Spark

Alicia Vikander has captivated us ever since we saw her in Ex Machina, and she really got our attention when she killed it at the 2016 MET Gala. Her natural sense of style, A-list boyfriend, and Oscar-winning talent have quickly made her one of our favourite stars to watch. But it’s not just on the year’s most daring red carpet that Alicia causes us some major fashion envy – we particularly loved this wearable look she donned for the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2016 Resort Collection show. Here’s a breakdown of how to recreate one of Alicia’s prettiest looks, that would be perfect for your upcoming holiday party.

The elements: patterned skirt + lace top + classic heels + pretty accessories

Patterned skirt: Plaid is common enough in your favourite flannel button-up, but seen on a miniskirt, it feels fresh and bold – especially in a classic tweed. This skirt hits just above the knee, which makes your legs look extra long, and we’re loving pops of blue for winter! You can always add black stockings for an extra layer of warmth on cold winter nights.

Lace top: The contrasting textures and patterns are key to this look. When you wear a patterned skirt, your instinct is usually to go for a more subdued top – instead, take a cue from Alicia and opt for an equally arresting top. Ultra-feminine, form-fitting lace is a stark juxtaposition to tweed plaid.

Classic heels: A chic pair of heels is the perfect finishing touch. To offset the short hemline, avoid a stiletto and opt for a modest height in a ladylike style – we love this chunkier heel with a bit of grounding weight.

Pretty accessories: A marble ring and pretty handbag with a long chain strap are understated and simple, but have a distinct fashion-girl bent for a deliberate-feeling finish. Stick to silver pieces for a cool, wintery feel.

Why it works: What makes this outfit so interesting is the brilliant use of texture and adventurous mix of patterns. When pairing two equally bold but wildly different pieces, the trick is to stick to muted colours, creating a sense of unity between pieces that would be statements on their own. It’s also helpful to keep it simple and classic with both your accessories, and your hair and makeup choices.

Click here for more inspiration on mixing and matching standout textures.

Visit these St. Vital Centre retailers to shop the looks in this post (check stores for availability):

Black lace top: BCBGMAXAZRIA, $127.00
Plaid mini skirt: RW&Co., $98.00
Black pumps: Hudson's Bay (Expression), $79.00
Marble ring: Le Chateau, $12.95
Snakeskin handbag: Aldo, $50
Nude cami: Le Chateau, $16.95