Social Butterfly

London Girl

Pretty Tomboy

Fashion assistant Esperanza de la Fuente is a poster girl for the pretty update on the boy-meets-girl look and cites Dr. Martens as the best shoes ever – even for parties.

Describe your style… ‘I think it’s hard to define your style, but I’m always in skinny jeans, a loose top and DMs - the best shoes ever! I love the contrast between wearing something elegant then taking the beat down with a leather jacket or DMs to make it more street. I always think I dress like a boy.’ What’s on your summer social calendar? ‘One of my friends is getting married in Spain, so I’ll wear a long chiffon dress because it’s quite hot there. I also design headpieces with flowers, so I’ll wear one with the dress to make it feel a little different.’ What’s your fail-safe summer party look? ‘I don’t wear dresses that often. I like skinny jeans, shorts and chiffon shirts worn buttoned-up in this season’s pastels (I love mint green and peach), prints or with a metal-tipped collar.’ What’s at the top of your party wish list right now? ‘I’d like a Stella McCartney-style pyjama jacket. I’d probably wear it with a masculine shirt and silk shorts.’ What are your style tips for making an outfit your own? ‘I like having flowers in my hair, wearing my own jewellery designs or sometimes I’ll dress up black on black with a cape or a kimono.’
New York Girl

Sporty Slick

Ultimate it-girl Cory Kennedy’s style is eclectic and she wears the trends her way. She’s DJing at NYC’s outdoor summer parties and she’ll rule in sleek separates.

Describe your style… ‘I’m known for my eclectic and daring style, but as I've grown up I've relaxed it a bit. Comfort is crucial - you can't be confident if you're uncomfortable physically. I don't live by every trend, I make my own statement.’ Which S/S’12 trends do you love for summer events? ‘Definitely the Betty Draper from Mad Men look, but I'm not sure many people will actually do it. I love it when I find a floral print I don't get tired of – Valentino did a great job this season. I’d also like a slim silver headband inspired by Louis Vuitton’s S/S’12 collection. I hope I’m just riding on a fairground carousel in beautiful pastel outfits all summer to be honest.’ What do you like about this separates outfit? ‘It’s simple but it makes a statement. The sporty skirt has pockets (everything should have pockets!) and a sleek coral trim, plus these simple suede heels make anyone’s legs look 10 feet tall! Topped off with a buttoned-up white shirt, I feel mature, attractive and I don’t need to load on accessories.’ What are your style tips for making an outfit your own? ‘I love adding socks to shoes, like wearing white socks with my vintage white patent leather flats. Layering is like OCD for me. I have to layer, always.’
London Girl

Print out

Fashion student and Roksanda Ilincic’s production assistant, Roberta Einer, likes to make a statement by turning a classic look on its head. This season she’s having fun with prints.

Describe your style… ‘I’ve started to be more relaxed about what I wear and taking risks. It’s only fashion – it should be playful. It changes all the time and if you stay the same, then it gets boring. With my pink hair, it’s easy to go over the line of good taste, so I usually wear really classic shapes in black and white.’ What event will you be rocking your head-to-toe print look at this summer? ‘My big event this summer is going home to Estonia. It may sound funny, but I consider what I’m going to wear even more there – I have lots of parties planned. This look is really different as I don't wear that many prints, but when I tried this on, I thought, “Wow!” ’ Which S/S’12 trends do you love for summer events? ‘I’d love a jacket in the new pastel shades and a white, doll-like lace dress – they’re perfect for parties. I was really into neons when that trend first came out, but my pink hair has pushed me into taking more girlie risks. Pastels are a new look for me, but I love it. Plus, I can still wear it all with my neon Nicholas Kirkwood shoes!’ What are your style tips for making an outfit your own? ‘I love a pink or red lip.’
New York Girl

Dolly-bird cool

Tennessee Thomas DJs at the coolest parties while rocking her psychedelic ‘60s vibe in mini skirts and a beehive. This summer, she’s softening her look with pretty broderie anglaise.

Describe your style… ‘I've been a mod/dolly bird/Beatles fan for most of my life, but lately I've taken a slightly more psychedelic turn. I've been wearing my silver boots with a leopard-print jacket, beehive and fake lashes.’ What summer event will you wear these pretty broderie anglaise separates to? ‘I'm going to England for a holiday! And there are a few weddings I'll be attending, too. These eyelet cropped trousers are adorable and will be the perfect thing to wear to weddings and all kinds of summer events.’ What’s your fail-safe summer party look? ‘I have a collection of ‘60s minis which I have been wearing for years. My style doesn't really change from season to season – I just add tights in winter. My general uniform is mini skirt, top and saddle shoes.’ Which summer separates will you invest in? ‘A bicycle!’
London Girl

Parisian cool

London singer-songwriter, Jade Williams (AKA Sunday Girl) thinks there’s something about French girls’ classic style and mixes a simple, boyish look with a cool, colourful twist.

Describe your style… ‘My style is classic, but with a weird twist. I’m inspired by that classic Parisian look and love to wear really simple clothes, but I mix them up a little with some really big ‘n’ brash gold accessories.’ What summer event will you be wearing your fluoro shorts suit to? ‘I love going to the races and polo (I used to go horse-riding when I was younger), and I think you can really push the boundaries with what you wear. Most women go for the big hat and the wow dress, but last year I wore a little safari suit and still looked perfectly at home, but I’d just shaken it up a bit.’ Which S/S’12 trends do you love for summer events? ‘I think you’ve got to mix a bit of what’s in fashion with your own style. I love dressing like a boy and wear tailoring and suits to parties, so I think this season’s floral suits and pyjama tops are perfect for me. It’s essentially what I normally wear, but in a new way.’ What are your style tips for making an outfit your own? ‘When I was younger I would look at old black-and-white photographs of singers and French girls like Françoise Hardy, and it was always, always their collar that I would notice, so that became my uniform – a collared shirt. I also like socks with flats, a brogue instead of a heel and throwing on a blazer.’
New York Girl

Pastel Mix

Co-founder of blog and concept store, Sokoni Worldwide, Saada Ahmed mixes up pretty pastels with Masai accessories.

Describe your style… ‘It’s a mix of African and vintage. I love '70s silhouettes and I’m all about prints, colours and having fun!’ What summer event would you wear this chic paisley pastels look to? ‘The Sokoni Worldwide launch party in June on the rooftop garden at The Bowery House in NYC. The pastel paisley combo is light and airy – perfect for summer. It works from day to night and I could wear it to an outdoor dinner, for work or out to brunch with friends.’ Which S/S’12 trends do you love for summer events? ‘I love African prints, linen, pastels and neons.’ What’s at the top of your party wish list right now? ‘A statement necklace and a playsuit in a popping floral print.’ What are your style tips for making an outfit your own? ‘I think my Afro makes my look unique. Plus, my new obsession, black henna and Masai accessories – I brought some back from Kenya for
Sokoni Worldwide.’
London Girl

Pep Talk

Style blogger Jazmine Rocks is a charity shop aficionado who mixes simple separates with second-hand charms for her modern take on elegance.

Describe your style… ‘My style is quite simple and elegant. I tend to wear black and mainly neutrals, but recently I’ve been experimenting with bright shades and patterns – I’m quite taken with polka dots.’ What summer event will you be wearing your peplum skirt to? ‘My birthday is in July, so this will make a knockout outfit. My aunt is also getting married in the summer so the hot cerise pink top is perfect, too.’ Which S/S’12 trends do you love for summer events? ‘This summer I think it’s time to embrace pastels, peplum skirts and pretty dresses – I’m going to push myself out of my comfort zone.’ What’s at the top of your party wish list right now? ‘I’d love a pastel shorts suit as they’re making a comeback. I don’t really have many smart/casual jackets so I’d love one to wear over dresses too.’ What are your style tips for making an outfit your own? ‘As I don’t have a very big wardrobe, I like to keep going back to my favourite pieces and styling them in a new way, but on a budget. I’m a big fan of charity shops and car-boot sales, as it’s a cheap way to reinvent your look, plus you’re helping the community.’
New York Girl

Monochrome magic

Fashion designer Katie Gallagher loves wearing black and white. She’ll turn heads this party season in pretty-grunge bra tops and ankle-grazing skirts with tough-girl boots.

Describe your style… ‘I usually dress only in monochrome. Either all black or all white and never mixed, unless of course you count my platinum hair!’ What summer event will you wear your bra top and sheer midi skirt to? ‘I have a birthday in August and a party or two to celebrate the launch of my A/W’12 collection in stores, but something like this would also be great to wear to a brunch or garden party. I love bra tops, they always look great with a loose skirt and jacket.’ Which S/S’12 trends do you love for summer events? ‘I’m really into the very feminine white, ivory and cream pieces that I’m seeing everywhere. Layered, draped, sheer and lace – I’d wear them all at once.’ What’s your fail-safe summer party look? ‘When I can’t figure out an outfit, I usually wear my black bat dress. It’s the perfect piece for hot weather since it’s partially sheer, super tight and
super short!’ What are your style tips for making an outfit your own? ‘Ever since I was in early high school, I’ve been drawing lines or dots on and around my eyes. It’s sort of become my signature now.’
For more party
outfits and inspiration Go to Dress Code