As we move through the year into April, layers are getting lighter and people are beginning to show a little bit of leg as the sun shines fondly on the city streets. There's still a nip in the air, but that won't bother a Northerner. We're well out of big coat territory now.
Neutrals and 90s styles seem to be a recurring theme, but that's not to say brights are out, because we're set to see a lot more colour as we approach the summer months, too.
This week, I spoke to jet-setters and wardrobe specialists, as well as one shopper who was wearing all their ex-boyfriend's clothes.
READ MORE: McDonald's bringing back iconic free gift as part of new peel-to-win game
One thing I hear quite frequently is how people feel like they can be themselves in Manchester, compared to smaller towns. I love that the city is a catalyst for confidence in that way, and that people feel safe enough to dress how they best feel expresses them.
Here are my top five favourite looks from Manchester this week - and how you can Steal Their Style.
Ryan Draper
“Don’t tell my ex-boyfriend,” Ryan joked when I asked where he’d bought his outfit, “They’re all his clothes!”
Luckily, the 28-year-old and his former partner are still good friends, with his ex also having been the ‘stylist’ in the relationship, often dressing Ryan in clothes that suited him.
Originally from Wales, Ryan worked as an events manager in Manchester, but has recently handed in his notice ahead of a move to Thailand to teach English as a foreign language.
While sitting in Stevenson Square listening to Thai podcasts, he wore a Mac style coat from the British Heart Foundation, as well as a black co-ord, trainers with zebra detailing, and a plain tee from George at Asda.
He said: “My style comes from my ex, he usually dresses me. When I move to Thailand I'll have no clothes because they all belong to him!
“I love a neutral wardrobe, I don't really wear colour. I would prefer a capsule wardrobe with XL baggy shapes. I recently bought some womens black pleated trousers from uniqlo that I love.”
Blair
Much like how Kylie needs no surname, nor does Blair, one of the coolest-dressed people in the city last week. The 25-year-old, who moved to Manchester from the Cayman Islands, purchased their wardrobe pieces from Monki and Asos, including a tartan skirt and kitsch ladybug jumper.
A graphic designer by trade, Blair joked they weren’t sure how much their outfit cost, ‘because, Klarna’ - but loves to shop for fun pieces that fits their aesthetic.
They said: “I don’t have a specific style or any particular influences, I like quirky, clumsy and fun. I threw this on in a rush, I thought the black and red would pull it all together. I love fun things full of colour, or cool shapes.
“Fashion is a huge part of my identity. It’s a form of self expression and you can be who you want to be.”
Opal Garrington
Flight attendant Opal has lived in Manchester for around six years, but frequently gets to jet off to far flung locations like Barbados, New York and Orlando.
The 25-year-old, who was born in Birmingham, says her worldly travels have helped inspire her look. She said: “We usually get a few days over in each location when we fly - it’s a great job, and I love seeing the street style in other countries around the world.”
She wore a pair of & Other Stories boots valued at £160, with a pair of Zara jeans and a Zara vest - but her shirt and jacket were both from her dad’s wardrobe! She added: “I’m a big fan of the 90s style so it helps that it’s big at the moment, too.”
Adnan Choudry
Adnan, 30, is a wardrobe specialist - and surprisingly, not the kind you’d first think when it comes to fashion, considering his impeccable taste. Nope, Adnan actually works at IKEA, so his specialism is in the flatpack variety.
The stylish shopper had just stopped for coffee at the Northern Quarter’s Another Heart To Feed, and was wearing a pair of Solomon trainers with some Kos trousers, an Arket sweater and gilet with a Uniqlo bag, Zara phone holder, Topman hat and H&M sunglasses.
He said: “I steer towards black clothing so the cut and texture is really important. I love a good blazer - this is a more casual look for me but it’s all about the material and the quality that elevates it.
“I love brands like La Mer and Studio Nicholson, as well as influencers like the Olsen Twins.”
Annie Ennis
Pretty in pink was Annie Ennis, who was visiting the city from Preston, having never been to Manchester before. She admitted she usually wears ‘techwear’ which features cargos and crop tops with buckles and belts, so this was a very girly outfit for her.
For her shopping and museum trip, she wore a pair of leather look shorts with a bodysuit and pink blazer, which she had bought at the charity shop for £4.
She added: “My boots are also from a charity shop - I always find cute stuff in them and I don’t wear things a lot of times, so I don’t see the point in wasting my money.
“I like Maniere de Voir, which I buy quite a lot, and I follow a male influencer called Changy on Instagram, too. I really like his style so I like to try and do the girl version of his outfits.”
READ MORE:
- Beauty lovers waking up with ‘glowing skin’ after using ‘game changer’ face tan
Easy way to get £10 off at Tesco, Co-op, Iceland, Ocado, Morrisons and Waitrose this month
Women of all ages heap praise on £10 anti-ageing cream at Boots that ‘works overnight’
'I tried the Aldi Specialbuy cheaper than Estee Lauder and felt like Molly Mae'
Woman, 77, ‘delighted’ after ‘amazing’ anti-aging product transformed her wrinkles
