Of late the fashion forecast wavers between reviving the fashion void that was the Noughties - sported by any and all famous off-spring - and a more-is-more librarian Kooky-chic (see Gucci, Mui Mui & Prada). It's intimidating. How does one get dressed with such a miscellaneous assortment of inspiration on offer.
(Hoodie & blazer - who'd have thunk it?!)
We had Normcore a while back, championed by the likes of Phoebe Philo and thus every other fashion-y person the world over. It endorsed a streamlined aesthetic, completely nondescript outfits punctuated only by the vibrant green of the Stan Smiths that acted as your 'in' to the upper echelons of fashion-dom.
(Tip: Elevate your basics with luxe fabrics in rich shades like the above velvet bomber)
However, in quite a reactionary move, personality and panache were served in spades by the likes of Gucci and Dolce & Gabanna. A more is more aesthetic riled against the bland practicality of Normcore. And that's where we find Athleisure, a midway point that sees the elevation of basics in an unexpected and often unconventional way.
It is a trend of rarefied tastes. Mixing basics with an element of trash; a Juicy Couture tracksuit with a vertiginous stiletto, a sports bra with a blazer, gym leggings with fishnet tights. It shouldn't work but it strangely does - sort of.
(Kendall again, elevating your usual comfy clothes with pointed-toe booties and a chic carry-on, not to mention the risqué transparency making her lounge-wear decidedly luxe)
However, proceed with trepidation, styling classic pieces with a touch of bad taste is a tricky line to walk. Also it is essential to remember that models are afforded much more leeway than the average person. Take for example Kendall Jenner's recent transparent airport outfit. The mere mortal will not look chic and daring, they will look like they don't own a mirror, or have friends to warn them that they have an extreme case of VPL. Also leggings should have ALOT of spandex in them to create a sleek, tight silhouette - nothing needs to be flapping around in the wind, that is not the kind of bad taste I'm proposing adopting here!
With that being said, injecting personality into your basics is easier than you might think if you follow the formula: basic outfit + elevated accessories, or vice versa: elevated outfit + basic accessories. For example, a basic tee, lounge trousers paired with a fantastic heel, red lip and gold hoops. Or, a slinky slip dress with a basic pair of trainers.
(See above: slinky leggings & cargo trousers are zhuzhed up with patent accessories & the strappiest of heels)
Once you've mastered the high/low balance your wardrobe is your oyster. Endless possibilities await: A crew neck tee under a slip dress with a bomber jacket slung nonchalantly over the shoulders, the highest of heels and a messy top knot. A crisp white shirt with boyfriend style denim shorts, a neckerchief and a scrappy sandal. Sports leggings, a bralet and whatever your shoe of choice...
(KKW showcasing how to go straight from P.E class to the school disco & Kendall, setting a fine example in elevating a basic white t-shirt & jeans combo)
Though as stated above, the possibilities may be endless, I will stop listing, or this could get awkwardly long. The key is to experiment and now that you're clued in on how to amp a look up or casj a look down, just run with it. And who knows, maybe you'll master the transparent tracksuit - make sure to let me know if you do!
(Photos: pinterest, InStyle, Harpers Bazaar, justjared.com Vogue & WhoWhatWear.co.uk)
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