At any given time you can be assured that there's a Fashion Week going on somewhere in the world. This week was the turn of our German style compatriots in Berlin, where the FROW rolled out their best summer ensembles.
Rather than the ultra-conspicuous outfits of Milan, the glossiness of New York or the grunge-tinged aesthetic of London, Berlin's sartorially aware keep things casual: a slip dress worn with sneakers and a denim jacket or a simple pair of black pants styled with nothing more than a crinkled white tee and heels. They prove a strong fashion theory—less really can be more.
So, to get some laid-back outfit inspiration for the weekend (and week) ahead, scroll through the gallery to see how the German cool girls do it.
Style Notes: Lena Lademann convinces us there is nothing better than a white tee and black trousers—especially when they're accessorised with a Bulgari bag.
Key buy:
Classic black trousers, ready to be styled into whatever you desire.
Style Notes: Charlotte Groeneveld, in a full Marc Cain look, plays up the fun fur and lining of her statement jacket by wearing super-simple separates underneath.
Key buy:
This ribbed top nods to the '90s trend.
Style Notes: The patchwork denim bug has obviously spread across Europe—we love how Lisa Hahnbueck has paired her wide-leg jeans with subtly stand-out pieces like a Victoria Beckham Frill-Trim Knitted Jumper (£345) and red Chloé Drew Shoulder Bag (£1178).
Key buy:
Guaranteed to brighten up every outfit (and every day).
Style Notes: Who says you can't wear your favourite holiday clothes in the city? Layer a white dress over jeans and wear with bright sandals like Leonie Sophie Hanne now.
Key buy:
The first, the last, the best fringed jeans out there.
Style Notes: Carola Pojer's ASOS Button Through Midi Skirt in Natural Stripe (£32/£22) is a very versatile summer buy—she's wisely grounded the look for work with a black top and sleek Saint Laurent bag.
Key buy:
Wear half-unbuttoned with a bikini top as soon as you get to your holiday destination.
Style Notes: Camille Charrière's monochrome styling is all about textures and contrasting lines—also a flash of gold via trinket necklaces and metallic Jimmy Choo Wilbur 40 Pumps (£495) add extra oomph.
Key buy:
High-impact party shoes without the painful high heels.
Style Notes: Diffuse the girlishness of a lace slip dress like Veronika Heilbrunner—thrown on a denim jacket and add Converse hi-tops.
Key buy:
Do as the stylists do and try wearing this slinky frock with slip-on mules.
Style Notes: Another great twist on a classic combination. This red neckerchief—tied at a jaunty angle by German model, Franziska Mueller—is all that's needed to look unique.
Key buy:
The most versatile thing you can buy for £5.
Style Notes: The main event in Nina Schwichtenberg's outfit is that brilliant (and chic) Tory Burch bumbag. It acts a real waist-cincher with loose layers and doubles up as your handy travel companion.
Key buy:
Consider this your new double-duty hero piece.Will you take any styling ideas from the Berlin cool crowds? Let us know in the comments box below—and shop more new-in pieces.
