear. Their strappy, gladiator inspired sandals are a welcome break from the ubiquitous ballet flat. Try Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q-Ukita in caramel for a bag that can carry it all and look great doing it.
courtesy of flickr user angelocesare
The look for less: Look to Free People for feminine floral dresses that are perfect for layering. Toughen them up with a light utility jacket from Gap and any slouchy leather bag and all that’s missing is a glass of Chianti.
In your closet: Mix a flirty floral print with a light jacket or anorak and flat boots of your choice. Top it off with a lightweight scarf and sunglasses and you’re ready for the dolce vita!
Paris, France: Long labeled the fashion capital of the world, Paris lives up to its fashionable expectations sans doute. Chic is more than an Hermes scarf or Chanel suit in the city of light, it’s lifestyle. Fortunately for fashionistas on a budget, Paris’ austere style can be had for any price point. Unlock your inner Brigitte Bardot with bold stripes or geometric prints and a simple headband paired with understated black bottoms or dress things up with a great tuxedo jacket or blazer. When it comes to Paris, simplicity makes the look and less is always more when it comes to color and accents such as ruffles.
courtesy of flickruser bEbO
On the runway: Milly’s jackets make a playful statement without pushing the look into costume territory. Chloe always gets it right with fun basics that never look overdone and exude the Parisian “I woke up this chic,” attitude.
The look for less: J. Crew is an easy option for classic pieces that are appropriate for day, night and anything in between. Theory offers up luxurious sweaters at a reasonable price point and if you’re looking for a whimsical accessory, Urban Outfitters has a rainbow of flats for under $100.
In your closet: Stick to basics and a simple color palette. A crisp white shirt goes a long way towards giving any outfit an air of “je ne sais quoi” and when combined with a pop of color in flats or a scarf, it’s absolutely magnifique.
courtesy of flickruser phllipklinger
London: When it comes to fashion, London isn’t just calling, it’s throwing a temper tantrum of posh defiance. The birthplace of Topshop, the city is full of wild child sophistication. For day, Brits aren’t afraid to play with proportion with cropped tops or wide leg pants and for night, it’s anything but a casual affair. If you’re looking to strike a balance between Victoria Beckham and rock and Kate Moss, it’s best to try classic shapes with edgier touches like tough hardware and tastefully distressed denim.
On the runway: L.A.M.B. has a few looks that embody London’s hip, multicultural attitude for day while Lanvin’s spring portfolio is brimming with dresses for a night out on the town.
The look for less: Now that Topshop has a flagship on our side of the pond, they’re the most obvious choice for finding the silhouettes and trends of London. To add your own twist, try searching vintage shops in your area for rough and tumble boots, the perfect blazer or heavy metallic accessories.
In your closet: Find your inner rock star or party girl and let her take charge when it comes to a dress and heels for a night out with the girls. For day, try an outfit with a devil-may-care attitude, tom-boy fit and interesting proportions.
courtesy of flickruser paco CT
Barcelona: New York may be known as the city that never sleeps but in Barcelona, the fun is just getting started when the clock strikes 2 AM. Though its proximity to the beach invites bright prints and light fabrics, the city is currently dominated by a strand of grunge fashion where anything goes. Like Florence, layering plays a key roll but here it walks a very fine line between disheveled and ahead of the curve. To mix and match like the Spaniards, try to add splashes of complimentary color, fun tights, and retro patterns like liberty prints.
On the Runway: Marc by Marc Jacobs indulges in the whimsy of bright color that wash over the streets and plazas of the city and plays with mixed patterns with a vaguely 1990s air. Likewise, Just Cavalli mixes textures and layers within each piece in ways that are just edgy enough to work.
The look for less: The key to a successful mix and match look that doesn’t make you look deranged is knowing when to stop but also knowing to take a risk. Try mixing high and low end pieces from sites like ModCloth.com and Anthropologie. Find patterned tights or bright colors at department stores such as Lord and Taylor and experiment with less expensive hair accessories from stores such as Forever 21. For wilder looks like this, it’s best to give “fast fashion” sources a try rather than making the investment in a style that inherently trendy.
In your closet: Though there are surely many things in your own closet that can be mixed up in new, exciting ways, why not check with friends and see if they’ve got something you can borrow? Better yet, raid your boyfriend’s closet for the perfect worn in flannel or tee shirt to mix with something feminine.
Courtney Rogers is a student at Vanderbilt University currently studying abroad in Florence. In addition to blogging, she enjoys fuzzy sweaters, amazing high heels and watching any movie starring Audrey Hepburn.
Tags: Fashion
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