The ‘Stylish Slapdash’ Trend Makes No Sense, But That’s The Point
For as long as I can remember, the idea of matching the different elements of your outfit together has been something of a no-brainer. ‘Don’t pair gold with silver’, ‘only use one pop of colour at a time’ – you know the sayings. And while some might view these fashion rules as limiting, for others, they’re tried-and-tested formulas for fail-safe outfits. One of the latest trends coming to the fore in the fashion scene, though, is embracing the total opposite: outfits that don’t match at all…
The most recent example of the trend taking over was Copenhagen Fashion Week. Perhaps it’s Scandi girls’ irreverance that gives the look an air of conviction when snapped in street-style shots, but I now find myself considering trying the oxymoronic, stylishly slapdash approach.
You’ll likely recall the ‘wrong shoe theory’ that did the rounds last year—the idea of clashing shoes to give your outfits an edge—but this is the next iteration, where everything is in contrast.
The colours might be opposing, or see hyperfemine pieces paired with more masculine elements. The result? An effortless and playful approach to dressing, which translates as sartorial shorthand for ‘don’t overthink it’.
An effortless and playful approach to dressing, which translates as sartorial shorthand for ‘don’t overthink it’.
One of the most recognisable Scandi brands of the moment, Ganni, cites ‘constant contrast’ as one of their key design principles. Over at Marimekko, the FROW was littered with bold floral puffy dresses that sat alongside utilitarian worker boots and oversized boxy shirting.
Outside the shows and across our Instagram feeds, the pick ‘n’ mix aesthetic proves to be alive and well. After all, isn’t the ability to pull off something that looks completely… random, the ultimate cool girl flex?
But when you look a bit deeper, I think you’ll find that this trend says more about the shifting approach to fashion as something is truly unique and personal, throwing out any archaic ‘rulebooks’ in favour of wearing, literally, whatever you want. And I have to admit, it really works (even though it technically shouldn’t).
I have to admit, it really works (even though it technically shouldn’t)
Plus, in a more practical sense, eclectic and random outfit combinations are certainly one way to exponentially increase the cost-per-wear potential of your entire wardrobe.
As for whether you try the stylish slapdash trend, I’ll leave that up to you.
Whichever way you look at it, eclectic and random outfit combinations are certainly one way to exponentially increase the cost-per-wear potential of your entire wardrobe.