The SLP Aesthetic: A Little Bit Bougie and a Little Bit Rock ‘n’ Roll

Over the past few seasons there has been a growing movement in the street-wear scene dubbed the SLP Aesthetic.

The SLP Aesthetic (Saint Laurent Paris Aesthetic) is a mash-up of chic Parisian flair infused with rock ‘n’ roll edge. The style was popularized by Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent – and pays homage to the style he created while there – today the look is less defined by the namesake fashion label and more by a select few wardrobe essentials.

It’s pretty much the new Rock ‘n’ Roll Chic and is defined by a dark color palette with pops of vibrant color or graphics to make a statement. The term “SLP Aesthetic” is usually tossed around when describing menswear looks but I think it totally translates to womenswear as well.

What I find REALLY interesting about the trend is that rockin’ the SLP Aesthetic isn’t about ACTUALLY wearing Saint Laurent (all of us can’t afford to be clad in Saint Laurent head to toe)– it’s about taking the “spirit” of Slimane’s Saint Laurent and translating it into an affordable chic capsule wardrobe. To be clear, I’m not talking about dupes (which I am adamantly opposed to) I mean to find pieces that are within your budget and celebrate the SLP style- not EXACT replicas of Saint Laurent pieces.

Sound like a challenge you are up for? Let’s get started!

When you break it down rockin’ the SLP Aesthetic is pretty dang easy, it’s really about FOUR key pieces: Shoes, Top, Bottom and Jacket.

The Shoes and Jacket are the key pieces to the look so if you are going to make any investment purchases it should be those.

STEP ONE: The SHOES. The most obvious choice here would be a Chelsea boot but western-inspired boots and creepers are also fair game (COACH has some AMAZING Creeper-esc Western boots this season).

STEP TWO: The TOP. Striped tees and sweaters contribute to a very Parisian/French look, but most monochromatic tees and knits work too. Oversized flannel shirts and crazy silky printed shirts such as Hawaiian, paisley and even animal prints are all fair game.

STEP THREE: The BOTTOM. Skinny Jeans are the go-to for guys wanting to achieve the SLP Aesthetic and of course those work for the ladies as well but when translating this look for gals you have some freedom here- I suggest a retro circle skirt, leather pants, a cropped tuxedo pant or a leather pencil skirt.

STEP FOUR: The Leather Jacket. Aside from the shoes this is the most critical thing to get right. You need a leather jacket that looks luxe and has some personality. It could be studded, fur lined, have a western yolk or any details that make it “special”.

Follow the formula and then make it your own with a few personal style pieces like a bandanna print scarf, an edgy bag and colorful tights.

Click to SHOP some SLP Aesthetic Essentials:

Why I’m Crazy for Fall 2019’s Hottest Accessory Trend Belts

We are on the cusp of that seasonal change, which means you can count on a fresh set of fashion trends hitting the fashion scene and your Instagram feed in the coming weeks.

I have already shared a couple of the heavy hitters: Bluestone and Scarf Prints but today I am focusing on the single biggest accessory trend for Fall 2019 (and I couldn’t be more excited about it) BELTS!

Belts are back baby, well they never were “out” in my book but for Fall 2019 they are a MUST! Wide or thin, embellished or plain, they ruled the F/W19 runways and are set to be one of the hottest accessory trends of the new season.

From Michael Kors to Saint Laurent and Christian Dior, practically every designer showcased the waist-cinching accessory over blazers, overcoats, dresses, and jumpsuits. Prada even showcased “stacked” belts in their mens show- a style I will totally be rockin’ this fall. Think of it like bracelet stacking but with belts! Yes Please!

I’m not sure what brought this sudden love for belts about but after watching the shows it’s clear that for Fall 2019 designers are totally have “a thing” for historic dressing. Whether it be dark Gothic romance vibes or English Tweed Sherlock Holmes-esc suiting the one thing it all had in common was that it was belted!

It makes sense for belts to have a moment. After-all they are the chic accessory that has the ability to add instant polish to any outfit, pulling your look together one buckle at a time.

They help compliment your curves, give shape to a shapeless piece and are the exclamation point at the end of the story you are telling with your look.

Ready to buckle up? Wondering where to get started?

For Fall 2019 there are FOUR types of belts you will need to keep your look trending:

A Corset Belt. A designer darling this season that was showcased on top of just about every blazer, trench and topcoat that came down the runways.
A Western Belt. Who doesn’t love a good western belt! It adds that certain je ne sais quoi to your look. No matter what your personal style classic, boho or edgy you should know the power of a great Western belt.
A Luxe Statement Belt- Thick velvet and suede belts with ornate buckles or animal prints inject that perfect dash of bougie bliss.
Chain Belt. Whether vintage or straight off the runway a chain belt is “IT” over blazers this season.