Unexpected Fall Fashion Inspired By "Skins UK" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Unexpected Fall Fashion Inspired By "Skins UK"

A guide to mastering style when your life's a mess

1280
Unexpected Fall Fashion Inspired By "Skins UK"

The Brits have always had a reputation for experimenting with more eccentric and daring styles. From the birth of the punk movement and Queen Elizabeth's impressive pastel hat collection, the English are icons of memorable fashion choices.


Last Thursday kicked off London Fashion Week, showcasing exciting new collections from British designers like Belstaff, Burberry, and Emilia Wickstead. The runways were full of romantic and rebellious details from high lace collars, studded dresses, and embroidered bomber jackets.

If like me, you lack a high-fashion budget but dream of adding a bit of London flair to your Fall wardrobe, you can also find some amazing inspiration from English tabloids, films, and television shows. One of the most underrated and achievable styling sources I've discovered is the popular UK show "Skins".

"Skins" follows the lives of groups of troubled English teenagers and attracted criticism for the way it's story-lines dealt with serious issues, including mental illness, eating disorders, drug use, and same-sex relationships. Adding to the show's controversial reputation was the creator's decision to cast real-life teenagers in the cast rather than have high schoolers played by actors in their mid-twenties.

Along with the drama of the plot, the show's many bold fashion choices are also worthy of attention. Each "Skins" character wears clothes that reflect a particular sub-culture (punk, preppy, bohemian ect...); however, they always add in some kind of unexpected, clashing element that keeps it feeling fresh rather than cliché.

Since the show centers on struggling teens rather than glamorous socialites, the costume department made sure to stick to inexpensive basics mixed with various thrifted and vintage pieces to achieve an authentic English street style.

Here are a few ways to try-out the looks of some of the show's most notable icons.

1. Effy

Appearing in more episodes of the show than any other character, rebellious party-girl Effy Stonem certainly left a memorable impression on "Skins" viewers. Her edgy style mixes and matches grunge essentials and girly accessories. She often pairs combat boots, flannels and loose tanks with fishnet stockings, micro-minis and piles of long necklaces.

Effy's closet sticks mainly to a muted color palette of blacks and grays with the occasional unexpected pop of red or hot pink.

Effy Essentials: A perfectly fitted leather jacket, short skirts, lots of plaid, tall black combat boots.

Hair and Makeup: Effy mainly sticks to simple plaits and sleek ponytails for class. After school she amps up the volume by teasing out her soft waves and hitting the clubs. Effy's day makeup is fairly simple. She sticks to a nude face and lip with a small swipe of black liner and mascara. For night, she ups the glam by adding smokey grey eye shadow, light pink blush and the occasional hint of sparkle.

2. Michelle

Michelle is "Skins" original It-Girl and the object of affection of practically every male character featured on the show. She's incredibly outgoing and ambitious, but later revealed to be dealing with a number of insecurities about her relationship with Tony, the unofficial 'Leader' of their group.

Still, pulling off Michelle's style is all about projecting bold confidence. Michelle isn't afraid to command attention through bright colors and statement jewelry. She combines preppy polos and tank tops with distressed jean skirts. For a sporty touch when going out she usually adds on a zip up hoodie or a cargo jacket.

Michelle Essentials: anything yellow or magenta, layered tank tops,tennis skirts, lots of chunky jewelry

Hair and Makeup: Michelle's gorgeous curls are always impeccably styled into soft ringlets and kept in place with the help lots of mousse and hairspray. Her makeup look definitely has a strong 80s vibe. She's a big fan of heavy, statement eye-shadow, teal liner and matte lips.

3. Cassie

Cassie is one of "Skins" most complex, troubled characters. From the outside, she's shown as a bubbly, eccentric girl with a life-of-the-party reputation amongst her friends. However, Cassie also suffers from a number of mental issues such as depression and anorexia which she hides from everyone around her.

Cassie's style deliberately plays off of the whimsical, Manic Pixie Dream Girl image that she wants to present to the world. She appears mainly in long, flowy skirts, vintage shift dresses and delicate, embroidered blouses. Despite her mostly feminine aesthetic, Cassie often includes elements of menswear into her looks as well, adding a structured blazer or leather oxford shoe. She also is frequently shown sporting a gold wristwatch around her ankle. (A suggestion made by the character's actress: Hannah Murray!)

Color-wise, Cassie is a huge fan of soft pastels and creams during the day and switches to glittery gold and silver when she's getting dressed up for a night out.

Cassie Essentials: patterned midi skirts, vintage lace dresses, long cardigans, Mary-Janes.

Hair and Makeup: Cassie's basic hairstyle is wavy and disheveled. She almost always wears it down, sometimes adding a delicate barrette or small, messy bun. Her everyday makeup is fun and youthful. She typically goes for pastel blue and green eyeshadows and finishes off with a bright fuchsia lip.

If you consider yourself an Anglophile of style, "Skins" provides the perfect introduction to different kinds of British fashion. (Plus. all 7 seasons are available on both U.S. and UK Netflix. So, get streaming!)

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24362
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10187
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7473
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments