How to Create an Ethnic Style Fashion Look
Try exotic global elements if you want to spice up your wardrobe. Designers often borrow inspiration from global cultures and translate it into rich looks with ethnic roots in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. How can you create an ethnic style fashion look, that looks global but isn’t too wild. Here are some tips.
The Global Goddess: The “World Traveller” Trend
1. Wear 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. Incorporate 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. Mix 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 cut jacket with a bold ethnic pattern and a colorful top. Wear a printed scarf with fringe over neutral separates for a subtle take on the bold print. Complete your outfit with some stacked bangles.
4. Try Tribal Trims
Indulge in exotic details like tassels, trims, pompoms, and fringes. These beautiful elements will add some ethnic flavor to your summer look. Incorporate these embellishments without overdoing them by ensuring the rest of your outfit is relatively simple. Try a colorful pompom trim scarf over a relaxed tunic-style top. Or grab a fringed leather clutch to spice up a printed wrap dress.
5. Feature Hand-Worked Accessories
A great way to add a global element to your outfit while still keeping it subtle is in the accessories. Pieces with a handmade, culturally inspired look are fun details to play with and can be added to create a casual or formal look. Colorfully choose embroidered bags, beaded bib necklaces, chunky gemstone rings, fringe leather belts, and Aztec-inspired earrings. When putting together ethnic-inspired accessories, don’t worry about being too “matchy-matchy.” The style is that of an eclectic traveler who wanders from place to place and collects lovely souvenirs.
6. Choose 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 elements such as tailored cropped pants and a classic tee.
7. Wear a Beaded Bib
A beaded bib applique is an exquisite detail with an ethnic vibe. Keep the rest of your outfit simple to pull off this statement piece. There is no need to wear a necklace, as the bib is a statement neckpiece. 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, relaxed-fit spants and an embellished shoulder bag with a beaded bib tank are quick ways to add 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?
