Mar 9

Mar 9 How Eclectic are you?

There is a feeling of "vintage anarchy" manifesting in some of the A/W 16 runway collections, with mismatched contrasting fabrics, colours and eccentric styling.

Styling Mrs Oliver looks at the details and asks the question, how eclectic are you?

Gucci A/W 16 - Dazed - photographer - Martina Ferrara

Modern takes from the 1960's through to the 90's are a strong influence throughout the A/W 16 collections and some are quite literal interpretations. The "eccentric" lady seems to be a common thread and the more worn together in one outfit, the better. What is the essence of this look? Ensure your brights clash with a mix of print, wear sandals and socks, giant 70's glasses and adorn heavily with 80's costume jewellery. Pussy bow blouses and the high-necked ruffled shirts are a feminine touch worn with 80's boom shape pants and mid-length skirts. This look seems to be a celebration of fashion within one outfit, particularly, Alessandro Michele's interpretation for Gucci. His passion for vintage and street fashion is apparent with his spray painted graffiti logo bags and kitsch, tongue in cheek panache.

Miuccia Prada has a more serious take with her "Vagabond" inspired journey, using similar elements of mixed fabrics, clashing jacquards and textures, ski boots, quilted jackets, corsets and argyle gloves and tights. A lot to absorb in one outfit. Vetements mixes sport in amongst tailored pants, suiting and menswear-inspired shirting with logo sweats, hoodies and tracksuits all with a "street" attitude.

I am inspired but have to admit, I feel a sense of relief when I look through the collections and come across a simple black pantsuit. I do seem to gravitate towards simplicity! So what will I take out of this trend? See my picks and click the image to shop. They are slightly eclectic for me, not so eccentric but if you wear more elements together, you could rock something a little more adventurous!

Saint Laurent sunglasses - matchessfashion.com

White leather skirt - Unique topshop.com

Rag and Bone jersey tank - matchesfashion.com

YSL bag with leather fringing - netaporter.com

Lace blouse - Self Portrait - matchesfashion.com

Mother denim frayed hem skirt - motherdenim.com

High neck blouse - Citizens of Humanity -mytheresa.com

See more injections below for a sporty twist and bright colours. Look out for second-hand 80's and 90's originals from vintage stores. A sloppy cricket jumper, sporty logo T-shirt, bomber jacket and hoodies are hot right now!