Budget Fashion
Paint Splatters: British Style on a Budget
Who’d have thought that your old paint-splattered t-shirt reserved only for DIY could become the trendiest item in your wardrobe? This season, designers have delved into their paint boxes and splattered blouses, dresses, skirts and pants with Pollock-like prints.
Ad hoc expressionist designs were kept chic on simple shift dresses at Chloé, and Marios Schwab featured vivid prints on floaty chiffon dresses with edgy cut-out detailing, whilst Pringle of Scotland showcased A-line frocks fit for summer garden parties in fabrics decorated with delicate, crayon-like scribbles. Clashing is a big style statement this summer, as seen at Dries Van Noten, who set off dripping paint-patterned skirts with blouses featuring magnified florals. And it looks like this isn’t a one-season wonder, with gorgeous ombre prints crossing over into Fall, at Christian Lacroix.
Bring out the art student within by opting for a top in a popping paint splatter print, such as this one, £18 ($36) from Topshop, or pick up this vest for £9.99 ($20) in the Urban Outfitters sale. Tick all the boxes with this scribbly dress from Miss Selfridge (£28/$56) complete with this season’s drop waist. Put your best foot forward in these paint-splattered Converse sneakers, on sale for £25 ($50) at ASOS, or better yet, do it yourself with some fabric paints from your local hardware store, and wear your art on your sleeve, literally.
Seventies: British Style on a Budget
Fashionistas are raiding the attic for high-waisted flares, kitten bow blouses, fringed vests and wooden platforms, as designers embraced seventies retro.
Trust Biba (the famous British high street store that opened in the 60s and has since been relaunched) to channel the best vintage vibe, with high-waisted, wide-leg pants, paisley kitten bow blouses, jaunty berets, and flowy maxi dresses. 70s hippie chic was also a big look at Derek Lam, who showcased very wearable chiffon blouses with retro balloon sleeves and fringed leather bags hung nonchalantly on the shoulder. Other designers opted for a clean-cut Riviera style: models at DKNY were monochromatic in white flares and black floppy hats, Diane von Furstenberg favoured the glamorous headscarf-and-bug-eye-sunglasses combo, and every fashion editor wanted to get their hands on D&G’s quintessentially 70s high-waisted indigo flares.
The 70s was all about denim, denim and more denim, so don’t be afraid to wear it head-to-toe. Try a vintage-look denim waistcoat, like this one, £30 ($59) from Topshop, or go all out with this button-up jumpsuit: we think Farah Fawcett would approve. Wear your 70s flares (which are all over the British high street this season) with a kitten bow blouse: TBF loves this one, £35 ($69) from French Connection. Finish off the look with the must-have accessories: a floppy hat (this straw version, £18 ($36) from Accessorize is perfect) and a pair of super-high wedges, like these from Peacocks, at an unbeatable £12 ($24).
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