The Continental Style

Posted by Carrie on Feb 6, 2012 in Fashion | 2 comments

I took a trip to Barcelona recently as a treat for my boyfriend’s birthday. I love Barcelona, it’s a beautiful city built on historic foundations but has such a modern and vibrant feel to it and it reflects in everything you do in the city, from the parks to the architecture to the galleries and beyond.

While I was there I noticed something about the common style of women in the city. For starters it’s nothing like that of my hometown of Newcastle which, despite being quite an up-and-coming cosmopolitan city seems miles behind it’s continental cousin in a comparison of style. Secondly, the women on the continent actually dress for the weather. Compared to the British temperature we left behind it was positively tropical but for the locals it was probably on the cold side and it showed as they were all donning their knitwear favourites and warm boots.

This continental style adopted by a lot of the Barcelona women is clean, modern, relatively duotone and looks effortless. There were no fancy embellishments, no garish colours, no unnecessary flash; just simple understated style. I liked it. I liked it a lot.

In my bid to improve my own personal style I’m taking a leaf from the continental fashion book and have hunted out some copycat pieces in a bid to recreate the style. Never mind New York, Paris or Milan, Barcelona is where it’s at!

• First off in the effortless casual look has to be the boyfriend jacket. The folded sleeves and simple non-fussy shape are the cornerstone of the effortless look when teamed with a really simple t-shirt.



• Striped tops are brilliant as they go with absolutely everything and do so in style. They’re a must have in your wardrobe and they’re highly fashionable as well. They also help in the set off the continental style in your oufits too.



• If it’s a bit too nippy for a jacket and tee then throw on a jumper, and for something warm, stylish and easy to slip on and off go for a simple knitted poncho.



• Jeans absolutely have to be slim leg or skinny; not so skinny that your cellulite shows through but slim enough to tuck into some lovely leather boots. A nice dark denim to tone in and create that fabulous duotone look. I love these high waisted ones as they cover any lumps and bumps whilst flattering the ol’ pins.



• For romping around the city all day, footwear has to be sensible. I saw very few killer heels in Barcelona; everyone was wearing sensible flat boots which can create just as much style as the patent red stilettos but will let you go from kerbside cafe for breakfast right through to bar hopping into the wee small hours. I have a particular penchant for boots and may just treat myself to these beauties.



• Finally, a hat. So many women were wearing trilbies and they really work with the stylish casually-effortless look. I’ve never worn a hat which wasn’t made of wool so I think now’s the time for a change.

Et voila. Continental style courtesy of the Barcelona fashionistas. Accessorise with whatever you have in your own collection. I think that’s part of the beauty of this simple style; anything goes with it!