Wondering how to style the season’s hottest street style trends? We make it easy – ELLE’s Junior Fashion Stylists, Veronna Parikh and Devika Wahal took a 15 day challenge – here’s what happened.
Day 1
Challenge: Double denim
Denim is having a major moment, but you already know that! Wear denim on denim and make double the impact. Layering is always a good idea – it can take you from day to night with absolute ease. Just add a red pout! Too hot to layer? Beat the heat in an airy oversized denim shirt and skinnies.
From left to right – On Devika: Denim shirt, denim jeans; both Zara. Canvas sneakers, Arsing. Leather tote, H&M. Metal sunnies, Ray-ban. On Veronna: Knit top, Atmosphere. Denim jacket, Pepe Jeans. Denim jeans, Zara. Leather belt, Michael Kors Collection. Leather shoes, thrifted. Embroidered leather clutch, Turquoise and Gold. Metal sunnies, Jabong.com. Metal watch, Charming Charlies
Day 2
Challenge: Khaki
Everyone from Alia Bhatt to Athiya Shetty has been sporting khaki. Put your own twist to the army basic – wear a jumpsuit or throw on a khaki tank. A khaki parka could be a good investment too (plus here’s some more inspo so you can nail the trend).
From left to right – On Veronna: Cotton jumpsuit, Forever 21. Leather pumps, BCBG Max Azria. Leather backpack, Fatface UK. On Devika: Cotton tank, Forever 21. Denim jeans, Zara. Leather backpack, PullandBear
Day 3
Challenge: Boyfriend Jeans
When in doubt, borrow from the boys. The denim basic may as well be your best friend. What started off as a trendy item in almost every girl’s wardrobe has replaced its skinny half sibling as the new staple. Comfy, practical and right on trend – what’s not to love? Dress it down or dress it up, depending on your mood. Not one to give baggy jeans a go? try patchwork denims maybe?
From left to right – On Veronna: Cotton bodysuit, Zara. Denim jeans, Forever 21. Leather shoes, Aldo. On Devika: Cotton shirt, denim jeans; both Zara. Leather shoes, Steve Madden. Leather belt, H&M. Metal sunglasses, Ray-Ban
Day 4
Challenge: Athleisure
It’s absolutely acceptable to wear your athletic wear all day. And yes, it goes beyond your yoga pants – we’re talking jersey tees, cool kicks and jumpers. Here’s how you can dress them up for a day at work and then cocktails after.
From left to right – On Veronna: Cotton sweater, adidas Originals. Georgette skirt, Zara. Leather shoes, thrifted. Suede sling, Bershka. On Devika: Cotton top, leather shoes; both adidas Originals. Denim jeans, Zara
Day 5
Challenge: Tailor made
Put a twist on your regular tailored wear – try suspenders or add a feminine element. Maybe a pop of colour to brighten up a dull day. Who said workwear was boring?
From left to right – On Devika: Cotton top, H&M. Cotton trousers, vintage. Leather sandals, Zara. Leather tote, Chanel. On Veronna: Silk top, Papaya Clothing. Cotton suspenders, vintage. Leather pumps, Alexander McQueen. Leather tote, Kate Spade New York
Day 6
Challenge: Monochrome
When all else fails, go back to your basics. Monochrome is pretty much fool proof. Here’s some inspo.
From left to right: On Veronna: Silk culottes, cotton top; both Zara. Suede shoes, thrifted. On Devika: Cotton t-shirt, Cotton pants; both Forever 21. Leather sandals, Charles and Keith
Day 7
Challenge: Body-con
Channel your inner Kim K and give body-con a go. Fitted figure hugging dresses or skirts with crop tops, take your pick!
From left to right – On Devika: Cotton body-con dress, H&M. Leather sandals, Steve Madden. On Veronna: Cotton top, Forever 21. Cotton-stretch skirt, Zara. Leather pumps, BCBG Max Azria
Day 8
Challenge: ’90s grunge
High-waisted denims – check. Bodysuits – check. Boots – check. Plaid shirt – check check. Love ’90s everything.
From left to right – On Devika: Cotton top, Forever 21. Cotton shirt, denim jeans; both Zara. Leather sling, Steve Madden. On Veronna: Cotton bodysuit, Zara. Cotton shirt, New Look. Denim jeans, H&M. Leather boots, Guess. Leather sling, Forever New
Day 9
Challenge: Slip dresses
Slip into another ’90s staple – wear your slip dress as it is or layer up à la Kendall Jenner.
From left to right – On Devika: Silk dress, vintage. Leather flats, thrifted. On Veronna: Cotton t-shirt, Cynthia Rowley. Leather slip dress, Zara. Leather shoes, thrifted. Suede choker, Forever 21
Day 10
Challenge: Off shoulder
Celebrities are proof that shoulders are the new black. You can dress it down for the day with denim or throw it on over a pencil skirt.
From left to right – On Devika: Cotton top, cotton skirt; both thrifted. Leather flats, New Look. On Veronna: Linen top, Zara. Denim jeans, H&M. Leather tote, Accessorize
Day 11
Challenge: Stripes
Stripes stormed the runways this season in every possible style – some ran horizontal while others vertical; thick lines to super skinny ones. Stripes have gone far beyond the classic navy-and-white nautical ones we all love, and have a more statement-making appeal. Get a head start on the trend.
From left to right: On Devika: Cotton bodysuit, Zara. Cotton maxi skirt, thrifted. Leather sandals, Forever 21. On Veronna: Knit dress, French Connection. Suede heels, Carlos Santana
Day 12
Challenge: Boho
Nothing better to beat the heat than some airy clothes. Join the hippie-fest and pick from our favourite boho styles – a white shirt dress and a scarf or a crochet jacket that’s also fit for coachella!
From left to right – On Devika: Cotton dress, Zara. Cotton scarf, pero by Aneeth Arora. On Veronna: Cotton tank, knit skirt; both Forever 21. Crochet jacket, H&M
Day 13
Challenge: Smart layers
Layering can be fun…even when you are faced with soaring temperatures. Steer away from the regular – try a crop top over a shirt or layer a fitted corset over one.
From left to right – On Veronna: Silk shirt, denim jeans; both Forever 21. Silk corset, vintage. Leather pumps, Alexander McQueen. On Debika: Silk shirt, knit crop top, Lycra leggings, leather pumps; all vintage
Day 14
Challenge: Florals
Florals for spring may not be ‘ground-breaking’ – in Miranda Priestly’s words but they’re definitely here to stay. The runways were blooming with the pretty print – from paisley to bold colourful options. Time to try it out on the streets.
From left to right – On Veronna: Georgette shirt, Postfold.com. Denim jeans, Zara. Leather wedges, Charles & Keith. On Devika: Silk dress, Promod. Canvas sneakers, H&M
Day 15
Challenge: Orange
Orange definitely is the colour of the season. Pack in that extra punch and sport the colour in all its hues. The brighter, the better!
From left to right – On Devika: Cotton top, printed denims; both Forever 21. On Veronna: Cotton dress, thrifted. Silk and leather wedges, Charles & Keith
You may also want to read: These real girls make raincoats cool again
