PROFILE : British Style
The London Look
The Grand UK might be a relatively small island, but it is relatively HUGE in the world of fashion. With a designer roll-call bigger than the Houses of Parliament, the British have always been masters of style, grace, and femininity. Well-known for rain and wind, the weather of Britain has played a large role in the development of national style, and the royal family has inspired everything from elegant chic to the edgy punk movement well-loved by all fashionista historians.
Color
Neutrals (greys, taupes, black)
Rich, condensed plaids and feminine florals
Must-Haves
Trench Coat
Even though it started its life as a military uniform, the trench has moved on to bigger, better, and far more stylish things. No woman’s wardrobe– British, American, Lebanese, you name it– is complete without an easy, effortless, classic trench coat. Not only does the belted waist make your pretty little self look like a human hourglass, it blocks the wind! How thoughtful!
Wellies
It’d be silly for a UK queen to muddle through mud in platform Louboutins, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style! Wellies have been around just about forever, and a tall Hunter boot in a foresty green of kholy grey are just as chic as they are practical. I can totally imagine myself wearing these and herding some sheep– what about you?
Stockings
A British lady never goes out naked– so girls, cover up those gams! Forget about the days when pantyhose were your grandmother’s version of lingerie, today is a new era. With Kate Middleton’s help, ladylike, silk-wrapped legs are back in. Not only do stockings gently smooth out imperfections, they come in fabulous styles and colors to make sure you feel like the prettiest girl you know.
Tea Dresses
According to Wikipedia, Bible of Internet Info, the modern Tea Dress is “any flowing dress of sheer or translucent fabric, in pastel colors.” Well, sign me up. A pretty, swishy, petal-patterned dress is as perfect for high tea as it is for windy nights on the shore, and the wealth of colors, patterns, and prints in the land of the Tea Dress is endlessly inspiring. So effortless to wear, yet so feminine! They– and you, Darling– always look perfect.
Designers
Alexander McQueen
Since arriving on the scene in 1992, the McQueen brand has been the talk of fashion town. Brit Captain Alexander McQueen was arguably one of the greatest and most intelligent designers of all time, and his exotic, erotic, edgy pieces will continue to stun and captivate for years to come, now through the equally gifted mind of Sarah Burton. McQueen inspires the rebel in all of us, I think– all I want to do is rock a crazy shoulder and armadillo boot and paint the town! Anybody with me?
Mulberry
In the forty-one years since its founding, Mulberry has flawlessly captured quintessential British style collection after collection. With perfect little pieces like tweed minis and soft silk blouses, the Mulberry Girl is certainly the envy of all her friends. Mulberry is also known for their amazing bags– particularly the drool-worthy Bayswater and Alexa. GIVE ME TWELVE.
Style Icons
Kate Middleton: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge has been praised for her magnificent style since 2006. Kate effortlessly blends couture pieces with everyman staples from stores like Zara and Reiss. Kate’s look is perfectly manicured, ladylike, and celebrates her youth while staying true to the image of a gorgeous English Rose.
Kate Moss: Style wouldn’t be style without Kate Moss. With seven Topshop collabs, 30 Vogue covers, and countless runway shows under her (very teeny) belt, its clear that Miss Moss is the style maven to watch in the UK. Kate’s look is a mix of grunge and luxury- kohl-rimmed eyes, leather basics, and power girl stilettos. Kate often sticks to a palette of dark neutrals, and is always sure to emphasize her killer legs.
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Well, there you have it! Ready to tackle a UK-inspired outfit tomorrow? What are some other fashion faves we have to thank the Brits for?
xxoo,
Molly
