Styled by Kimberley: Pinafore

To a Scottish girl, a pinafore is akin to the trend of a tartan mini skirt: it's a throwback to your primary school uniform. It's hard to take it seriously and to wear it as a grown up, without thoughts of pairing it with those hole- patterned white knee high socks and a puffy alice band. You know what I mean. The last time I wore a pinafore, I was 8 (and I LOVED it by the way) and I paired it with *those* black Clarks mary janes a chunky white blonde fringe and gap teeth. Le classic 90's child look.
Secondly, it's a wee bit of a reminder of a tabard, isn't it? No one wants to take on the style of a 50s wifey cleaning her stoop. There's  no way for that look to pass as vintage glamour.

While dressing like a child/ old lady isn't that far of a departure for me, I can understand why many women are uncomfortable with it. Like with many of the 90s trends, those of us old enough to remember them the first time around have found it difficult to re-embrace them. (I'm personally still struggling with the choker.) However, what we have forgotten in the last twenty years is just how damn good a pinafore is! Let me count the ways:

1.) Makes layering easy. As you can see here, I've gone true Clueless 90s style with layers of subtle plaid pattern in beige and grey. Layering is essential in good ol' rainy Scotland so being able to still wear a dress without covering up with a jumper or cardigan is great.

2.) POCKETS. Okay, not all pinafores have pockets. But mine does. It's great for keeping my phone in and bits, and I kinda feel like I'm wearing a (stylish) tabard when I fish things out of it. But, still, pockets!

3.) You can eat allll the food. Yep, forget those sweat pants ladies, a pinafore is where it is at on those bloaty days. And, if like me you like to gloat about it, best to pair it with a spoon accessory. Because eating cake all day.

4.) It looks like you've made an effort. For some reason, it is a smart-casual look that gives the impression of giving a damn. But you don't have to- just chuck it on! Suitable for the office, lazy Sundays and massive dinners (see point 3) alike, it's a great all-rounder.


Top | New Look
Pinafore | New Look (gift)
Shoes | c/o Ted and Muffy
Jacket | Oasis
Hat | Topshop
Necklace | c/o Sugar and Vice
Blether brooch | Bonnie Bling
Kimberley ring | c/o Bonnie Bling
Bag | Kerrie Aldo

So now that you're convinced on pinafores, let's take a look at the look (so to speak). There are so many things I love about this outfit. Mostly that I've managed to move away from my black base for a winter look. My Ted and Muffy boots, my Oasis coat to my Bonnie Bling 'blether' brooch (how appropriate) are top pieces. This beret is actually the second of the same style I bought after I accidentally threw the first one in the washing machine and warped it. It took two years for Topshop to restock the exact same style (yes Topshop, I'm onto your design recycling!) This means I've basically been pulling out this leopard print hat over around 5 years.

For me, the best purchase out of this all new outfit is my Kerrie Aldo tote bag. If you read our blog you will already be familiar with the Dundee designer- she makes amazing quality wax jackets and the crazy cat print pinafore Helen wears all the time. This oversized tote bag is made from the same waxed cotton as her jackets so it's totally durable and it's waterproof!! A first of any tote bag I've owned. It's also slightly larger than the standard tote, so I've used it as an overnight bad as well. Kerrie has them in a variety of colours but I wanted a classic staple to see me through the years. Now I just need to get my mitts on one of those coats to match.


So what's the verdict on pinafores? Are you sold or do they deserve to be left in the 90s with bowl cuts?