You could say that it comes with the territory, but those who work in fashion have an arsenal of simple (yes, really) styling tricks that can be deployed to elevate an outfit no matter the season, nor the lockdown tier they find themselves in. Some are unique to the person, developed over years of style experimentation, while others are universal. Once brought to your attention, they prove easy to spot in any of Vogue’s street-style galleries or candid stay-at-home celebrity selfies. Ready to get a little more Fashion with a capital F? Start with these nine tricks…
Allow partywear some screentime
Spare a thought for the sequins desperate to be unleashed from the confines of the wardrobes they’ve been pushed to the back of for the majority of the last year — the fash pack certainly are about to. At the spring/summer 2021 shows, designers from Valentino to Celine championed the return of high-shine glitz for the season ahead. We predict that those in the know won’t wait for the new collections to drop, but will return to what they’ve always done by bringing out the sparkle as they see fit to show off a great ’fit – which right now is a WFH Zoom call. Whether it is a full top-to-toe disco look or a T-shirt worn with a sequin skirt, fashion insiders have long known to not save their sparkle for solely after dark. Sequins look great under the light of a disco ball, but have you ever seen how great they look by the cold light of day? Mood lifted.
Thrown over shoulders
This one is the oldest trick in the book and always works a treat. You don’t need to be a Marvel superhero to pull it off — hey, Tessa Thompson — but having good posture helps. It works with any jacket style and instantly elevates whatever you’re wearing, even if that is your Nike sweatshirt tied at the neck for a Google hangout.
Dare to do socks and sandals
Fashion people love to challenge the rules around what constitutes as chic — not least over the last few years as “ugly” fashion has truly broken into the mainstream. This notion is best summarised by stereotypical tourist-style socks and sandals. Not just a great way to break in your highest heels, this combination instantly adds a touch of knowing insouciance to the most low-key of looks. No brand does this better than Prada (see below) and no person does this better than Mrs Miuccia Prada herself. Take it a step further and pair loud socks with controversial Crocs for a lockdown look sure to earn you style points as you document your stay-at-home sartorial journey.
Go heavy on the hair ornaments
From big velvet bows to grosgrain ribbons and pearl slides to pastel resin clips, hair accessories great and small continue to afford even the most hastily put together outfit a sleek touch. Add-ons don’t get more fun than this, so make the most of it. Pile on multitudes or bring a retro appeal by opting for a single standout slide or ribbon fastened around a well-placed bun or bouncy ponytail.
Make your phone your ultimate accessory
Fashion people are busy, busy, busy and what is the ultimate symptom of the busy, busy, busy? Having your phone glued to your hand at every possible moment, of course. Go the whole model-calling-her-driver-while-also-being-photographed way and spring it up to your ear at regular intervals when on your daily lockdown walks. Make sure that your phone looks the part, too. Fashion insiders tend to fall into three schools of thoughts when dressing up their tech and side with initialled designs by Chaos, Wildflower Cases’ fun prints or by adding in a Kloss pop-socket.
Layer, layer, layer
Get the most out of your wardrobe by layering up your favourite pieces. A dress over trousers is trending amongst the style elite, but that’s not the only story. What’s brilliant about working with your pre-existing pieces in new and interesting combinations is that you’re able to discover and put together pairings that nobody else will be able to repeat, especially if you incorporate vintage pieces. Have fun with textures and lengths: team a flowing skirt with an oversized hoody and tuck a favourite knit into your much-loved party dress for a wear-now solution.
