Street style: a specific fashion style which comes from British fashion culture. A comprehensive approach to fashion and produces styles which intersect and differ from mainstream fashion considerations.
What do the street style photographers normally look for? Labels? Trends? A sense of confidence and originality? A 'celeb face'? Has street style lost its meaning and power? Are we looking out for women and men who embody the original meaning of 'style being built from the streets' or are we looking out for branding and for people who just happen to be carrying the right bag of the moment?
Is it just a well placed advert the bloggers or celebs are wearing or are they inspired, curated pieces which enlighten your senses to a new way of looking at fashion and the world? Fashion has always been connected to status, but it was also about something else: being unique, showing off wonderful fabrics, cuts, details and designs. It is not and was not simply about "being able to afford x." But somewhere out there, far away from the street style posts from fashion weeks in major cities, there are looks which have not yet been absorbed by designers in search of inspiration or picked up by neighborhood entrepreneurs looking to serve as 'fashion ambassadors/influencers' to the broader public. Their looks are personal, a little bit off centre, thoughtful and maybe provocative... or... completely (gasp!) off trend.
In the meantime, let's focus on how to become 'spotted': the centre of the camera's attention.
Tips on how to become a Street Styler:
1. Know your own angles when posing for a selfie - you never know when you could get caught taking one.
2. Be bold and shine with your personal tastes with fashion. It's always better to be yourself than a copy of someone else.
3. It never hurts to pretend to look busy on your phone. A street styler is always captured in action!
4. Wear exciting and off-beat accessories. These sunglasses are top!
5. If you do look at the camera, go with the straight on pose. As if you were just having a conversation and it might have been interrupted.
6. Frills are magical. So are onesies.
7. Normally sequins are a thing of the past, but if you're going to wear something with shine, then be sure that it has an interesting pattern.
8. Simple cuts and clean lines never go out of fashion.
9. Dress to please yourself, not others. Be confident in what you've put on.
10. Size up your jacket/blazer. The shoulder line of the jacket should always come off the edge of your shoulder. When it is too small, you've got yourself a problem.
11. Support local designers and showcase their brand. It's great exposure for them and is fun to wear.
12. Get your suits tailored and wear colours! Black is classic, but how exciting are these women with their pops of colours?!
13. Wear monochrome (but not just black)
14. Mix designer with alternative pieces - looks more interesting and not like you've just borrowed an outfit off a mannequin.
15. Have fun with your friends and enjoy fashion week!
Photos property of BCEFW and Modern Revival
