At the weekend market, a study in laidback style
MANILA, Philippines - When the weekend rolls in, everything takes on a slower pace (for me, at least). These are the glorious days when work is mostly banned from rearing its tiresome head. For some, it’s prime time to paint the town red. Others opt for the beach, where the sun, sand and sea welcome urbanites in their easy embrace. While some consider the weekends as the perfect time to run errands. Case in point: in our household, it gives the folks time to run to the market to restock.
In Manila, weekend farmers’ markets are all around the metro — the Salcedo Market, Legazpi Market, Mercato Centrale and White Space Market, just to name a few. It is in this steadily growing culture that a new type of weekend-only species is emerging: the weekend market girl.
The new breed of market girls are not your bayong-toting mamas. Dressing for weekend markets has become a fashionable event as well. Here trends mix easily and effortlessly. In imbibing the weekend vibe, nothing should be too heavy and nothing should look planned.
Lady military
Go austere with toned-down military as you peruse the aisles of the weekend market. Up the ante of the usual olive green and white combo with lady-like ruffles and tight-fit pants. Finish it up with woven belts and totes in brown and you’re set to call attention to your impeccable style.
Gray gamine
For the urbanite, black is the no-fail color. Lighten it up by going with its lighter-toned cousin, gray. Use interesting prints to liven up this otherwise somber color. Pair a silk top with a full skirt and you’ll be cooler than ever. Animal prints in the same hue are sure to liven up your gray matter.
La femme boheme
The easy relaxed vibe of the bohemian is evidently the go-to aesthetic of the weekend market girl. To carry the bohemian in the city, balance is key. Pair voluminous tops in soft materials a la chiffon with shorts or skirts that fit just right. Keep things airy and light as you breeze through the weekend in nature-inspired patterns.
Color block prep
Don’t colors seem brighter on weekends? Set the mood for a colorful weekend with clothes that pop out and scream festive. Balance it out with neutrals to avoid blinding passers by. If you’re feeling conservative, inject some color in your outfit through accessories.
Nautical maiden
Make like a sailor and go where the wind takes you for the weekend. Channel the easy nature of the seas with a case of stripes paired with solids. Take a striped top done in cotton and pair with perfectly tailored shorts to feel the cool weekend breeze. Spice it up with pops of color and you’re set to sail through the weekend.
Denim diva
Take your cue from cowboys and rustle up some organic grub in trusty denim. Who says you can’t pair denim with denim? The key to perfecting the look without looking like rodeo roadkill is to go with varying shades. This is not the time to go monochromatic, girls. Round the look up with unusual accessories and you’re good to go.
