Alternative fashion is something that can look spectacular or disastrous. In this post AltLinc offers some hints and tips for how to successfully wear the alternative look throughout 2014.

Girls

Skort

Here at AltLinc we love the short & skirt combo, you can’t really get more alternative than wearing two different clothes at once now can you you?! Plus these have been around for years and so my mum already had a pair of these knocking around in her wardrobe from her teen years! Got to love a #freebie! But if you’re not lucky enough to have a hoarder mum like mine, check out this one from Boohoo, it’s the perfect one if you’re ready to make a statement, or from Scotland.

Culottes

Were first popularised by French men during the revolution. (Really selling them well aren’t I?) Once worn as tight fitting trousers finishing below the knee and  fastened with a button or buckle, today’s market has designed a loose fitting women’s option. Perfect for warm spring evenings or hot sunny summer days. Various manufactures make culottes differently, some less traditional which finish above the knee, while others stay true to their pedigree and finish below the knee.

There are a couple of brand new culottes available online and in shops including these, but why buy new? Go even more alternative, retro and vintage with the help of mums just like  mine selling their old pairs on Ebay.

This stylish woman is also hot on the 2014 metallic trend, whether it’s a top or jeans metallic is all the rage at the moment and can be added to any alternative statement piece to leave you not only standing out from the crowd but jumping out!

The Burberry scarf tuck is all the rage this 2014- No it’s not a new dance craze! It’s a new way to wear your scarf… who knew they could ‘design’ a way of wearing a scarf?

Let’s buck the trend, who want’s to wear their scarf the way a designer tells them to?

We understand that as winter changes to spring and it’s still a little nippy  you don’t want a full on wrap around scarf but you still want the snugness, statement or colour. Why not use a scarf to accessorise your coat, bag or arm?

Follow the advice of more humble bloggers, or check out this video which offers a few novel suggestions on how to wear your scarf

If you’re still a little lost do not fear! Just remember, most of the time, alternative fashion is simple items worn with a little imagination. Whether you contrast the items or pair them in an unusual way, you can always add a bit of an extra flare with either colour, jewellery or your hair style.

Shhhh!! Here’s my secret, I get inspiration from this blog­­

Boys

Be careful! Alternative fashion for boys can be tricky and you can either come away looking chavvy or camp, but don’t feat AltLinc is here! (…to suggest some simple steps to success.)

Leather

It’s always a good look. Whether it’s statement gloves, a coat or simply a belt or wallet. Leather adds sophistication and an edge of rugged-manliness. Vintage jackets are usually the best when it comes to leather as they’ve been worn and softened over time. So if possible try to get an old one, keep a look out in local vintage and charity shops and online, especially eBay. Vintage leather is also a conscious or sub-conscious decision to not kill new animals, when there are already enough products in the world.

But if you really can’t wait Asos have a very stylish and manly one here:-

It is extremely pricey though!! But shows they don’t always have to be black!

Sunglasses

Especially during summer, sunglasses are a must, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make an alternative statement with them! There’s a huge variety of styles out there so make sure you find the right ones for your face. Aviators are a great look and so are Rayburns, if you can afford them, but if I love these, & they’re so cheap!

Floral?!?

This is definitely alternative but I must be honest – I’m not sure on this one. You’ll have to be careful not to look like a 40 year old dad in a Hawaiian shirt on his holidays. But paired with nice jeans, a leather coat and sunglasses this look could be pulled off and if it were, WOW- style points would be in the billions!

Denim

Jeans are always better than trackies!

Whether they’re skinny or boot cut, black or blue you must invest in some great jeans! Denim jackets are always a good look too and as always, for alternative pieces, vintage and charity shops are best. However, if you don’t have the time to scour, I’d recommend eBay because as with the leather, the denim will be loose and fall better.

But if you want a new piece check out these;

I particularly love this one:

In my opinion don’t try too hard, classic is best, but better than British understated, professional, smooth, classic?

Well, that’s for you to decide.

Let us know what you think @altlinc or #AltFashion.