Street Style Friday - Colour Inspiration

Amidst the spring season, riots of colour are seen across street style, brightening dull days and inspiring a wealth of colour that bursts across layers and accessories heading towards summer. We take a look at how to work bright combinations into you wardrobe.

Image sources clockwise from top left: Lee Oliveira, Citizen Couture, Vanessa Jackman, Guerreisms & Guerreisms   

Clash unexpected colours together keeping patterns and textures minimal so the colour does the talking. Bright pops work equally well paired against black and neutral backdrops but also consider statement pieces. Look to Regent's women's blazer jackets which look great with denim, or Regent's men's raspberry cotton linen suit for inspiration.  

Image sources clockwise from top left: Stockholm Street Style, Stockholm Street Style, Les Freres JO & Guerreisms 

For those wanting a more subtle approach but still wanting to make an impact with colour, consider tonal shades. Build tone-on-tone neutral layers across jackets, trousers, shirts and jumpers for a sleek, almost nonchalant style.

More street inspiration in the next few weeks!

Street Style Friday - All The Little Details

Details can make or break a garment; alternative colours, add-ons, patterns, textures and the individual accessories that all break away from the expected can make a true statement in either a subtle or bold way. Here we explore some of the best examples out on the street.

Image sources clockwise from top left: thelocals.dk, Guerreisms, Vanessa Jackman & Guerreisms 

Additional buttons update simple garment shapes making their own practical, yet subtle statement. Whilst three or four buttons are the usual preference for working cuffs on tweed jackets and city suits, one on casual jackets, look to add multiple buttons on coats and jackets for a contemporary take. Think about contrast stitch detailing around the button hole, examples of which can be seen in our gallery; click here to view.

Image sources clockwise from top left: Citizen Couture, Citizen Couture, Vanessa Jackman & Guerreisms

One of the more neglected fashion accessory that is seeing a revival is neckwear for both menswear and womenswear. Consider different ways of accessorizing including scarves in alternative fabrications such as faux fur and silk, as well as bow ties in vibrant shades and prints for a pop of colour. Neckerchiefs have increased in popularity in the recent months for both men and women, a step down from a formal tie but remaining in the smart casual category. Our the simplest ways of wearing is to tie a large handkerchief in small knot around the neck as highlighted above, or take a look at this article for further inspiration in how the neckerchief can be worn.

Image sources clockwise from top left: Guerreisms, thelocals.dk, Guerreisms & Citizen Couture

Here the styling details remain key - vibrant emerald green leather gloves worn in the breast pocket match the detailing in the button hole, and in contrast small dot prints are clashed together with a subtle narrow pin stripe, nevertheless working equally well. Shake things up by combining smart accessories with casual attire - chunky knitted cardigan with waistcoat and tie or braces worn over a plain white tee provide an unexpected twist retain a smart "pulled together" look with a relaxed vibe.

Image sources clockwise from top left: Citizen Couture, Guerreisms, Vanessa Jackman, Lee Oliveria, The Sartorialist & The Sartorialist

For womenswear, think about the finishing touches to an outfit; rolled sleeve hems and knotted narrow brown leather belts tied at the waist presents a completed look and a style that looks effortless. Combine graphics, print and textural pieces to break up the traditional everyday look.

Street Style Friday - Best of Women's Tailoring

Continuing our series on street style, this week we check out the latest inspiration within women's tailoring where a resurgence to traditional masculine silhouettes remains evident on the street, now updated with twists on structure, fabric and details worn in an overtly feminine way.

Image sources from left: Citizen Couture, Lee Oliveira, Lee Oliveira & Lee Oliveira

Traditional Prince of Wales check continues to make a bold statement, worn in double breasted masculine silhouettes for jackets and overcoats and teamed with shirts and ties for an androgynous look. For those fearful of the head-to-toe look, style with plain bright colours to present a fresh take. Feminine accessories including clutches and jewellery also remain key for this look.

Image sources from left: Vanessa Jackman & The Sartorialist

One noticeable trend currently seen across street style is the layering of two sports jackets/blazers over one another as an alternative outerwear option to coats. Keep colours similar making use of tonal shades and ensure a looser 'boyfriend fit' style of jacket to keep the look understated.

Image sources from left: Vanessa Jackman & thelocals.dk

Shorter cropped jacket - the key piece in any wardrobe - worn either casually with jeans or in a more formal setting with tailored trousers acts as a great foundation for outfits. Look for softer tailoring in luxe velvet for a rich almost vintage feel, whereas structural shapes and collarless details provide a more minimal aesthetic for modern power dressing.

More street inspiration soon!

Street Style Friday - Best of Men's Tailoring

Street style presents a fantastic source of inspiration enabling us to see a huge variety of outfit and styling combinations from some of the best dressed. Even the smallest details can change a look and street style showcases some of the best examples that can be utilised within your wardrobe. 

In this mini series on street style, we take a look at the best from across the web, offering you the items to invest in and a few individual style details to make you stand out from the rest. This week we stick with our favourite subject tailoring, so sit back and take a look through the best of menswear, with womenswear to follow soon! 

Image sources from left: The Sartorialist, The Sartorialist & The Urban Gent 

Following a resurgence in recent years towards traditional styles of previous decades, the three piece remains the classic item for any man's wardrobe, rarely going out of style. For a more modern update consider alternative fabrics including denim, and mix and match different tweeds with moleskin and velvet jackets. Don't be afraid to go for bolder checks, but pair with similar shades to tone down the effect. 

Image sources from left: Samuel Pilot & thisismysuit.com

The micro repeat print, either embroidered or as a printed motif, looks set to become a popular design for the next few seasons. A particular feature at the autumn/winter 13/14 Agi & Sam runway show which, inspired by the flamboyancy of Lord Bath, combined colour eccentricity with classic country shapes and sleek tailored silhouettes and became one of the highlights at London Collection: Mens. Match with plain simplistic shapes and colours, or contrast against stripes for more of a statement look.

For a more subtle approach consider the micro dot print Chatnam shirt from Common People with a narrow collar and rolled hem sleeves for a contemporary twist; take a look here.

Image Sources: Common People

Image sources from left: Samuel Pilot, Samuel Pilot & damstyle.blogspot 

For a more casual approach to tailoring, we see a number of looks on the street with the unexpected pairing of denim and camouflage jackets with shirt, tie and tweed waistcoats for an understated, almost thrown together look. The bomber jacket is an alternative in wool felt fabrics and leather detailing which offers a smart silhouette when worn with jeans. A country alternative, consider Regent's tweed bomber jacket which looks great paired with denim.    

Image Sources clockwise from top left: Samuel Pilot, Fashion Junk, Ghent Street Style & Elle

Mix media also remains important within the smaller details. Combine traditional needle corduroy and herringbone tweeds with denim for fresh modern look, and consider mixing patterns and checks for layers but again keep colours the same shade. 

Image sources from left: All The Pretty Birds & Trendy Crew

Look to jumpers with bold graphics and prints for a bright layer under classic suit shapes and colours for an unexpected twist. For a slightly more subtle approach, wear a vivid coloured jumper under jackets such as crimson red, cobalt blue, cerise or golden yellow being popular choices.   

Image source: both from Ghent Street Style

Heading towards summer, take inspiration from the US military in 50s Hollywood movies by opting for the tucked-in-tie look. Offering a practical solution as well, it presents a simple update and a smart yet casual attitude when worn with rolled up sleeves. 

Stay tuned for more street style inspiration in the coming weeks!