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You know how to rock a little black dress, and feminine fashion is a breeze. But when it comes to street chic, it can be tough to find the right balance between edgy fashion and going over the edge. Fortunately, skirting the urban line between sexy and casual doesn't have to be difficult if you keep a few basic principles in mind.
Back to Basics
Start your street chic style with a few basic pieces that look great no matter what you pair them with. A pair of skinny jeans, a few bright tank tops, some basic skirts in various lengths and a few casual sweaters should be enough to get you started. These basic pieces should be sleek and plain, not attention-getters. Avoid bright colors and busy patterns and aim mostly for black and white. Think of these pieces as the blank canvas you will decorate in street chic style.
Add on the Edge
Mixing sweet and sophisticated with edgy and tough is the hallmark of a good street chic outfit. Slipping a sleek black leather jacket over a pretty floral sundress is a classic move that screams urban chic. You could also pick a zebra print blouse to pair with black skinny jeans and bright red heels, or a black spandex skirt to go with a V-neck T-shirt and a pile of gold chains.
Thrift Store Finds
When it comes to street chic, your local thrift store is a girl's best friend. You don't want to do all of your shopping from the bargain racks, but thrift stores are great places to find vintage or retro pieces that add an unusual edge to your everyday ensemble. The point is to give yourself a one-of-a-kind look instead of wearing what everyone else does. Avoid picking items that are mass produced and sold in every store in the mall, even if they are marketed as street chic.
Accessories
Accessorizing can be crucial to getting the ultimate street chic look. Vintage or retro pieces can come in handy here, or you can look for unusual handmade styles. Tribal earrings, a studded collar or leather arm cuffs can all be part of your urban jewelry box. Don't stop at jewelry -- expand your street chic repertoire to include leather belts, knit hats, fingerless gloves and funky bags. Boots are the ultimate footwear for street style, but if the rest of your ensemble is already a bit edgy, you might be better off with a pair of sexy, feminine wraparound heeled sandals.
