Dressing tonally always looks expensive – just ask the Italians
Words and Styling Nini Khatiblou
Photography David Nyanzi
Coat, trousers and boots, all TOPSHOP
Top, FOR LOVE AND LEMONS
Bag, FURLA
Earrings, SALOME
Ring, MvdT COLLECTION at WOLF & BADGER
In the spirit of shopping more mindfully, I’ve making a conscious effort to not be sucked into a Spring-Summer trend vacuum. Forget loud colours and prints to peacock in – this month, I’m taking a slower, more considered approach, and that means… beige.
Now, hear me out. This neutral, sand-toned colourway may not sound especially spring-like, but it’s all in the styling. Dressing tonally makes everything look expensive (just ask the Italians, they’ve been doing it for years) and layering on multiple shades of the same tone is a failsafe means of making a less exciting colour seem – well, a lot more exciting.
First stop on my beige binge is a pair of wide-leg Topshop trousers – I was immediately drawn to their high waist and loose cut, which are super flattering without drowning my 5”2 frame. And in true Topshop genius, there’s even a matching coat.
As someone who defaults to jeans, trainers and some sort of fluffy jacket on repeat, this double act makes me feel very put together, but the twin-set can easily be reworked for a night out with the addition of a sexy crop top, like this daring PVC number with its diamante buckles and cut-out panel. After all, underboob (l’underboob?) is giving side-boob a serious run for its money.
If flashing skin isn’t for you, a simple tee or a silk camisole will work just as well. Textures are key to nailing tonality – a subtle Prince of Wales print here, a flash of high-shine vinyl there. Just remember: beige, beige and more beige.
Add to the equation a luxury leather bucket bag from handbag heaven Furla, and a pair of faux snakeskin boots, and it’s all starting to look rather tasty. The obsession for shell and pearl jewellery continues, and these dainty drops from Salome strike the right balance between subtle and stand-out.
Finish off with a delicate knuckle-duster from MvdT – a subtle hint of gold and a useful tool for warding off unwanted underboob attention.
NINI’S PICKS
NINI KHATIBLOU
Fashion Editor and Stylist
Nini is a London-based stylist and Contributing Fashion Editor at PHOENIX. With over 10 years experience working on the UK’s biggest-selling magazines, she currently splits her time between styling celebrity and fashion shoots for PHOENIX and working with a host of commercial brands in a consultancy and styling framework to create some of the biggest ad campaigns on the market.