Fashion Eccentrics Who Embody Spring's Top Trends

Eccentrics don’t play by the rules and they certainly don’t keep one eye on the trends. Truly madcap stylers are oblivious to the shifting sands of time and their look (on any given day) tends to remain recognisable throughout the decades. But there’s something about those women—the ones who wouldn’t be complete without a turban here, a brooch there, a silk printed scarf anywhere—that feels so right for now.

After season upon season in a modernist desert, the magpie has been set free: You can, if you want to, accessorise like you’ve never accessorised before (Gucci says so). You can layer like mad (just look at Miu Miu’s multi–pile-up). You can wear old with new, big with small, silly with serious… It’s a season where the number one rule is: There are no freakin’ rules.

But if you are looking for some guidance, let these women be your sartorial leaders. Scroll to shop the key pieces to get the kooky look locked down…

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Miu Miu S/S 16
(Image credit: Catwalking/Getty Images)

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Susie Lau
(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: It takes an adventurous girl like Susie of Style Bubble, pictured here in London, to really rock a modern tulle tutu so convincingly—her layers, like Miu Miu's, certainly help diffuse the girlishness.

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Dries Van Noten S/S 16
(Image credit: Catwalking/Getty Images)

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Hanne Gaby Odiele
(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: Model Hanne Gaby is particularly adept at making eveningwear and fancy clothes look delightfully louche. Take her luxe Dries Van Noten mashup here for starters.

Related: The Coolest New Trousers and How to Wear Them Without Delay

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Gucci S/S 16
(Image credit: Venturelli/Getty Images)

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Catherine Baba
(Image credit: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images)

Style Notes: Paris-based styliste Catherine Baba travels through the epochs to bring her lavish, decorative looks together—chiming precisely with Gucci's extreme maximalism.

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House of Holland
(Image credit: Victor Virgile/Getty Images)

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Iris Apfel
(Image credit: Richard Young/Rex/Shutterstock)

Style Notes: The geriatric starlet's signature jewellery stacks were collected from all over the world (whether bargain basement or bespoke) and she was never seen without her supersize frames—but the influence of Iris's super-bright colour clashes are all over the runways too.

Related: Everyone I Know Is Pleased That This Shoe Trend Is Happening

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Sonia Rykiel S/S 16
(Image credit: Catwalking/Getty Images)

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Leandra Medine
(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: Leandra Medine is a modern eccentric you can follow—she takes many of the season's key pieces and ideas but splices them together with wild abandon and oodles of nana-chic flair. Just look at this boudoir dressing recipe.

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Marc Jacobs S/S 16
(Image credit: Edward James/Getty Images)

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Leaf Greener
(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: A seriously statement-making pair of trousers can be easily moved into less outré territory with a smart jacket. The showgirl meets the street this season, so embrace your inner extrovert, stat. 

Shop easy eccentric accessories now…

Related: Why It's Okay to Look Pretty This Year

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. She joined in 2015 when she launched the UK sister site following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine as fashion news and features editor. With experience in print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 18 years of experience as a journalist, editor and content strategist. Her opinion has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com and she is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.