The world of fashion is certainly something to be proud of in Britain. British-branded goods are all the rage both in and out of the country, with customers overseas noting that they are prepared to pay more for British brands of food, cars, clothes, and alcohol. Our brands are leading the way, so as they say: if you’ve got it, flaunt it.
Looking ahead to the autumn and winter 2018/2019 season, we’re looking at the best of British brands to put together some incredible outfits.
Men’s outfit: bringing back British retro
All the upcoming trends have been wrapped up from London, Paris, New York, and Milan’s catwalks, and British brands have taken note. There was a retro, Nineties theme for menswear on the catwalk, so if you’re a hoarder when it comes to your wardrobe, you might have a few items already in there that will hit the mark this season!
To emulate the vintage look from the world’s fashion weeks with a British flair:
Hat:
If you’re looking for a staple of the Nineties era that is both stylish and practical, you’ll definitely want to get yourself a bucket hat. Blend a British icon of fashion with another hot runway trend for the season with a classic check bucket hat from Burberry. Founded in Basingstoke in 1856 and with a history of supporting the British Army’s range of apparel in during the First and Second World Wars, Burberry is the epitome of reliable, durable clothing that balances fashion and purpose.
Shirt:
Graphic print shirts are the way to go for a truly Nineties look this season, and you can incorporate them with a handful of other fashion-week-fresh trends. Layering is a big theme across the board for Autumn/Winter 2018, so layer up your printed tees with another Autumn/Winter 2019 essential — checks, with a check shirt left open. Or, do it in reverse and wear a check shirt underneath your graphic tee.
Plenty of British brands sport enough graphic tees to see you through the season, such as River Island. You can also support both British brands and British people with a purchase through Good Joe. They have a wide range of graphic print tees and when you buy one, they give a new item of clothing to someone in need in the UK!
Jacket:
You’ve a few choices on the jacket front — wind cheaters, quilted jackets, and leather jackets were all sported on the cat walk this season. One of the best-known leather jacket retailers is UK brand AllSaints. Keep the jacket open to mimic the looks sported by models at the world’s various fashion weeks.
For those colder days, you might want to opt for something warmer. It doesn’t get much more British than Superdry, and they are the go-to name for quilted jackets.
Trousers:
There were three main options for trousers in the Nineties: the ever-useful cargo pants, the essential baggy jeans, or the ripped jean look. The latter is still a totally acceptable choice for a modern 2010’s wardrobe, so you might already have a pair lingering on your shelf!
Shoes:
The Nineties were all about “sneaker culture”. If you’re looking for a truly authentic nod to retro footwear, you can’t go wrong with a pair of classic trainers from British brand Gola. Remaining true to its British roots, Gola hit its stride with the launch of the Harrier style shoe and iconic Gola bag.
Women’s outfit: a nod to the Nineties
As with the guys, the gals are also rocking the Nineties look on the catwalk. So, it’s definitely time to take a trip to the stores to seek out the best in Nineties fashion on the high street!
Britain leads the way with fashionable retro vibes, so let’s pull together the perfect vintage look:
Dress:
How about we cross off two essentials of the era? The trend of denim and dungarees, all wrapped up in a stylish dress. River Island has a brilliant denim dungaree dress that will bring the nineties nostalgia to any outfit, and its frayed hem harkens that ripped-jean look of the decade too.
Jacket:
Keep the chilly air away with retro style — it’s got to be the classic windbreaker. These beloved coats came in all kinds of colours, so you’re sure to find one to suit you! While many high street stores have their new lines, why not take a look at some vintage shops to find yourself a bona fide jacket that was there for the nineties?
Shoes:
Want a touch of space-age chic to your look? Splash a little futuristic metallic into your outfit with silver trainers — let’s face it, if the movies are anything to go by, the future is various metallic shades and a whole lot of chrome.
Sure, if you’re a hardcore nineties chic, you might want to seek out a pair of Spice Girls-worthy platform shoes. But a good pair of vintage trainers will be a godsend for those days when your feet need a rest in something comfy.
Bag:
When it comes to retro bags, the sky’s the limit. Bags in the Nineties were, frankly, insane and widely varied: you need a mini-purse? Got it. Sparkles? Sure. Clear PVC bags? So in. Fluffy? Feathers? Chains? Check, check, and check.
Prints, colours, flowers, logos, animal prints, honestly, there were no right or wrong answers. And even if there were wrong answers, that’s exactly what made it chic. Go wild with your choice of bag!
Will you be ‘updating’ your wardrobe with some Nineties essentials? Stay one step ahead by dipping your toes back in the past!
For more outfit inspo, please pay a visit to our fashion page.