Look duJour: Estelle
September 30th, 2008 | Published in Celeb Style, Culture, Runway
Estelle, the UK singer renown for her smooth and liquid-like voice in the U.S. for her hit single “American Boy” featuring Kanye West, is a rising celebrity in the eyes of Americans. Though known more for her voice than her style, Estelle’s outfits are one to be watched at the few appearances she makes. Her effortless twist on classic picks forms a style that is completely unique, much like her songs – jazz and soul with a bit of hip-hop mixed in.
The thought of a rising British singer and fashion icon often jumps to pictures of Lily Allen and MIA – we usually classify British or London styles as eclectic vintage and a bit punky. Estelle’s style, however, does not fall into those general categories; it’s a blend of styles seen in European and city girls. She is usually shown in a neutral colored trench cinched with a wide black belt, which becomes her assumed signature look. Here, however, she opts of something different. Estelle still chooses a basic color palette for her dress: a khaki-beige strapless dress with unique draping and an orgami like black satin belt around her ribcage to finish the look. The surprise is in the shoes: for a pop of color, purple peep-toe Louboutins in satin add color and a fun look to the otherwise sophisticated outfit. Getting this look is very easy: pair bold-colored pumps (in a solid color) with a simple dress or top like Estelle had, or, for a braver look, go for shoes in a color that contrasts your dress as celebrities have done; for example, Eva Longoria-Parker had paired green satin heels with a pastel yellow dress for high contrast. This is the one time when the rules of matching can be ignored.
In a season where neutrals are the center of color palettes, pops of color are much appreciated and add a certain amount of playfulness to a sometimes bland outfit. Shoes are not the only way to add color; bursts of the rainbow can come in accessories, whether it be a headband, jewelry, or a bag. Just a little peek here and there is perfect!














