Categories: Fashion

How To Add Urban Cool To Your Summer Wardrobe


by Marie Kelly
28th Apr 2016

Each season, the new collections tend to broadly tell a tale of two women: utilitarian versus feminine. In reality, however, most of us prefer to marry both moods to avoid looking like a caricature. For me, go-with-everything earthy tones and military-inspired detailing look strong and beautiful when given a’sexy spin. The trick is to marry opposites: a cargo shirt in parachute silk, a combat trouser with a kick-ass heel,?the romanticism of tulle and extravagance of embellishment with practical patch pockets and smart epaulettes. Form-fitting belted skirts and jackets look polished enough to command respect, yet are anything but uniform when’reimagined in softer shapes and luxe fabrics, while boyish army jackets and oversized capes look less like dress uniform and more like sophisticated’summer dressing paired with a cropped trouser or pair of culottes – a show of ankle adds sex appeal.?Elevate the look further by accessorising with gold jewellery and a statement handbag. Then you’ll have the balance just right between tough army references and serious runway-worthy appeal.

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Satin pleated midi skirt, €60 at Topshop
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Glossy bomber jacket, €39.95 at Zara
Capped sleeve cotton and linen-blend trench coat, Helmut Lang, €910 at matchesfashion.com
Short-sleeved playsuit, Suncoo, €120 at BT2
Striped jumpsuit, €265 at maje.com

 

Long-sleeved dress, Selected Femme, €89.95 at Arnotts

 

Cropped trousers with trims, €88 at cosstores.com