20 August 2015

Canberra op shop guide - Winter colour blocking

| Heather Lansdowne
Start the conversation
IMG_7217

Winter is often a time when people cocoon themselves in layers of black and grey knitwear and coats, but just because it’s cold doesn’t mean we have to be boring!

Today we’ll be experimenting with colour blocking to shake off those winter blues in this slouchy, off duty weekend look. You may even have so much fun that you’ll realise, much like Elsa in Frozen, that the cold never bothered you anyway.

Unlike Elsa in Frozen however, you don’t have the magical ability to transform your boring clothes into amazing sparkly new ones, so you’re going to have to head to the op shops to get your winter wardrobe fix!

IMG_7312

Pink beanie – $2 Vinnies Dickson
Blue jumper – $7 Salvos Jamison
Boyfriend jeans – $9 Salvos Jamison
Converse sneakers – $7 Vinnies Belconnen
Guess backpack – $15 Vinnies Belconnen

IMG_7127 IMG_7600

Although conventional advice dictates that loose garments must be balanced with more form fitting items, today we are breaking that rule with a double dose of slouchiness. This blue jumper is a godsend in winter, adding a much-needed pop of colour as well as a cosy chunky-knit texture.

Here we have gone for minimal layering, but it would also look super cute with a collared shirt underneath if you wanted to add a bit more structure to the outfit.

The boyfriend jeans are also a great staple piece for running around on weekends. They’re the most utilitarian choice for casual attire, as they’re super comfortable without going down the trackies/tights route.

IMG_7125

To complement and contrast with the bright blue colour of our jumper, we’ve added this cute pink beanie to keep your ears toasty all day long.

Pastel pink and bright blue are always a great combination for colour blocking, and help to create an interesting balance between masculinity and femininity in the ensemble.

 

In keeping with the laid back theme, these converse sneakers will cushion your feet all day long, so they’re great for coffee runs, walks around the lake and grocery shopping.

The neutral black colour makes them easy to pair with a number of different looks, from grunge to sports luxe.

IMG_7254

The final accessory in this look is our Guess backpack, a great find at only $15. The silver hardware makes it cool enough to create a focal point for the outfit, and although it doesn’t look bulky it’s got enough room for all your essentials plus extra items like a water bottle or scarf.

IMG_7228

Putting all of our pieces together we’ve created a fun, warm and confortable winter outfit for only $40. Let me know what you think, or if you’ve found any cool winter items at the op shops in the comments below!

Photos by Esther Agostino.

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.