Summer fashion for 2018 is bold. Patterns are all the rage.
If you want to be fashion-forward this season, then it’s about investing in pieces that have a lot of “personality.”
Minimalism is still good but let it rest for a bit because that is not what this season is all about – even swimwear and makeup have decided to go wild and head the tribal or ethnic route.
Are you worried that this trend would be too busy for your everyday summer style? Do not be because you can tone down the prints and patterns with strategic mixing and matching.
Here are some of the easiest ways to rock ethnic-inspired fashion for your daily looks:
- Pair ethnic or tribal-inspired pieces with denim or chambray
Denim and chambray are perhaps the most versatile clothing materials because they can go with anything. You name it – corduroy, leather, organza, suede, velvet, plains, prints, lace – denim and chambray look good with them all.
And, if the denim or chambray piece has its own ethnic or tribal details – that will go even more beautifully with your ethnic-inspired piece. There will be a continuity of the concept, which will make the whole ensemble more polished.
- Accessorize with gold
When you have a loud pattern or print, it’s better to tame but class them up with gold. Chunky yellow gold necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings easily hold their own against graphic pieces like fashionable African-inspired outfits.
Quite the trend among models when it comes to gold jewelry is layered strands of necklaces, which accentuate necklines, and universally flattering simple good hoop earrings. So, if you want your tribal-inspired OOTD to look hip and classy, try this accessorizing trend as well.
- Use a structured piece
If you want tribal prints to look work-appropriate, pair them up with something structured like a blazer or trousers. This will make for a colorful boho-chic ensemble.
Also, when you wear a nice, fitted blazer over an ethnic-inspired dress or top, you can experiment more with accessories to amp up the look.
From the jewelry to your bag and shoes, you can be more adventurous with your choices. Some of the really stylish pieces to consider are a purse with fringe, sandals with chunky heels, and big colorful earrings.
- Wear a plain scarf
Scarves provide necessary color blocking to clothing with prints and patterns, say veteran fashion stylists. Plus, they can be styled numerous ways to achieve the specific look you want.
You can wear a scarf around your neck. Or, let the two ends hang down your torso freely or secure it in place with a skinny belt for a faux vest or cardigan look.
- Alter the shape of your tribal-inspired outfit
African-inspired dresses and tops that tend to be a little loose and shapeless can look more casual and flattering when you alter their shape. There are several ways for you to do so.
- Cinch them around the waist with a belt.
- Wear a jacket over them. Even a loose denim jacket can make a shapeless kaftan or maxi dress more slim-fitting. If a jacket is too heavy and hot, opt for a vest.
- Tuck. An oversized top can look sexy when tucked into a pair of skinny jeans.
- Use a pin or brooch to gather extra material. This is an easy and fun way to make loose pieces flatteringly asymmetrical.
- Let it be a statement piece
Tribal-inspired pieces are not limited to clothes, they also come in footwear and other accessories like bags, sunglasses, and of course, jewelry. Incorporate these into your conventional pieces and automatically amp up simple ensembles for work, or for meeting with your friends.
Yes to vibrant ethnic inspirations!
With all these styling tips, you do not have to worry about looking too editorial (or visually “loud”) when you sport vibrantly colorful ethnic-inspired clothing this summer. All these can polish and refine the trend so it’s more accessible for everyday wear.
AUTHOR BIO
Ethiopian-born and Dubai-based fashion designer Feiruza Mudessir discovered her curiosity to mix the traditional with contemporary at a young age, and this has become the trademark of her designs today. When you slip into one of Feiruza’s creations, you can almost hear the rhythms of Africa, the beats of India and the vibrancy of Dubai – this distinctive and colourful mélange is just what Finchitua is about.