Category: on trend

3 New ways to wear black and white

Black and white is a classic combo in the fashion world, and when done right it’s the perfect balance of effortlessly chic and street-style cool.

There are few looks more chic, stylish and striking than the classic pairing of black and white. The bold contrast is eye-catching and sophisticated, taking minimalism to the maximum. We bring you three fresh ways to rock this universally flattering colour combination.

Play with texture

Textured fabrics will instantly add richness and dimension to your look. You can opt for an outfit with the same texture throughout, or mix fabrics such as boucle with silk or lace and leather. Be experimental to keep things interesting.

Merien Hall boucle suit jacket 599.95; Merien Hall sheer blouse 299.95; Merien Hall boucle pencil skirt 349.95; Accessorize crystal hoop earrings 499; Dune London kitten heel ankle boots 1999; Guess Gilmore satchel 1399  

Clash Prints

It sounds risky to wear contrasting black and white prints together, but when done correctly it creates a truly standout look. Black-and-white stripes are basically the neutral of prints and can be paired with almost any other black-and-white prints – floral, Aztec … you name it. That said, stripes and checks are the prints to combine this season.

Mango gingham blazer 949; Merien Hall striped shirt 349.95; Merien Hall flared leggings 299.95 SHOP NOW; Dune London side-stripe boots 2299

Accessorise with colour

While black and white is the main theme here, there’s certainly no rule against incorporating a pop of colour to your look. Jewellery, belts, bags and shoes in a bold shade will add a fun element to your outfit without compromising the sophistication of the black-and-white combo. Style tip: choose just one colour, such as red.

Merien Hall textured poncho 399.95; Merien Hall skinny leggings 299.95; Dune London quilted lock-feature bag 999; Hallmark box set watch and bracelets 599 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU pointed-toe stilettos 299.95 SHOP NOW

SHOP WOMEN

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.
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Match your winter style with your city: we’re looking at you Cape Town, Durban & Jozi

Dress to suit the kind of winter your city experiences, with different looks to keep you warm wherever you are in South Africa.

From city to city, the South African winter varies dramatically. Here, we focus on three major cities – Cape Town, Durban and Joburg – to make sure you’re dressed to suit your local weather – be it rain, wind, frost or snow. 

CAPE TOWN

Challenge: Rain, rain and more rain. Solution: Practical dressing.
If you live in Cape Town you’ll be well acquainted with a winter season dominated by cold, wet days, which means you need to think practically a lot of the time when it comes to dressing for your day ahead. Hooded and water-resistant jackets paired with denims and some killer boots should be considered your winter wardrobe staples.

Cape Town LOOK 1

Cape Town LOOK 2

DURBAN

Challenge: Humidity levels. Solution: Light layering.
Durban tends to be a bit warmer – and a lot more humid – than anywhere else in the country during the winter months. It’s chilly in the mornings but often heats up as the day progresses, making it tricky to know what to wear. Dress in layers for comfort and ease. A dress with a leather jacket or a puffer gilet that you can simply take off when you need is the perfect combo.

Durban LOOK 1

Durban LOOK 2

JOBURG

Challenge: Unpredictable but very cold weather. Solution: Heavy layering.
Joburg is famous for its dry and sunny yet bitterly cold winters. Like Durban, though, Joburg can warm up in the day – just without the humidity. For this reason, layering is key. Fur-lined gilets and jackets are great options, as is a parka jacket, all of which leave room for layering pieces.

Joburg LOOK 1

Joburg LOOK 2

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.
Photography: Andrè Wepener/Pixel Lounge. Styling: Rushana Burton
Getty Images

The Item: The Dad Sneaker

We break down why the biggest footwear trend of the season, the dad sneaker, is so cool.

Who knew your dad was so cool? The dad sneaker has hit peak fashion status among Instagrammers and top street style faves like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. 

WHY WE WANT THEM

The chunky style of the sneaker goes with everything, from your denims and favourite T-shirt to suits and formal dresses – and the ultimate bonus, they’re comfortable. We’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to the dad sneaker, which comes in bright and bold colour-blocked choices as well as neutral and monochromatic.

HOW TO WEAR THEM

Follow these styling tips that will inspire your cool and statement-making looks.

WITH YOUR PRETTIEST DRESS

Taking a pretty dress and styling it with your dad sneakers is a game changer, adding a sporty, casual and oh-so-cool element to your feminine look.

Jo Borkett floral dress 1399; Accessorize pearl hairpins 199; Free 2BU two-tone dad sneakers 399.95 SHOP NOW; socks stylist own

WITH JEANS AND A T

The blue jeans and sneaker look is as classic as they come. It’s a good idea to show off a little of your ankle when pairing our dad sneakers with pants so that you balance the chunky look and elongate your legs.

Free 2BU dad sneakers 349.95 SHOP NOW

WITH A SUIT

The suit and sneaker combination is a street style favourite. It’s business at the top and party at the bottom. Keep the rest of your look semi-formal, with the hemline of your trousers grazing the ankle.

Kelso checked pants 349.95; Free 2BU dad sneakers 399.95 SHOP NOW

WITH SOCKS

Add a little quirk to your usual everyday jeans-and-T look with a cute pair of socks that are different from your run-of-the-mill pair. We used sheer, metallic-stripe socks for a cute, feminine look.

Free 2BU rip and repair skinny jeans 299.95 SHOP NOW; Accessorize feather-detail hair clips 199; Shelley ankle socks 39.95; Free 2BU pastel dad sneakers 399.95 SHOP NOW

WITH STOCKINGS

You don’t have to wear heels on a date night. Instead, wear your trendy dad sneakers with the fishnet stockings you had planned on wearing for a sophisticated look with a sporty edge.

Jo Borkett leopard-print skirt 999; Shelley fishnet stockings 99.95; butterfly brooches 99.95 each; Steve Madden sneakers 1399

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

Fashion direction & production: Brittany Penebre. Photography: Jacobus/Hero Creative. Styling: Taugheedah Abdullah-Jacobs.

AW19 Lookbook: Colour & Print Trends

We highlight two of the biggest trends this season – mustard and animal print – and how you can get in on the action.

Two of the hottest trends this autumn/winter just happen to be two of our favourite obsessions at the moment – mustard and animal print. We dive into what we love most about these trends, and the best ways to wear them.

THE TRENDS ON OUR RADAR

Move over, millennial pink – mustard is where it’s at! First lauded as ‘Gen Z yellow’ by Man Repeller’s Deputy Editor Hayley Nahman, this sunny, unadulterated hue conveys feelings of zeal, optimism and hope, and isn’t showing signs of disappearing anytime soon. Pantone Color Institute announced ‘Aspen Gold’ as one of its colours for 2019, and soon after we witnessed the bright shade pop up on runways at shows by Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. Bright yellows pervaded at this year’s New York Fashion Week, and numerous celebrities followed suit, with Constance Wu channelling Beauty and the Beasts Belle with her yellow tulle dress to the 91st Academy Awards and Rachel Brosnahan sporting the same controversial colour at this year’s Golden Globe Awards.
On the print spectrum, leopard print has always been the go-to when it comes to sporting something a little bit wild and animalistic. However, this trend has evolved further than the leopard-print staple and in 2019, snakeskin is being taken for a test drive on catwalks and city streets around the world. Forming part of the runway trends for 2019, mustard and animal print are bang on-trend. We show you how to ace these trends.

HOW TO INCORPORATE THESE TRENDS INTO YOUR EVERYDAY WARDROBE

When introducing mustard to your wardrobe, it’s best worn with wine-red hues of burgundy, plum and maroon. Add a punch of mustard to your outfit in the form of leather boots, parkas, puffer jackets, plaid and retro corduroy button-down skirts. Being less flashy than its classic yellow cousin, mustard is an exciting alternative to the neutral tones that tend to dictate our autumn wardrobes. Keep your accessories minimal to let it take centre stage – this is a colour that doesn’t want to compete for attention.
MAX: JX lined-collar denim jacket 899.95; JX crew knit 299.95; D66 check suit pants 499.95; Dr. Martens embossed boots 3299.
DEJA: Free 2BU leopard-print shirt 229.95 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU PU leather skirt 299.95.
https://mag.edgars.co.za/2019/02/congrats-youve-found-hidden-patchwork.html
Free 2BU slouchy knit 229.95 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU leopard-print shirt 229.95 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU PU leather skirt 299.95; Free 2BU palm-leaf earrings 79.95; Free 2BU rings (part of set) 79.95; Free 2BU chunky combat boots 559.95 SHOP NOW

SHOP THE TREND

Animal print will soon become your new favourite neutral. Snakeskin trousers are taking the place of plaid and check pants, which usually serve as a dependable workwear staple. While it may seem a little out-there for some, this racy print works best with a clean-lined, tailored pair of pants that showcases a timeless silhouette and contrasts well against its loud nature. For the less brave, simply grab a clutch bag to pop against an all-black outfit or dip your toe into the trend with a pair of neutral-hued block-heeled snakeskin boots. The trick here is too choose items that pick up in the colours of the print. For example, classic snakeskin would work effortlessly with beige, grey, white and even mustard (layer a mustard jersey over a leopard print shirt) so don’t be afraid to pair the hot hue with animal print.
MAX: JX lined-collar denim jacket 899.95; JX crew knit 299.95; D66 check suit pants 499.95; Dr. Martens embossed boots 3299.
DEJA: Free 2BU leopard-print shirt 229.95 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU PU leather skirt 299.95.

SHOP THE TREND

QUICK-FIRE TIPS & TRICKS TO GETTING THESE TRENDS RIGHT

● Try not to wear either trend from top to bottom, unless you’re looking to make a specific fashion statement. If this is the case, then opt for a tailored pants suit.
● The key to pulling off animal print with class is all in the silhouette – steer clear of the print in items that are too short or tight, as you could veer into trashy territory.
● Pair animal print with solids. An animal print top with a pair of black cigarette pants says sophisticated rather than sleazy.
● Keep accessories minimal – let the colour and print do the talking.
● White and yellow are a match made in heaven. To emulate a curated urban streetwear look, pair mustard with crisp and clean white sneakers.
Fashion direction & production: Brittany Penebre. Photography: Paulo Touriero /Hero. Video: Roice Nel. Hair & make-up: Shahnaz Wels-Cola/SNCM & Kelly Paitaki/Gloss. Styling: Taugheeda Abdullah-Jacobs. Models: Max/Pulse, Lisa P/Fanjam, Deja/Boss. Written by Emma Follett-Botha.

5 #BreakOutFashion trends from this week’s runway show

We break down all the major trends you can expect to see this winter, and it comes from a reliable source – the runway.

Earlier this week in Sandton, Edgars showcased the hottest looks for AW19 at the #BreakOutFashion show. Fashion maven Nkgabiseng Motau was there to report the trends – here’s her roundup.

I’m sitting in the perfect spot: the second row at a trendy fashion show. It’s not too far away from the glam A-listers and it’s not FROW (front row), where I know I would be panicking because my outfit is not custom-made. I’m here to see the launch of the Edgars’ autumn/winter 2019 collection – the first of its kind. I’m sitting with my phone in the air and my jaw on the floor… What a feast for the eyes! But I must not get distracted – I have a job to do. I am looking for the biggest upcoming trends for the new season.

Unexpected fabric pairing

The rule of thumb for fabrics, as told by the runway, is that there are no rules. I see stretchy athletic fabrics appear alongside chunky winter knits and denim jackets. I want to liken it to a frozen yogurt stand; the variety of fabrics represent all the toppings. You can choose to keep it simple or go wild; it’s all up to you. Imagine houndstooth leggings with sporty stripes down the centre… Sound too good/unique/fun/outrageous to be true? Don’t despair, you can grab a pair from JX. I also notice the pairing of heavy fabrics such as denim, (faux) fur and leather with light fabrics such as chiffon, cotton and tulle. Whip on a pair of utility boots with a wispy skirt and a chunky knit sweater and you’re chic, honey! Minimal use of fabric is also a vibe, so if you’re more into matchy-matchy sets, then worry not, throwing on a two-piece is still hot.

Print is here to stay

Are you ready to live on the wild side? If not, get ready because animal print is back, and in more imaginative ways than ever before. Leopard print is paired with versatile items from the puffy bomber jacket to the delicate blouse. The print can be worn in moderation by adding a small piece to a muted ensemble, or in abundance like an entire outfit of just animal print. I’m loving all the clashing of prints as well. Forget what the fashion police said, you can mix prints! Plaid, houndstooth and stripes should all make an appearance in your wardrobe this coming winter. This is a brave new season for prints.

Fashion of the 70s, 80s and 90s 

The ’70s, ’80s and ’90s called, and they want their fashion back – but we’re keeping it! I’m seeing pieces from each era on the runway right before me – pick and choose from one era or mix and match your favourite pieces; it’s all cool. Funky ’70’s stripes and moody tones; athletic combinations poached from the ’90s; and even the wonderful pleated A-line skirts of the ’80s are yours. I’ve fallen in love with the wispy printed dress I see before me, worn with a yellow beret befitting of Pantone’s identified colour trend of Aspen Gold  – the look was the perfect mix of eras.

Bold and bright colour

It looks like the sun hasn’t set on yellow just yet. Having been a huge colour in summer as predicted by Pantone, the colour is here to stay. I saw yellow on the red carpet shortly before the runway show began and now I see it before me on the runway models – whether in small splashes or full suits, this colour is here to brighten up the winter. If you’re looking to make a similar colour statement, look no further than D66’s range of suits in the trendy burnt orange, another sun-inspired hue that is set to challenge the chill of winter. If you’re more conservative and in-your-face colour isn’t your thing, muted tones are still all the rage. White paired with grey lush, heavy coats and suit jackets make for a cool, sophisticated winter look that is definitely #BreakOutFashion.

Athleisure is the future

And the award goes to athleisure! Move out frumpy sweats and make way for this sleek sporty trend. Athleisure is still dominating and the go-to way to wear athletic clothes (other than to work-out, of course). A combination of comfort and cool, it offers wearers a chance to mention leggings and a formal shirt in the same sentence. I must have missed the memo; attendees of the show are somewhat matching the altheisure looks seen on the runway – mixing cycling shorts and hoodies with heels, and T-shirts and sneakers with suit jackets. This is definitely my #BreakOutFashion trend of the night.
https://mag.edgars.co.za/2019/02/congrats-youve-found-hidden-patchwork.html

When they said ‘winter is coming’ I had no idea they meant it would be this stylish! Edgars shelves are filled with this wonderful new collection from brands Kelso, Free2BU, Stone Harbour and JX, among many others. I’ve spotted favourite international brands like Levi’s, Puma and Calvin Klein too. Now, if you will excuse me, I have all the notes I need gathered in one place – my shopping list.

Written by: Nkgabiseng Motau

South Africa’s most stylish celebs walked the red carpet at Edgars’ #BreakOutFashion show this week

See all the looks celebrities and influencers wore on the red carpet to Edgars’ Break Out runway show

On Wednesday 27 March, Edgars transformed its famous red square into a glamorous red carpet for the #BreakOutFashion show. We sent fashion maven Nkgabiseng Motau to rub shoulders with the country’s most stylish celebs and influencers, to find out what they were wearing (of course!), and to ask them what #BreakOutFashion means to them. Here’s her report.

The stars who rocked the red carpet

When a red carpet comes out, there’s no doubt it brings with it high fashion and gorgeous people. We saw the likes of Jessica Nkosi, Lerato Kganyago, Roxy Burger and the cutest little star, Dj Arch Jnr, to name a few. It was obvious to all there that the shining couple was rapper Priddy Ugly and his partner actor Bontle Modiselle. Also in attendance were star influencers LexLeo AKA denstist to the stars AKA Dr Smile, Siphokazi Veti, Tshepi Vundla and Nikiwe Dlova.

Red carpet fashion at its best

It was a scene full of glamour and ‘oh yes, honey’. Jessica and Lerato both glowed in yellow (trend alert), with Jessica in a flirty floral number and Lerato in a bright power suit. Yellow is the colour right now and its made a bold entrance this winter both on red carpets and on Edgars’ runway. As for the men, LexLeo and the show’s host, Kat Sinivasin, both looked dapper in monotone suits of maroon and navy, and showed us exactly how to nail the tonal suited look.

Where was this and why wasn’t I there?

The exclusive runway show was attended by invited guests and was held at Edgars’ flagship store in Sandton City. The space was transformed for the most fashionable people in South Africa to shocase their individual sense of style, all while mingling and being entertained by the iconic Sho Madjozi, a fashion icon herself. The store proved to be the perfect setting after the show, as it was open for a little late-night shopping.

I chatted to some of the stars and got them to spill the proverbial style tea.

Timeless style is…

Best winter trend…

A trend that you have embraced now but never thought you’d wear three years ago…

What does #BreakoutFashion mean to you?

Written by: Nkgabiseng Motau

The ’90s trends that are back in style

Find out what the must-have recycled ’90’s trends are, how to wear them and what makes them so cool and stylish.

Trends in fashion come and go… and come back again. It’s no surprise then that those made popular in the ‘90s are being recycled. From chunky sneakers to sports-inspired pieces, these are the must-have trends in your winter wardrobe.

PUFFER JACKETS

Remember when your mom forced you to put on that big puffy jacket you didn’t want to be caught dead in? Well, the revival is real, and they are back by popular demand. Go for tartan prints or graphic colour blocking for a modern edge.

Free 2BU puffer jacket 499.95; Free 2BU striped jumpsuit 349.95; Free 2BU earrings 59.95; Free 2BU chunky chain necklace 99.95

Free 2BU tartan puffer jacket 499.95
Free 2BU colour-blocked puffer jacket 499.95

Girl power

Expressing yourself through your clothing with words and slogans was popular during our favourite decade. And with the focus on feminism over the last couple of years, the slogan trend has modernised itself.

Free 2BU printed slogan long-sleeved shirt 199.95; Free 2BU paper bag trousers 299.95; Free 2BU dad sneakers 349.95

The ‘dad’ sneaker

Dubbed the dad sneaker for its ‘ugly’ appearance, chunky sneakers are right on-trend. They scream comfort and effortless style. Wear with socks and a dress for that cool-girl look.

Free 2BU oversized denim jacket 499.95; Free 2BU bodycon dress 259.95; Free 2BU dad sneakers 349.95

Free 2BU dad sneakers 399.95

Hip-hop fashion

Don the sporty hip-hop style and you’ll be perfectly on-trend. Think oversized, loose-fitting silhouettes in casual fabrics featuring sporty-like details. Perfect for fashion and comfort, not to mention Instagram!

Top left: Free 2BU printed slogan sweatshirt 299.95; Free 2BU striped mesh skirt 299.95; Steve Madden clash-print sneakers 1399 
Top right: Free 2BU printed slogan sweatshirt 199.95; Free 2BU side-stripe denims 349.95;
Bottom: Free 2BU anorak jacket 399.95; Free 2BU paper bag trousers 299.95

Free 2BU side-strip leggings 299.95
Free 2BU slogan colour-blocked three-quarter zip top 399.95

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

Photography: Stan Klaplan. Stylist: Francois Ferreira. Hair & Make-up: Lindsey Stewart. Models: Kyung Hwang/My Friend Ned, Njabulo Mthembu/My Friend Ned, Robyn Wolf/Boss Models

The item: The combat boot dominates this season

The best combat boots to add to your autumn/winter wardrobe for stylish and versatile looks.

It’s autumn, which means we can finally wear our combat boots to death! If you don’t yet have a pair, or you’re on the lookout for another style, then you’re in the right place. Consider them the must-have boots for autumn/winter 2019.

Why we want them

Instagram-worthy and influencer-approved, the combat boot is the shoe to own this season. Combat boots were a particular favourite in the ’90s and are back with a vengeance. So much so that the Hadid sisters (Bella in particular), Kaia Gerber and Hailey Bieber have been spotted wearing them like a second skin in between runway shows. And now we want them too!

How to wear them

The trick to wearing them correctly is in the styling. Combat boots are versatile enough to wear with your favourite pair of mom jeans or with a dress, and they look great with a cute pair of socks peeking out the top. Roll your jeans up to ankle height to show off your boots, or wear them with dresses and skirts that are ankle height or shorter for a feminine look with some attitude. Avoid floor-sweeping lengths that hide your boots and don’t do any justice to the look. The combat-hiker hybrid is admired for its badass, don’t-mess-around look, so pairing it with a feminine summer dress will add some edge; go for flowing fabrics in pretty floral prints for the perfect balance. Although the boot has punk/grunge undertones, designers have started experimenting with the design and silhouette of the shoe to make it more mainstream. From heels, platforms and buckles to lace-ups, slip-ons and bejewelled styles, the combat boot is here to serve us all.

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

Fashion direction & production: Brittany Penebre. Photography: Paulo Touriero/Hero Creative. Styling: Rushana Burton

Choosing the right pair of jeans for a perfect fit

Every woman needs at least one pair of denims that fits her body to a T. Read further for tips on how to find the right fit.

The perfect denim fit is basically a non-negotiable in the fashion world – you’d be surprised by just how much it affects your silhouette. Determining your body shape is the first step towards getting it just right.

CURVY/ HOURGLASS/ PEAR

If your hips and thighs are wider than your waist, then you have an hourglass or curvy figure. A bootcut or flared leg is particularly flattering for this body shape as the wider bottoms balance out your hips, while the snug fit around the waist flatters your curvy shape. A curvy-fit straight leg is also a great choice – it moulds to the body beautifully, accentuating the hips and waist. Give yourself some extra height with booties or heels.

PETITE

Opt for medium to high-rise jeans that sit at the narrowest part of your waist to show off your natural curves. Wide or flared legs can make your legs appear shorter, so either avoid this style or wear it with heels. A straight cut is most flattering for a petite shape, as it hugs the legs perfectly. Look for a tapered hem that ends on – or just above – your ankle. Dark-wash denim is your best bet, streamlining your frame and creating the appearance of length.

INVERTED TRIANGLE/ATHLETIC

If your shoulders are broader than your waist and hips, you fall into this category. The trick is to accentuate your bottom half to balance your silhouette. Bootcuts and boyfriend/girlfriend jeans will achieve this. Jeans with texture and details such as cargo pockets, fades and cuffs, will further emphasise your lower half.

TALL & LEAN/RECTANGULAR

Women with this body shape tend to have hips and shoulders that are the same width, with few curves and not much definition in the waist. Fortunately for you, just about every cut of denim suits this body shape. Looking to add volume to your lower half? Go for wide-leg or flared jeans with patterns and details. A skinny fit creates the illusion of curves, while low-rise to mid-waist jeans add shape to your buttocks and create a defined wasitline. Back-pocket details also draw attention to this area.

APPLE

Apple-shaped bodies carry volume around the middle. Select jeans with a little more ‘give’ in the waistline for comfort, and to avoid overspill. High-waisted jeans draw attention to the waist, so rather go for a mid-rise style, or a pair with a wide waistband. Make the most of your slim legs by wearing a straight cut or a slight bootcut to balance out your proportions. Denims in contrasting colours will add contouring to your thighs.

Getty Images

 All items subject to availability. Prices may change.