Light and bright: 12 ways to freshen up your street style

A light and bright spaghetti-strap top or mini dress worn by itself lends a cute peekaboo effect. PHOTOS: LOUIS VUITTON, HARPER'S BAZAAR SINGAPORE

This article first appeared in Harper's Bazaar Singapore, the leading fashion glossy on the best of style, beauty, design, travel and the arts. Go to harpersbazaar.com.sg and follow @harpersbazaarsg on Instagram; harpersbazaarsingapore on Facebook. The April 2021 issue is out on newsstands now.


SINGAPORE - Gracia Phang highlights sartorial ways to embrace warmer days ahead, from sheer dresses to fancy flip-flops.

1. Cherry on top

Blame the late Brazilian samba singer-actress Carmen Miranda - known for her signature fruit hat outfit she wore in her films - if you must. But there is no denying the delightful nostalgia of fruit-themed jewellery.

Add the accessory to your everyday wardrobe for a touch of cheer and whimsy, and pile on strands of beads if you want to go all fiesta chica.

2. On the flip side

PHOTO: ROGER VIVIER

Flip-flops or thongs are no longer for just the beach or a quick pop to the shops.

Stella McCartney, Kenzo and Valentino have put their spin on the casual footwear - be it meadow flowers for a free-spirited take, a cushier rainbow-hued sole for ultimate comfort, or rock studs for a fancy detail.

3. Spring knits

PHOTO: LOUIS VUITTON

Knits are not only meant for the cold. A light and bright spaghetti-strap top or mini dress worn by itself lends a cute peekaboo effect, while pairing it with other wardrobe classics offers a personable twist.

4. Sheer delight

PHOTO: FENDI

A lightness of being is what this season has to offer with its array of sheer looks that serve up romance in spades. Fendi paired a streamlined frock with a bodysuit in a contrasting hue, while Loewe presented a dress with a white overlay that enveloped the body like a cloud.

5. Water parade

PHOTO: FARFETCH

Save the turtles and ditch plastic mineral water bottles for one of these multi-use bottles and holders, which are as stylish as they are practical.

6. Pretty little things

PHOTO: VERSACE

Anklets are having a resurgence and it is time to make your feet bling.

Take your cue from Versace and dress up your strappy heels with a gilded chain, or opt for a darling lace-like sparkler from Miu Miu.

7. Birds of a feather

PHOTO: FARFETCH

Live vicariously through your clothes with feather-trimmed separates that fly in the face of these travel-less days.

Pair it with a duvet-like coat like at Fendi or embody bohemia in a luxurious Saint Laurent robe-dress.

8. Let loose

PHOTO: CHANEL

Get comfy with this season's trousers, which are relaxed and hang off the hips.

At Chanel, the roomy number was balanced with a tiny bandeau, while Tod's revisited the 1980s with an update on parachute pants.

9. Chain reaction

PHOTO: CALITHO

Hermes' newest Nantucket timepiece sees the House melding two of the brand's icons into a modern work.

Henri d'Origny's distinctive silhouette, created in 1991, is now paired with an update of Robert Dumas' 1938 Chaine d'ancre bracelet. The result is a watch that exudes subtle luxury, class and elegance.

10. In the clear

PHOTO: FENDI

See-through acetate frames are perfect for people wanting an understated look without having to compromise on style.

Add a touch of mystery with tinted ones that drip with retro-chic fun.

11. Take a bow

PHOTO: KOCHÈ

Pussybows add instant charm to the most casual of looks.

Use one to complete a scene-stealing Victorian blouse with puff sleeves, or add truant schoolgirl vibes through a velvet number.

12. Fancy this

PHOTO: FARFETCH

Get ready for your next Zoom meeting with the season's offering of statement collars that add oomph to your ensemble - both on screen and off.

Whether it is a Victorian-esque high, ruffled collar for a formal look, or an oversize panel-like one for a more rustic effect, they guarantee unforgettable face time.

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