The style, known as ‘Portuguese Girl’ across social media, popularised by girlies across Western Europe wearing such fun colours, prints, patterns and shapes, is such an eclectic, bright style. Over-sized collars, clashing prints, embroidered pieces, with gorgeous cardigans and vests to layer on top, are some of the iconic parts of this playful style, that plays with size, shape and pattern to create a look that shouldn’t work, but somehow, it really, really does.
As someone who loves wearing bright colours, florals, and fun, kitschy prints I feel so drawn to this style, and I’ve watched and followed girls who wear this aesthetic for many years; with a couple of favourites being Rita and Sofi. I’m a big fan of knitwear with funky prints on (my sheep print cardigan comes to mind!), paired with colourful skirts and trousers, and my zebra print coat on top; a few years ago that combination would have sounded so wrong to me, but having fun with fashion is the best way to develop your personal style, and this trend is definitely a way of doing that.
That being said, this style is definitely not for everyone. So, as always, if this trend doesn’t call your name, or you feel that these pieces would not fit in your wardrobe and be worn, and loved, for many years to come, then maybe don’t participate this time, and spend time finding pieces that truly resonate with you instead.
1. Pink Damson Madder over-sized collar blouse // 2. Colourful knitted vest // 3. Reversible quilted jacket // 4. Gingham over-sized scrunchie // 5. Vivaia green ballet flats // 6. Olive green satchel bag // 7. Vintage blue knitted cardigan // 8. Gold kitten heels // 9. Fruit print white jeans // 10. Green and pink bow // 11. Beach print knitted cardigan // 12. Quilted denim vest
At first glance this edit looks like a whole host of separate pieces, and not necessarily things that you would like to wear together, but that’s the fun of this ‘Portuguese girl’ aesthetic – fashion rules go out the window and you get to just have fun. Damson Madder’s over-sized Peter Pan collars and funky colour palette ties in so well to this style, and this pink blouse with red accents is so pretty. Pink and red will forever be one of my favourite colour combinations, there’s something just so feminine and romantic about it. In this style you can pick out one of the colours in a piece and really play with it; for instance you could combine the blouse with the fun knitted vest, due to its red accents, and style with a more basic pair of jeans or a plain midi skirt; or, don’t layer the blouse and instead pair it with a more fun pair of bottoms, such as the very pretty pair of fruit-patterned jeans – these are so funky! For more blouses I also found a baby blue one, and a patterned floral one, with the same over-sized ruffled colour.
Another way of playing with colour is to match the colour across accessories and shoes; the green Vivaia ballet flats, the olive green satchel bag, and the beach-patterned cardigan would work so well to create a pop of green for a springtime outfit. Again, you could play it safe with a plainer outfit underneath, such as a basic white tee and jeans, or, in true Portuguese girlie fashion, pop all that over a green patterned midi dress. The Vivaia ballet flats are not secondhand, but they are made using recycled plastic bottles, which is so exciting, and great for the environment! The shoes and bag would also pair so well with a patterned co-ord, another staple of this style, and this shirt and trouser combo would work perfectly.
If you are just dipping a toe in to this style, then I would say that the two best pieces to purchase are a quilted jacket (this one is a great addition to your wardrobe as it’s reversible so can create double the amount of outfits!) and a quilted vest. This denim one is such a good neutral, and will pair with so many outfits in your wardrobe, whether it’s a printed summer midi dress, or a pair of colourful textured trousers, such as these stunning raspberry coloured cords. Playing with different textures is also a key part of this style, so bringing in the quilted element is a great way to start testing the waters in that department.
I absolutely adore the fun freedom of this style, and I can’t wait to start playing with colour and texture more in the coming months. Fashion is meant to be fun, and the Portuguese girlies really seem to get that!
Love Chloe x
* All imagery belongs to the original owners, and has only been used for collage purposes. I am not affiliated with any of the individual sellers.
