YOU'VE HEARD OF MILLENNIAL PINK, BUT WHAT ABOUT PURPLE?

You'd be forgiven for thinking that everyone is walking around in rose tinted glasses recently. Everything features a rosy hue, pink becoming a relative neutral for today's millennial set. Pink is as prolific as fake tan is on TOWIE. But please don't mistake this as a roast. It's not. It's an exploration of colours new, a horizon that goes beyond the flush of pink and ventures into a haze of purple.

I'm thinking, lets give pink the boot

Maybe it's the weather - the UK was lucky enough to see the sun for three whole consecutive days last week and we moaned for exactly that same amount of time. Yet that flirtation with Summer was enough to get me hooked on all things purple. 

Much like my dalliance with yellow, I wasn't immediately taken with purple. I couldn't think of three ways to style it - which is my rule to live by. I moved on and went about my life. Although I didn't really. Before I knew it, every rail of clothes I stood before, I found myself drawn to any and everything purple. I'd walk away knowing that it was wrong, a partnership that would never work in the long haul. However, I started thinking. Maybe we could work together. 

I sat, deep in thought and had a long chat with myself, 'could I make purple work for me?' The answer after much soul searching was 'Yes!' 

I started small with a basic crew neck lilac t-shirt. I then thought hard for the second time that day... How exactly would I style this proclamation of rebellion? I was standing alone amongst a sea of blush coloured millennials. My deliberate detachment had to make an impression, or I'd risk looking like I didn't get the memo of the 2017 dress code of life, or that my colours had run in the wash.

I turned to the internet and got lost in the black hole of possibility. Here's what I found:

Yes, it is technically Summer, but UK weather. Tiffany Hsu makes a good case for wearing a blanket as an overcoat and an efficient street sweep. Side note: purple & orange = thumbs up.

What better way to be inducted into purple than in a comfy, oversized jumper? I wouldn't quite recommend this exact one - it's Vetements, synonymous with unnecessarily exorbitantly priced goods  *see the DHL t-shirts*. But the mix of high/low is truly inspired. I need a purple jumper like, yesterday & a beaded shrug the day before. 

Take a low maintenance basic, e.g the tracksuit pant. Add in a vibrant hue to prevent boredom from setting in. Pair with one minimalistic pair'a pointed toe boots, an unassuming hoodie that may or may not have originated in the mens department, et voila!

I feel like this outfit exemplifies the sporadicity of life/the weather right now. There's something refreshing in bearing your navel, yet hiding your arms/hands in what appears to be a disfiguring purple marshmallow. I laaaav eeet. The florals, the blue pop, the texture. Yes.

Do you feel inspired yet?? 

'Why can't you wear pink and purple' I hear you ask. Well, if you're a fence-sitter then I guess you can. But lets be dramatic and pick a side. It's the biggest thing since Team Edward vs Team Jacob; since smooth peanut butter vs crunchy peanut butter; since The World vs Liv (Love Island)! It's your right to have an opinion, so use it - as long as it's in line with mine. JK :D 

(Photos via: lewismirrett.com, styledumonde.com, harpersbazaar.com, smilingischic.com & shotbygio.com) 

HOW TO: THE NEW 'NOT SO BASIC' BASIC

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)