iCandy
There was a time when tucked-in tops were more likely to be seen in Revenge of the Nerds than in a fashion magazine. Who could have predicted that bespectacled adolescents with their jeans pulled up high and cinched with a belt (more out of necessity than as a fashion statement) would become style icons? Clearly, in fashion, anything goes.
In recent years blouson tops, especially baby-doll and tunic tops, have been de rigueur for any fashionista. As skinny jeans become increasingly popular, girls are opting for looser, longer tops to cover their bum (skinny jeans are particularly unflattering to that part of the body). But now it's time to shift the focus to a part of your body that has been forsaken of late: the waist.
Whether you opt for a cool T-shirt, silky blouse or skinny tank, tuck tuck tuck it in! It's not true that you have to wear something high-waisted to get this look right. Low-slung bottoms look as good as high-waisted items with this look.
For tops, go for something gauzy or sheer like Elspeth (below right) to make it seasonally suitable. Nicole Richie was seen at California's Coachella Music Festival in super short denim cut-offs with a sheer white shirt partially tucked in - haphazardly tucking in a shirt is a fine way to look nonchalant
and cool.
If you are looking for shirts like hers, I'd check out some lightweight cotton, gauze or linen shirts from men's collections (or, steal one from your boyfriend, brother, friend, father). Messily roll up the sleeves and you'll be rocking a seriously cool, androgynous yet totally sexy look. For shorts like hers, head over to Midwest (Shop 53, Victoria Centre, North Point, tel: 2802 6886) where you can buy vintage jeans and have the staff cut them off at whatever length you like.
Another of my favourite looks is when girls mix graphic or silkscreen tees with little skirts. Think of the Luella Bartley spring/summer 2008 collection where she paired frilly little floral minis with graphic tees. Even if frills aren't your thing, you can still get this look easily. Take a cue from Lena (below left), who's wearing a white printed tee tucked into a high-waisted neon-yellow denim pencil skirt. Colourful yet streamlined skirts like hers are a good alternative to frilly pieces.
Lena bought her skirt online from American Apparel (americanapparel.net). It comes in an array of colours such as purple, silver, apricot and lavender as well as black and white. At only US$54 a pop, get a few colours and you're set for summer.
