The look above is one of my favourite looks from Oki-ni’s new “style” section. Casual with a sharp tailored edge this look is bang on trend this season. The restricted palate and primary colours create a bold and fun outfit that will make a great addition to your wardrobe this Christmas. For those of us who can’t splash out £1000+ on some new threads though, there are some great high street alternatives that will let you get this look for a fraction of the price.

So let me break it down for you all and allow you to have a similar look at a much better price for all us teenagers, students or those who just don’t have the designer clothes budget!

The Cardigan

The Cardigan: This is a great piece by Folk People. The traditional shape, combined with the fun folksy graphics on the sleeve makes it a real statement piece. If you can’t fork out £195 though Topman have a few alternatives which will not empty the piggy bank. First off is this basic red cardigan for only £25. Although it lacks the warm knitted feel and kooky detailing of the folk people number the low price makes it a great value alternative. If you are after a less basic look this Shawl necked version (also by topman) is still very affordable at £59.

Original on left and alternatives on right:

The Shirt

The shirt: For the shirt Oki-Ni have chosen a Royal blue flannel number by Nonnative. The colour works brilliantly with the bright red cardigan making the look eye catching and bold. A better value alternative though is this corduroy version from Uniqlo, on sale at a staggeringly affordable £9.99 (Hurry if you want to catch this offer.) Uniqlo also have a great substitute for the long sleeve v-neck, which is again on sale for only £6.99. This Jil Sander designed piece from her recent +J collection is an absolute must buy.

Again the Oki-ni are on the left, budget picks on the right:

The Trousers

The Trousers: This relaxed fit is going to be a really big trend this winter, and one that these Damir Dorma trousers illustrate perfectly. The loose tailoring combined with a hi-top really works well and is a combination Oki-Ni has really been pushing this season. There are number of options in regard to emulating this look.

The first is to get a basic pair of sweat-pants, which you then need to tuck in either to your shoe or into the top of a long sock creating the loose folded effect of this outfit. (I recommend using socks which are the same colour as the trouser to avoid odd looks on the bus.) For this option Uniqlo have a really simple flannel ‘easypant’ for only £14.99.

Your next option is these tailored trackpants from Topman for £35. Although the polyester material isn’t for everyone they have a really nice tailored fit that works perfectly with this look.

If you prefer a slim trouser though, Topman have these cotton trackpants from their LTD collection for only £40. Again these work really well with the look and are a well-made option with nice details such as zip pockets.

The Trainers

The Trainers: These bright blue boots by Christian Peau really tie the outfit together and bring an aspect of street style to the look. They retail at £295 on Oki-ni but Topman again have a great substitute hi-top for a wallet friendly £40. If you’re not a fan of bright shoes though you can’t go wrong with any well-made boot. (Clark’s original desert boots are my tread of choice for the darker months.)

The Costs and Savings

Original look cost: £1,303
Most expensive deconstructed look cost (including shoes): £155.98
Cheapest deconstructed look cost (including shoes): £96.97
Possible Total Savings: £1,206.03

So there it is the first Fashion Beans ‘Pauper book’! Though not quite the real McCoy I hope this high street alternative covered all your bases or will at least give you a good start when it comes to looking fresh for less this winter.

-Percy
Check out some more deconstructed styles at Pauperthreads.wordpress.com