Style Icon: Solange Knowles

 Beyonce may have the voice but her sister Solange has all the style. Making waves with her quirky, covetable looks, the actress/DJ/mother/aunt is not one to shy away from making major fashion statements. Eye-catching colors, big hair and bold prints are all blended together to create an effortless combination of cool girl and traveler. 

As I researched her more and more these past few weeks, I couldn't believe what I had been missing. Her personal style is the physical manifestation of the basic idea I created my blog to portray and advocate. Wearing whatever the hell you want. She's pushed prints to work with one another (and they do, surprisingly and gladly) and although the audience snapping shots of her may not always pick up what she's putting down, she doesn't seem to mind. She dresses for herself and that requires an immense amount of bravery among keyboard clad bullies and Best Dressed competitions in our favorite publications. 

So how can we emulate such an icon? 
I'm SO glad you asked!

1. Don't be afraid of color: Brights with neutrals, white on white or monochrome pink. Try to pair colors that you haven't before -- purple with yellow, hot pink with orange. 
2. Wear a ton of patterns. And mix them: What fun is a print when not meshed with another? None at all. Make sure to keep one color cohesive within the scheme. Plaids & florals are a yes.
3. Pants are optional: Shorts, skirts, and dresses are not. 
4. Vary heels and flats: Gone are the days of sky-high heels every time you leave the house. Have fun with strappy sandals, striped ballet flats, chunky wedges and pointed kitten heels. 
5. Choose statement jewelry & Accessories: standout clutches in varying shapes, scarf tied wrists and large sunglasses will suffice. 

Bold & Bright 

"Shoes! I’m all about the shoes! I order a ton of them online and play with my entire wardrobe until I find the right shoe."

• Wear Your natural hair: What you were given probably looks better than what youre forcing it to have. Im personally about to take up the no straightening lifestyle. 
• Play with shapes: Oversized sweaters, billowing sleeves and sculptual blouses. 
• When in doubt, try menswear: You know what that means. Blazers and trousers. 

Patterns, patterns, patterns

Shape & Structure 

Killer, right? You can follow Solange on Twitter & Instagram. 
You can follow me on bloglovin, too.