Angelika Taschen - Berlin Street Style: A Guide to Urban Chic

Contents

PART l
What Berlin Is Wearing

PART 2
Naturally Beautiful

PART 3
The Berlin Woman at Home

PART 4
Angelikas Berlin

THE NEW BERLIN WOMAN

Most Berlin women are immigrants, from other areas of Germany or from other countries entirely; I am as well. I moved from Los Angeles to the young German capital. Berlin style benefits from the fact that so many influences come together there. The new Berlin woman plucks up the best pieces for herself from international fashion events and, with these finds, creates the unforced, urban-chic style that is typical in this city.

Describing Berlin style is not a simple matter. It is an eclectic look characterized by creativity and individuality. But there are a few common threads that pull together this coveted approach to fashion. For example, women spotted throughout the city rarely flaunt luxury labels; rather, the luxury is in the materials. There are also a few key essentials, which are easily spotted on every sidewalk in every area of town, and which will be covered more in the pages to follow. For instance, in this land of long and cold winters, tights advance upward on the list of must-haves for the Berlin woman, and the ability to wear them well is a trademark of a true Berliner. Below are a few traits of todays stylish Berlin woman:

Look around: Something is always being built somewhere in Berlin. This raw state is reflected in the fashion preferences of the locals. The Berlin woman has a good eye for fine materials, but her look should never be too perfect and slick. Think of exposed seams on cashmere or silk clothes, of bleached or even holey jeans, and well-worn sturdy bootsthese are details that the Berlin woman appreciates.

Nothing against well-known luxury brands, but in Berlin no one is impressed with gold belt buckles or windswept logo scarves. It is embarrassing to show off wealth in such an obvious way. Why? In contrast to Frankfurt or London, Berlin is not a financial city, but rather a creative city. Artistssuch as painters, musicians, designerssometimes have money, and sometimes do not. But in any case, they value creativity and quality over pretentious names.

The Berlin woman is no tart. She doesnt smear a thick layer of makeup onto her face, or own a push-up bra or blond Rapunzel-inspired hair extensions. The Berlin woman barely needs make-up because her skin always has a rosy shimmer thanks to well-chosen cosmetic products and a healthy glow from riding her bike. And her hair? Rather than labor-intensive blow-drying and styling, she lets it air dry, of course!

The Berlin woman primarily works in a creative occupation and will quite happily draw inspiration from blogs during her breaks, if she is not actually blogging herself. Of course, fashion is not the only enthralling subject. She is also interested in all of the related disciplines: beauty, art, design, interiors, photography, and everything that has to do with DIY!

These days, it is almost exclusively the big chains that can still afford the rent in the city center, so it is all the more important to support the small, independent boutiques and local designers. The Berlin woman knows which labels are sold where, ideally knows the owners personally, and pays a visit to her favorite stores regularly.

Vintage shop. Designer sale. Flea market. These are the words that make the Berlin womans heart beat faster, because they offer the chance to snap up a bargain or uncover a stylish treasure. Often at the top of the most-wanted list: antique earrings or an unusual clutch. Accessories like these lend more personality to an outfitand personality is the most essential accessory in Berlin.

When window shopping in the city center, the Berlin woman has countless places to discover a new look for a party in Kreuzberg or a gallery opening in Neukllntwo of Berlins hippest areas. She also likes to purchase trends online or at her favorite boutique. Nevertheless, a Berlin womans closet is never bursting at the seams, but rather holds the basic pieces from which she can create at least a few outfits with ease. These are my favorite combinations!

Boyfriend jeans & a slouchy white T-shirt in a cotton-linen blend, with a white oversize jacket and black spiky slingback pumps.

Norwegian pullover & leather leggings, and spiky pumps la Louboutin instead of blue jeans and flat, lace-up shoes. Leather is so beautifully rrrrr!

Trench coat, shirtdress & natural-colored, beige sandals with a cork heel rather than a trench coat with jeans. This feminine combination works fantastically during the Berlin summers!

Army jacket & pumps in neon yellow, hot pink, or a leopard print instead of jeans with a blazer and ballerina flats. Berlin is no city for the typical office look.

Silk evening dress & a soft black leather jacket instead of a bolero jacket and Pashmina scarf. Sorry, but that look is just too preppy!

Smoking jacket & skinny jeans, with a white silk blouse & sparkly gold sandals instead of a black jacket with matching pants. The Berlin woman does not like to be too matchy-matchy.

Mens shirt & jean shorts & a colored belt instead of little summer dresses and sandals. This is much better suited for riding a bike and hanging out in the park.

Yoga pants, kitten heels & a trench coat instead of yoga pants, Ugg boots, and a parka. Making exercise a little bit chic does no harm. Who knows who you might meet while grabbing a coffee afterward?

Sweatshirt over a blouse & a miniskirt, along with the very latest Nike sneakers instead of a blouse, miniskirt, and high heels. The Berlin woman does not wish to dress in the stereotypically sexy way.

What exactly constitutes the Berlin style? It is of the utmost importance to the Berlin woman that she appears nonchalant. Need concrete examples? Here you go.

* The Berlin woman loves elfin maxi dresses , but in the case of accessories, the Hells Angels style applies. So, she adds a black biker jacket, sparkly jewelry, and sturdy boots to complete her outfit.