If you want to spice up your wardrobe this spring, then try some exotic global elements. Designers have borrowed inspiration from cultures across the globe and translated them into rich looks with ethnic roots from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. So how do global goddesses 40+ inject these elements into a look while remaining urban appropriate? Here are some tips.
The Global Goddess: The “World Traveller” Trend
1. Saturated Colors
Add some heat to your summer wardrobe with warm colors inspired by Moroccan and African color pallets. Think rich reds, oranges, warm browns, and golden yellows. Try a drapey textured cardigan in one of these spicy colors and combine it with gemstone accessories and leather sandals for an instant cultural infusion.
2. Ornate and Rich Textiles
The feel of the fabric, the weave, and the weight are a big part of the Global influence trend so go for ornate fabrics that run the gamut from silky, shiny, and smooth to rough, matte, and loopy.
3. Bold Prints and Patterns
Don’t be afraid to get a little wild with bold, colorful prints. Incorporate a culturally inspired print with a maxi dress belted at the waist for some definition. Or try a simply cut jacket with a bold ethnic pattern and colorful top. For a subtle take on the bold print, wear a printed scarf with fringe over neutral separates. Complete your outfit with some stacked bangles.
4. Tribal Trims
Indulge in fun exotic details like tassels, trims, pom-poms, and fringes. These beautiful elements will add some ethnic flavor to your summer look. Incorporate these embellishments without overdoing them by making sure the rest of your outfit is relatively simple. Try a colorful pompom trim scarf over the top a relaxed tunic style top. Or grab a fringed leather clutch to spice up a printed wrap dress.
5. Hand Worked Accessories
A great way to add a global element to your outfit while still keeping it subtle is in the accessories. Pieces that have a handmade, culturally inspired look to them are fun details to play with and can be added to create a casual or formal look. Choose colorfully embroidered bags, beaded bib necklaces, chunky gemstone rings, fringe leather belts, and Aztec-inspired earrings. When it comes to putting together ethnic-inspired accessories, don’t worry about being too “matchy-matchy.” The style is that of an eclectic traveler, wandering from place to place and collecting lovely souvenirs along the way.
6. Worldy Silhouettes
Try on some traditional silhouettes from the four corners of the world. Kimono-style cardigans, tunic tops, sheath dresses, and sarong skirts are go-to pieces that can easily be dressed up or down. Keep your look modern by combining these shapes with classic pieces such as a tailored cropped pants and a classic tee.
7. The Beaded Bib
A beaded bib applique is a strikingly beautiful detail with an ethnic vibe. To pull off this statement piece, keep the rest of your outfit simple. There is no need to wear a necklace, as the bib is a statement neckpiece in itself. Keep other accessories to a minimum so they don’t compete with the bib detail and overpower the look. Pair a beaded bib dress with an earthy open-toe heel and a set of stacked bangles. If you’re going for a more casual look, a relaxed fit pant and an embellished shoulder bag with a beaded bib tank is a quick way to add some cultural flair to an on-the-go outfit.
If these exotic elements spark your inner world traveler, explore the global trend with summer by combining them with classic favorites. Will you be wearing this cross-cultural look this spring?
