Plaza Singapura is an absolutely iconic mall— I love it for my fix of craft supplies from Art Friend, Spotlight and Daiso, but my mother, who has a passionate love for the mall, thinks of it fondly as her go-to fashion spot. Her ardent loyalty stems from that Plaza Singapura was her special place with her mother. Over dinner, she fondly recalls buying her first work dress from a boutique in Plaza Singapure. She tells me vehemently, “You’re too young,” repeating, “Plaza Sing was the place, it was that mall!”— and it still is.
Really, age doesn’t matter when it comes to being able to appreciate the variety that Plaza Singapura has to offer. It features a significant number of fashion shops across both the newer and older wings of the mall, from apparel, to shoes and accessories. Whether you’re looking for an easy breezy day dress or a full-on glam look, there is something to be found in Plaza Singapura. I’ve gone ahead to help you out and compiled an five categories of looks from Plaza Singapura for all your style inspiration needs.
Keep in Comfy in Versatile Basics
Let’s start simple! Clothes are a cornerstone of everyday living, and we all need that one outfit that we can reach for unthinkingly when we’re out on an errand run or a simple catch-up session.
1 :SAMSONITE KARISSA TOTE BAG, $140
2: Timberland Women’s Back Hem Logo Tee, $59
3: Timberland Women’s Spacer Knit Wrap Skirt, $119
4: Bata Ladies Sneakers $59.95
Keep it simple in versatile basics! Harking from their Spring 2019 collection, this tee and skirt from Timberland can be worn as effortlessly stylish coordinates, or as separates mixed up with your favourite pair of comfy jeans or spunky graphic tee. Built for everyday comfort and functionality, these breathable pieces will have you good to go everyday.
Pair this cosy look with a sturdy, roomy bag— this Samsonite one has the space of a big tote bag, in a stylish and ergonomic design. Definitely a level up from a basic canvas tote or trusty, albeit not a handbag, blue IKEA carrier.
While white Bata sneakers are a nostalgic classic and an undeniably functional wardrobe staple, if you like to switch things up every so often, Bata has your back.
Explore their Bata Red Label range, a premium collection at the same affordable prices. This collection was inspired by New York and London street style. True to this vision, the classic black, neutral nude pink and jazzy floral motifs on the sneakers from this range easily spice up a basic outfit. Swap these in and out with your quintessential white Bata shoes to keep your style fresh and your outfit fuss-free.
Rock the Effortlessly Cool Street Look
If you’re a fan of something a little more edgy, street style is contemporary and stylish, cool-without-trying.
Look 1
1: Muji 4-Way Stretch Denim Jacket, $89
2: Muji OGC Stretch Denim Tapered Boyfit Ankle Length, $49
3: Charles and Keith Mesh Detail Backpack, $89.90
4: Rockport Let’s Walk® Mesh Bungee Sneaker, available at local Sole Spirit stores
I think denim is a trademark of street style, its texture gives a rugged look, but its structure adds polish. Denim on denim will never get old; you can never go wrong with coordinates. Just remember the rules: the pieces should either be the same shade, or three shades apart. These denim pieces from Muji are stretchy, so you can rock your look for the ‘gram and have no issues at all-you-can-eat KBBQ afterward.
For accessories, this mesh backpack from Charles and Keith stood out with its holographic panel. Reflective wear has been a booming trend in the streetwear world, with labels putting out everything from reflective scarves to eye-catching full 3M jumpsuits. I thought the bright shiny backpack would bring striking visual contrast to the dull blue of the denim, as well as channel some of that reflective wear hype.
Sneakers are a distinct part of streetwear culture, and these Rockport walking shoes are minimal, stylish as well as functional. If you’re a sneakerhead and want to browse other options, you can check out Sole Spirit’s Plaza Singapura store. The multi-brand concept store carries shoes galore, and you’ll certainly find something to meet your needs.
Look 2
1: TIMBERLAND WOMEN’S CLASSIC LITE 6″ BOOT, $279
2: Timberland Women’s Logo Dress Hoodie, $159
The whole world is your stomping ground with this look from Timberland, featuring their iconic brown boot. Their Spring 2019 Women’s Collection was designed to celebrate the strong women of today, and will have you feeling like a real girl boss. The hoodie dress combines the cosiness of a hoodie with the ease of a one-piece, subverting the traditional femininity of a dress in favour of a more edgy and unisex street style.
Put Some Prep in Your Step
The retro fashion trend is thriving more than ever, and why shouldn’t you be allowed to feel a little nostalgia once in a while? A popular and accessible style is the preppy 90s look— think oversize sweaters, mom jeans, pleated skirts and high socks in Mary-Janes.
1: Uniqlo WOMEN IDLF Line Crew Neck Sweater, $29.90
2: Uniqlo WOMEN IDLF Cotton Gather Skirt, $49.90
3: Uniqlo WOMEN Socks 3 Pairs (Argyle), $14.90
4: Spur Stubby Slingback in Black, $109
Trust Uniqlo to have timeless, cosy pieces. Originating from a youth subculture associated with traditional university life and style, the preppy look is all about comfortable fits and classic colours. The pastel horizontal stripes on this sweater are reminiscent of the varsity look popular in 90s style, and I love the rich red of the modest midi skirt.
Argyle socks, while a very hate-them-or-love-them item, are undeniably a very retro style, and these stubby slingbacks closely mimic the rounded, no-frills shape of the Mary-Jane shoe. While you might scoff at socks in heels, the style has been rocked at various fashion weeks, and on the likes of Celine Dion and Lindsay Lohan. If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us.
Put a Spin on Smart Casual
An interview, office party or business luncheon? Smart casual doesn’t always have to be the same satiny blouse and dress pants. Have a little fun with it— here are our suggestions for chic and stylish spins on the overworked smart casual category.
Look 1
1: Dorothy Perkins Tall Black Floral Print Tea Dress, $83.90
2: Charles and Keith Red Classic Double Top Handle Bag, $75.90
3: Charles and Keith Pointed Penny Loafers, $53.90
Not a fan of heels? Don’t worry, these Charles and Keith penny loafers are dressy enough at a comfortable low heel height. I’ve chosen this tea dress from Dorothy Perkins as the main piece; it is classically feminine and of a modest midi length, the perfect complement to the masculine edge of the loafer shoe.
Plus, how fantastic is this red Charles and Keith bag paired with the flirty primary-coloured floral accents on the dress? Against the black-based dress and shoes, this bold bag is the statement cherry on top of a simple yet put together look.
Look 2
1: SAMSONITE LIPAULT PLUME ELEGANCE, $280
2: Dorothy Perkins Yellow Spot Print Button Blouse, $63.90
3: Dorothy Perkins Petite Multi Colour Checked Ankle Grazer Trousers, $56.90
4: Spur Bronze Hexagon Slingback in Beige, $119
Instead of the usual black dress pants and white blouse, try keeping the structured silhouette but playing around with colour and prints. Here, I’ve picked this sunny yellow blouse to match the subtle yellow woven into the plaid of the trousers, and continued to play on colour with a bright matching Samsonite bag. To tone down the overall palette, I’ve chosen a pair of neutral beige slingbacks, although the bronze hardware still ties in with the yellow tones.
If you would like more options to choose from to play on this classic top and pants combination, keep an eye out for Urban Revivo‘s Plaza Singapura store.
Their latest Spring collection isn’t afraid to go bold, playing with bright colours and patterns to create a playful, fresh vibe. The pieces are funky without being garish, keeping it chic. Perfect for work and for play, you’ll be always appropriate but never boring.
Channel Your Inner K-Pop Star with Ulzzang Fashion
I just could not resist adding in a category for the ever-popular “ulzzang” style inspired by our beloved K-Pop sensations. Ulzzang fashion refers to K-fashion, and while there is quite a wide range of style options under this category, there are often distinctive retro, oversize, and colourful elements to ulzzang.
1: DOROTHY PERKINS RED TEXTURED COATIGAN. $116
2: ESPIRIT Blouses Woven Short Sleeve, $49.95
3: ESPIRIT Skirts Woven Mini, $49.95
4: Muji Walk Support Leather Sneakers, $79
You’ll be cute as a button in this ‘fit! Plaid skirts are a common feature in ulzzang style, you’ll find them everywhere from Taobao to Korean sites like Chuu and Mixxmix. I’ve chosen a red top to match this particular piece, featuring blue and brown stripes on a yellow base, to create a primary colour palette. The devil is in the details, too— I love the blouse’s unique collar, with scalloped edges and red piping.
I’ve paired the preppy outfit with white sneakers to add a sporty edge, and this low-cut pair from Muji is also ideal for showcasing kitschy embroidered socks. As ulzzang style also loves to incorporate layering, I’ve rounded up the outfit with this oversize, drapey cardigan-coat. Its structured collar complements the similarly structured blouse, but its flowy length isn’t too formal.
If you don’t feel like curating individual finds to create your ulzzang look though, you can check out the Twee store at Plaza Singapura! The Korean label is stocked with the ulzzang pieces of your dreams, from fun and bright graphic tees to dressier tops with layers of ruffles and frills. As the store is dedicated to this singular aesthetic, it is easy to mix and match pieces and you’ll have your closet full in no time. The next time your favourite idol sports a new, rockin’ outfit, you can swing by Twee to get the look.
While Plaza Singapura is celebrating its 45th birthday this year, it has certainly aged gracefully and kept up with the times! These trendy fashion options are all easily accessible within its walls. All it takes is some browsing and creativity, and you’ll soon find looks for all your moods.
All items are available at their respective stores at Plaza Singapura. capitaland.com/plazasingapura
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