Good girl gone bad

There are some looks that take practice to pull off. Especially if you love experimenting with lots of different styles and find yourself floating from one ‘look’ to the next in the space of a weekend. Finding the perfect balance between polished and scruffy, rock chic and preppy, cool yet sophisticated and still look appropriate for work or a family gathering can be tricky. Unless you are someone who loves a completely all encompassing look, eg: biker or hippy chick, than you probably want to land somewhere in the middle. Modern. Edgy. Fabulous.

I used to get annoyed because I was always perceived as a neat dresser, when all I wanted was to be thought of as a bit of a rebel. I didn’t know now to pull together an outfit that showed signs of my indie inclinations, but didn’t look like I was trying too hard or being insincere. One of my dear friends always had a knack of pulling together these great work ensembles that have a tweek of rock and roll, like some plaited leather bracelets or a great slogan T-Shirt underneath a blazer. I always felt like a goody two shoes of sorts, like she was the cool girl in school who had artfully stretched her school jumper to look just so and wore her skirt shorter.

It’s all about the attitude. If you feel comfortable and confident, anything will look stylish. But if you need a bit of a lesson on how to be ‘bad’, here are my top tips:

Fringe benefits

Something magic happens when you add fringe. Whether it’s to a bag, top or a scarf, it instantly updates the look and gives off a ‘bad girl’ image. Only wear black fringe though, anything else may look a little country’n'western. This gorgeous top is from Milk and Honey designed by Ruby Rose and is available from incityfashion.com.au!

Let your hair down (or up)

Frizzy hair is no one’s friend, but I think the days of super sleek are over. Texture, shape and body are much more edgy and are easy to achieve: put soft waves through your hair (or let it dry naturally if you have wavy hair), put a smoothing cream through it, then mess it up! Or a messy bun on top of a polished work outfit looks tres cool. Erin Wasson is my hair hero.

Lose the kitten heels

I have to confess that kitten heels are my pet hate. No tough girl with confidence has worn kitten heels. The itty-bitty heel is so early noughties and have no place in your wardrobe. Why fear the extra height? You’re half way there, you might as well go the whole heel! So maybe the Louboutins on the left are a bit too much, but just making my point here.

Counter-cute

If anyone has had to fight a super-cute image, it’s Vanessa Hudgens. I love her in ripped denim and tussled hair. It’s grown up and confident with a playful side to it. So maybe you can’t wear ripped denim to the office, but wear your worn jeans on the weekend with a cute floral tank top. It’s Rock and roll meets Disney.

It’s all in the eyes

I love, love, love these smokey eyes! No need to revamp your whole wardrobe, just apply an extra coat of smokey black and you are ready to go. It’s best to dress simply with this look, don’t overcrowd it with accessories or jewellery.

Labels on my radar: Milk and Honey designed by Ruby Rose, Opening Ceremony, Miu Miu, Birds of a Feather, Cue, Country Road, Witchery, Dangerfield, Elizabeth and James, Thakoon.