Trends: Reluctant Debutante

An aura of deconstructed grandeur seems to be encircling the world of fashion at the moment. From the A/W08 collections of Balenciaga and Prada to the Cecil Beaton influence at Erin Fetherston’s resort collection to recent shoots in Dazed and Confused and Paris Vogue, the reluctant debutant is stomping her delicate little ankles all over town.

Before Autumn’s fully fledged structured glamour takes hold, this summer is like her teenage years – the elegance is starting to creep in, reluctantly stepping out with a dominating scruffiness and a dishevelled crown.

To get the look with just the right level of sophisticated petulance, imagine yourself as an heiress who has run away from the estate to slum it with only her heirlooms for company.

Alluring accessories that look like they have been passed down for generations are all you need – scour vintage stores for crochet gloves, hankerchiefs, costume jewelry and silk scarves and then team them with your summer wardrobe for the perfect contrast.

Think like a magpie with oversized jewels worn with scrappy dresses, dress gloves with clashing layers or silk scarves tied up over your favourite old t-shirt. And always, always top it off with a disgruntled scowl – you wouldn’t want anyone to think you were enjoying the glamour now would you?