Before we dive into my guide to street style accessories, maybe we should start with answering, what is street style? Not wanting to sound like I’ve just left a sociology class muttering about youth subcultures, this is a look that is sometimes easier to visualise rather than put into words.
Never shy of a challenge, I’ve articulated 8 elements of a street style look. However, for the visual among you Vogue captured the street style looks from the most recent fashion week, courtesy of photographer Phil Oh, who snapped up who was wearing what. Here are just four looks from the streets of Paris, New York, London and Milan.
One could argue a street style look has the presence of one of the following:
- denim – at the moment flared or straight, frayed hem jeans
- white trainers – or sneakers for our North American readers
- colour blocking – this could be in the form one colour per item or accent stripes
However, most would agree that it is casual (think a chunky jumper), sometimes oversized (think loose fitting), definitely not fussy (maybe half tucked in shirt) and it has definitely moved on from athleisure.
Overall, it is a mix not a matched outfit, not just in fabric and prints but high street and designer labels. With the ever popular street style fashion the bag that you carry must love this look’s urban routes. Don’t let your handbag let your street style down.
So let’s get to it, here’s the bag styles to channel like a reiki expert! If your street style features..
1.White trainers (or sneakers) – think athleisure inspired bag. The bag on the right below is from Valextra and will need to be pre-ordered as it is from the SS18 collection. The Furla is available now.
2. Colour blocking – think a bag with architectural features to stand out against the colour. All 3 designers here; Simon Miller, Roksanda, Aigner are available from stockists such as Net-A-Porter, Forzieri and Farfetch.
3. Soft flowing top, skirt or trousers – mix with strong shaped bags. Eudon Choi brings drama even with a curved silhouette and the triangle duffle from Balenciaga speaks for itself.
4. Jeans or double denim – contrast with a well known handbag designer such as Gucci or Chanel. If you are wearing a floral top under your demin jacket go Chanel. If have a plain top go floral with your bag – hello Sylvie from Gucci.
5. Fluffy or chunky knits – require some metal finishing on your bag. You are spoilt for choice as Dior, Prada and Valentino have studs across their ranges of bags.
6. 1990s retro – I read in Harpers Bazaar that street style is channelling the 1990s. Well if you want to rock this decade think Louis Vuitton monogram or a mini bag – modernise the mini bag with a Knot tote in silver.
7. Casual jackets – like a bomber, puffa or denim – go crossbody. Not any old crossbody bag but one that has an interesting shape, be it box or round. Both reasonably priced designers; Manu Atelier and pb0110 are good starting places.
8. Feel the need to go ironic – last but by no means least. Any street style outfit has the sense of the unorthodox – like a dress over jeans. Well bags can deliver this too. Take the Balenciaga Bazar shopper or most bags from Off White.
There you have it. 8 street style fashions and a guide to the bags which will rock your look. I hope you have enjoyed and please do add anymore bags to the comments below.
Header image is my own on a visit to Paris.
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