Nikki’s Inbox: After-Sport Style

March 27, 2010 By: Nikki 1170 Views

Hey Nikki,

I am a young, hip soccer girl and I love flirty fashion. My problem is I only have a short amount of time to get ready for school in the morning, go to soccer practice and in between then to go out for the evening. What are some quick tips that I can do to make me look spiffy? I don’t wear a lot of make-up and I must take at least two showers a day.

Esther


Way to go, Esther! I’ve always admired athletic women, maybe because I can’t kick a ball to save my life. A woman who can notch up a hat trick on the field and in real life gets all the brownie points in my book.

So you want to do a quick trade between your soccer duds and something more “flirty”, eh? You didn’t say how much time you have in between all your activities but I’m guessing that maybe 10, 15 minutes tops to prep. There’s a lot you can do even in five minutes, sweetie. Games have been won and lost in less time. Trust Nikki.

If speed is of the essence on the field, then the same goes when you’re prepping for school. You want what I call “pretty functionality” – pulling off a stylish look without having to look like you snuck into the ladies’ department overnight. The key is choosing outfits that require less fuss and agony over what to match it with.

An Easy Dribble: Trade Your Jersey for a T-Shirt Dress
Go for simple one-pieces like T-shirt dresses paired with cropped leggings that are easy to pull on and pull off. Accessorize with a pretty scarf as a hair band, hair tie or bandanna for your hair. The scarf can also do double-duty as a belt: no buckles needed! The effect is casual, cool and effortless.

Half-time Substitutions: Swap the Shorts

Another great idea is a jumper dress or jumper pants. Team it with a pretty peasant top, striped T-shirt or layers of tank tops to add a pop of color. Add a cardigan as an extra layer. In the evening, swap it for a pretty shawl. Just don’t go too Beverly Hillbillies on the jumpers ’cause that would definitely be called offside.

Setting up a goal: Switch to Separates

Change your strategy if you’re going for something more posh after practice. Maybe an end-of-season dinner to celebrate your success? In this case, be a little more flexible and try separates that will only require more details to make it stand out. Harem pants are still very much the trend, and when paired with a studded or jeweled tank, they’re the perfect outfit for a night of merrymaking. Finish it off with a cropped jacket (preferably leather) and some killer sandals or pumps.

The key to pulling all this off? Practice! In time, you’ll find which pieces and looks are easy to create without having to fuss too much. Invest in accessories: sometimes, a bright gold cuff or statement necklace makes a huge difference. Lastly, carry your confidence level from the soccer field into your everyday activities. It shows!

Cheers, darling!

Nikki

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