May 22, 2020 at 09:00AM The fashion industry isn’t just a frivolous occupation. Despite family, friends and acquaintances asking me with more frequency than I care to admit, it’s not The Devil Wears Prada or Ugly Betty. Yes, people do wear the latest designer bags and our wardrobes can seem excessive. I may have even seen an editor or three have a meltdown, but fashion is so much more than expensive clothes. Fashion is the place where history, culture and art meet. It is representative of people, places and important moments in time. It denotes seismic changes in society and gives a means of expression to people who feel marginalised. This isn’t hyperbole—fashion has often been a route for women to gain emancipation. In the ’60s, hemlines became progressively shorter. While they had been rising for some time, it collided with an important time for women and the introduction of the birth control pill in 1961. Mary Quant even said it was the beginning of women’s liberation movement. Punk, grunge, emo and countless other trends that eventually went mainstream all started as counter-cultures helping to represent those who felt they didn’t have a voice. More than ever it is looking inward and wondering how it can help others. The past 15 years have seen the exponential rise of fast fashion and has cemented the fashion industry as one of the most polluting in the world. But if there is a silver lining to find during the global pandemic, it’s that this has encouraged
Tag: Who What Wear
5 Beauty-Obsessed Women on How They Keep Their Skin Looking Youthful
May 22, 2020 at 06:30AM There are few things I love more than talking to people about their beauty routines. I love to find out what cleansers people are using, what serums they swear by and what skincare secrets they have been sat on. Sure, I love hearing from lots of different people with lots of different skin types, but the people I love speaking to the most? Those with mature skin, but undeniably youthful complexions. You see, few things get people talking more passionately than the topic of skin ageing. And sure, we know that a huge amount of ageing is down to genetics, however, we can’t ignore the fact that there are a handful of women who appear to possess some sort of Benjamin Button–style gift. So in a bid to demystify this apparent anti-ageing phenomenon, I spoke to some of those most fresh-faced women in beauty to uncover their secrets. “At the age of 25, I didn’t even know what skincare was. But for the last 12 years or so, I have really been focusing on anti-ageing and glow-giving ingredients. I want to age well and good! Now, I always double cleanse in the morning and evening. I do also go for skin treatments, and I really recommend going to see a skin therapist who will give you a programme to fit your skin. It’s important to never skip your routine—not even when you fall asleep on the sofa after a few glasses of wine! My other top
This Is Without a Doubt My Most Complimented Perfume Ever
May 22, 2020 at 06:30AM My perfume collection is beyond excessive. Every time I come across a new fragrance that I like, I add it to my perfume shelf. And I use the term “shelf” loosely as approximately six months ago my collection outgrew its shelf and I am now apparently the kind of person that has a perfume “cupboard.” I expect that if I were to actually count the number of bottles in the said cupboard, the final figure would be somewhere between 50 and 60. And I am not proud of that. And despite the fact my excessive collection is nothing to brag about, it is worth noting that my life-long obsession with scents has fine-tuned my nose. Because, while I possess many, I am still incredibly fussy. I like everything from florals and musks to ouds and spices (the only notes I truly detest are those that remind me of sweet foods), but within those categories? I am seriously fussy. My perfumes need to smell expensive without being overpowering, be strong enough that I can smell them on my sheets the next day but not so strong that they might offend someone in a lift and, most importantly, they need to smell fresh. Anyone that knows me knows that I would never leave the house without a spritz of perfume. In fact, I wear perfume on days when I don’t leave the house too. Because of this, I have understandably received many a compliment on my perfume of choice
8 Influencers Whose Homes Are (Almost) Chicer Than Their Wardrobes
May 22, 2020 at 06:06AM We’re used to seeing outfit pictures all over our feeds, but now influencers are inviting us into their homes, and we can’t RSVP quickly enough. Not only are they tagging their latest outfits, but many of fashion’s finest are also granting access to their chic abodes and tagging their interior buys as well. Now you can snap up their wardrobes and get their same homewares (sofa, cushions, and mirrors included). So we decided to round up the must-haves of Instagram’s chicest residencies. From large-scale furniture items to the small accessories that make a huge difference to the overall mood of a room, be prepared to want to shop not just their outfits but their home décor from here on out. Mid-century furniture is proving particularly popular right now, and influencers are helping to fuel the demand. While it’s always fun to shop for the real deal, it can be difficult to find intact sets, which is why we’ve got our eye on Monikh’s wishbone dining chairs. Vintage rugs help give sparse rooms character, which is exactly what Anne has done in her dining room. We’ll be investing in this style from John Lewis & Partners for a quick update. Are you even an influencer unless you own a Matilda Goad scallop-edge lampshade? We think not. While they come in a multitude of hues, we can see why Lucy opted for this neutral raffia option. Chances are you’ll recognise this sofa, as it’s commonplace in many
12 Bikini Sets You’ll Want to Wear All Summer, Even If You’re Not at the Beach
May 22, 2020 at 06:02AM While the idea of jetting off to a far-flung location and spending days on end by a sandy beach with crystal blue water or at a hotel pool with Aperol Spritz in hand might seem like an impossibility right now, there’s no denying that summer is on its way. And despite the fact that this year, summer is set to look entirely different. With travel out of the question and social distancing rules enforced, there’s no reason we shouldn’t make the best of our current situation. Yes, trips might be on hold, but planing your summer wardrobe for this year and the years ahead doesn’t have to be. That is why I’ve scoured the internet to find the best bikinis to wear on your balcony or in your backyard this summer. If you’re looking for a little summer bikini inspiration, influencer Lucy Williams has quite the collection. Filled with two-pieces by Peony Swim, Solid & Striped, Faithfull the Label and more, Williams’ swimwear wardrobe reads like a who’s who of buzzy up-and-coming brands. From triangle designs and underwire styles to high-waisted and cheeky cuts, keep scrolling for 12 sets of bikinis to wear this summer. Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know. Author Zoe Anastasiou | Whowhatwear Selected by CWC
How to Wear Denim Shorts and Still Look Like a Grown-Up
May 22, 2020 at 06:00AM For some reason, denim shorts have, to my mind, always been synonymous with a certain youthful brand of dressing. I imagine face-painted, festival-going teens in barely there cut-offs and crop tops or high-waisted styles thrown over itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny bikinis. They were not, however, something I associated with polish or grown-up glamour. Until now. While the key selling point of denim has always been its hard-wearing credentials and casual appeal (and no, Britney and Justin, it’s not red carpet–appropriate), there’s been a cohort of fashion lovers embracing an altogether more polished finish this season. The main point of difference seems to be the length, and many have been championing a longer style that sits high on the waist and ends mid-thigh. The effect is surprisingly chic. We know this is not necessarily the time to be attempting overcomplicated or uncomfortable ensembles, but there’s something to be said for giving new life to those wardrobe basics that have been stuck in a rut over the years. The 2020 denim-shorts outfits aren’t complicated, and they primarily look to grown-up accessories (raffia bags and elegant pumps), crisp tailoring and the odd date-night top to elevate this hard-wearing staple. Scroll down to get all the grown-up, denim-shorts inspo you need. Up Next: Your Guide to the Key Trends for Summer 2020 Author Joy Montgomery | Whowhatwear Selected by CWC
8 Outfits You Can Re-Create Without Spending Any Money
May 22, 2020 at 06:00AM Over the last few weeks, we’ve been calling upon you, our lovely readers, to tell us exactly what it is you’re looking for from Who What Wear during these strange times. Alongside plenty of calls for fashion-based escapism, wardrobe basics and at-home beauty, we also got inundated with requests for how to mix up your style without spending a penny. Well, you ask and it shall be given. It’s all too easy to become apathetic to those old faithfuls that have been hanging in your wardrobes for years. Once they’ve lost the shiny appeal of newness, they can fade into the background and become part of the sartorial wallpaper. However, in our experience, all these items need is a little re-contextualising, something to take them out of their stagnancy and help them to be reinvigorated with a newfound appeal. Trust us—even the most run-of-the-mill basics can look fresh with the right styling. I did a bit of digging and found eight outfits in particular that I’m going to be re-creating this season with items I already have in my wardrobe. I have purposefully stuck to simple pairings so you can easily adapt to your needs. It’s all about being creative and trying new combinations. Highlights include everything from easy double denim and the summer-ready top-and-skirt duo to chic tonal dressing and smart-casual tailoring. Scroll down to see my full edit. Up Next: The 9 Pieces That Caught My Eye This Week Author Joy Montgomery | Whowhatwear Selected by
9 Summer Microtrends That Will Spice Up Your Outfits
May 22, 2020 at 06:00AM “Trend” has become a dirty word of late, as we all endeavour to slow down the cyclical nature of fashion and try to shop more mindfully, avoiding anything that will date quickly. It’s a much needed change that should be high on the agenda of every fashion office in the world and is certainly impacting how I approach my own work every day. As a fashion editor, I feel a sense of responsibility about how I choose to write about trends and shopping, and certainly don’t want to give the impression that you should reinvent your wardrobe or style every six months. I promise “over” and “ditch” are words you’ll never see in my stories, and I’ll only feature items or styling tricks I really believe are worth investing in. The thing I find about microtrends, however, is that because they bubble under the surface, never becoming too saturated or mainstream, they tend to actually have a longer lifespan than most. They also tend to be a little more fun and playful, meaning they can be a great way to inject some personality into your trusty staples. After making a list of the nine microtrends I’ve seen popping up on my Instagram feed in the lead up to summer, I’ve noted three that really fit in with my own personal style and that I know I’ll wear for many summers to come. For me, I’m loving pretty daisy prints, linen shorts suits and picnic-rug prints. If you’re craving something fresh
The Lesser-Known Sandal Brand Every Fashion Girl Loves
May 21, 2020 at 09:00PM Sometimes, the unexpected trends turn out to be the best, and that’s certainly true of Velcro-strap sandals. Our obsession began last summer when a host of influencers started sporting them with everything from midi dresses to cropped jeans. Initially, Teva was the brand that proved victorious, as its black, minimalistic sandals proceeded to sell out within a couple of weeks. Then it was Suicoke sandals, which took the baton. Founded in 2006, the cult Japanese label had incongruous beginnings crafting small wooden ornaments before transitioning into footwear. Boasting foam soles and cushioned velcro straps, Suicoke swiftly gained momentum in its country of origin as a key name in the shoe world. Today, its international profile is continually growing, though it still remains relatively under the radar on Brit soil. Most recently, the brand has done a collab with one of our other favourite labels right now: Cecilie Bahnsen, who created a small range of floral-embellished Velcro sandals. Keep scrolling to see just some of the ways people are wearing their Suicoke sandals, and then shop our favourite pairs for yourself. Make like Adriana and stick to a muted colour palette to ensure your Suicoke sandals look sleek. Use them to give your tailored pieces a cool edge, much like Andria. They look just as good paired with dresses, as evidenced on Brittany. Coordinate a coloured pair of Suicoke sandals to your top like Katie for a look that’s instantly pulled together. We love how Ellie has clashed her purple Suicoke
Of Course, Rosie HW’s Take on Loungewear Is Seriously Chic
May 21, 2020 at 03:00PM Whether at an event or within the comfort of her own home, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley never ceases to dress with style. Proving just that this week, Whiteley took to Instagram to give her 11.1 million followers an insight into her home life, sharing a few images of herself in her loungewear and what she’s reading. As to be expected, we learned the model’s at-home attire is just as considered as her usual everyday outfits. While staying at home, Rosie opted to wear a sleek silk button-down shirt by Michael Lo Sordo (with several buttons undone to add to the relaxed feel) and paired the item with a chunky gold chain necklace. By the way of beauty, Whiteley styled her hair scraped back in a messy bun and little-to-no makeup. If you are looking for something a little smarter than a hoodie to wear at home (but for something just as comfortable as any loungewear), then a silky pyjama style shirt like Rosie’s is a keeper. The plus side is it’ll look put-together for any conference calls or Friday drinks on Houseparty. Keep scrolling to see Rosie’s loungewear look and then shop white shirts below. Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know. Author Zoe Anastasiou | Whowhatwear Selected by CWC