The street style fashion tips which actually work for real life

As you read this, the biannual circus of fashion weeks will be getting underway in New York. And, as we well know, a lot of the best style action isn’t happening on the catwalks, but outside the shows, where a dedicated army of photographers assembles to take photos of the editors, influencers and models who have dressed up to the nines for their major ‘casually walking down the street’ moment.

While the whole point of these pictures was once that they showed the ‘real’ face of fashion week, that doesn’t seem quite correct any more. (I mean, what’s normal about changing your outfit three times a day for maximum photo opportunity?) And yet, I think there are some takeaways that work, even when your next front-row appearance is likely to be at your local cinema. Such as…

Ganni ruffled dress, £490, Net-a-Porter

1. Coco Chanel famously advised us to take off one thing before we leave the house. But the street-style women are rarely afraid to use their accessories to ramp up what would otherwise be a very simple outfit. It’s amazing what a fabulous bag and statement shoes can do to lift a shirt and jeans.

Wide denim trousers, £69, Arket; Silk blouse, £99, Kitri 

2. Related to this is the not insignificant effect of a seemingly tiny detail item – a crystal hair slide or silk scarf, say. It’s those little magpie pieces that add instant zing.

3. The whole trends thing can be confusing, but street stylers have mastered the art of picking what works for them and leaving the rest, or doing the look in a way that feels comfortable. Zebra prints might sound scary, for example, but on a pleated skirt that is your signature piece – not so much.

White stiletto boots, £125, Dune; Beaded pouch, £49.99, Zara

4. A little artful styling can go a long way. So, transform last autumn’s midi dress by wearing it with trainers or over jeans. Another favourite is the half-in, half-out top-tucking method. It’s all about giving pieces new appeal just by wearing them with an unexpected twist – although the penchant for putting shirts on backwards might be one to leave to the professionals.