6 styles we loved from Paris Fashion Week street style SS17

The season’s key looks are equally defined by the catwalks at Paris Fashion Week and the street style outside the shows. This year street style gave the industry plenty to fall in love with and plenty to play with for the months ahead. Paris Fashion Week street style was all about the detail – both in the clothes and the accessories paired with them, in that uniquely Parisian chic vibe. The focus was on understated glam, relying upon a few key pieces to take looks to the next level. We spy flat shoes, statement skirts, micro-bags, balance creating coats and just enough texture and colour mixed in for the perfect street style recipe.

1 All about flats

Fashion’s tendency to favour sky high heels seems a distant past at Paris Fashion Week as the practical, but never boring, flat proved its power. Everything from brogues, loafers, slippers, slides, block kitten heels and low boots were everywhere to be seen. A statement flat will be the focal point of the outfit, so pair with just above the ankle slacks of cigarette pants to make sure they aren’t missed, otherwise, take advantage of the casual chic feel and let the rest of the outfit do the talking.

2 The micro bag

Good things come in small packages and the micro bag proved its street style necessity with all its mini power. Structured bags, totes and satchels were clearly left in the hotel suit in favour of something manageable and understated but with all the bold personality Paris loves. The classic Chanel flap bag made an appearance, mini backpacks were slung over one shoulder, mini toes (and we mean seriously mini), envelope purses and box clutches housed fashion week goers’ bare essentials.

3 Largescale texture

Texture is sure fire way to create depth and complexity in an outfit to elevate it to fashion week worthy. Paris Fashion Week street style this year took texture to a whole new level. We spy fur shoes which resemble the creature they were most likely inspired by, tassels for days and plenty of fringed trims. Combine texture with simple basics to create layers of interest and intricacy in otherwise basic ensembles – and don’t forget accessories come with their own layer of texture as well.

4 Statement skirts

It was all about the statement skirt at Paris Fashion Week this season. We saw mini skirts with 70’s fringing, pencil skirts in metallic colour block, and maxis that created unconventional long lines. A stand out skirt was balanced with contrasting textures – metallic worn with fur, leather worn with knitwear.

5 The return of colour

Some would argue colour, or in the case of Paris, pink, never left, but enjoyed a renaissance at Paris Fashion Week this season. From whole outfits in bold colours, to a splash strategically placed to tone down an edgy bomber jacket, or an accessory pop – colour was used deliberately and confidently. Pick one bold colour and add it strategically throughout an outfit to create continuity. For the more colour-conservative, choose an accessory, shoe or a fabulous jacket in one bold colour and build your outfit around it.

6 The balancing outerwear

Besides the obvious practical necessity a good coat in Paris at this time of year, outerwear on the streets of Paris Fashion Week was as much a climate essential as a style essential. Outfits were polished off by statement coats and jackets as a key finishing touch. Coats were worn to create balance in the look – a basic outfit is brought to life with something unexpected thrown over the top, while a classic blazer gave the OTT ensemble that much needed reality check.

Photography: Jiawa Liu | Words: Emma Clarke

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