Skins Fashion – How to Dress Like Cassie Ainsworth
I’m so happy that you guys liked last week’s article on Effy Stonem’s style from the UK television series Skins. With so many requests, it was impossible not to continue with the Skins fashion series with a post on Cassie Ainsworth’s style.
If you’ve never seen the UK drama Skins, here is a quick synopsis:
Skins is an award-winning British teen drama that follows a group of teenagers in Bristol, South West England, through two years of high school. UK Skins prides itself on having relatively unknown actors and a team of young writers to keep the show fresh. The show was also recently adapted by MTV in the US, but met with a lot of protesting due to the controversial nature of the show.
Cassie Ainsworth is a central character on the first two seasons of Skins. The show follows the seventeen-year-old’s struggle through multiple personal and relationship issues, including an eating disorder, drug abuse, and a tumultuous romance. Like Effy, Cassie’s unique personality is always echoed in her wardrobe.
Cassie’s Style
Quirky, feminine and vintage are the three best words to describe Cassie Ainsworth’s style. Her go-to closet staples include long skirts, Mary Janes, and mod-inspired sunglasses and blazers. Her style is the perfect mix of school-girl prep and thrifty vintage.
Elements of Cassie’s Wardrobe
Below, I’ve detailed a few main elements of Cassie’s wardrobe, and will show you how to incorporate Cassie’s pretty style into your own look – all on a college budget! As you guys requested, I’ve put together some sample outfits that you can easily imitate and translate with your own wardrobe.
Classic School-Girl
Product Information: Blazer – Forever 21, Skirt – ModCloth, Flower Pin – Forever 21, Mary Janes – Forever 21, Oxfords – Forever 21, Knee Socks – Target
Knee-socks, Mary-Janes, a shrunken blazer and a floral skirt – does it get any better? This look is all about mixing vintage trends together – while maintaining a perfect balance between masculine and feminine fits. While stores like Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters are sure to have some of these pieces in stock, for the most authentic “Cassie” look, why not go thrifting instead?
To recreate this look, seek out long floral skirts, blazers (be sure to check the Boys section for styles that are fitted!) and T-strap flats. Of course, if this look is a little too over-the-top for you, try just adding one or two of the elements to your normal look.
Quirky Vintage
Product Information: Bow Tee – Forever 21, Heart Tee – Delias, Red Plaid Skirt – ModCloth, Plaid Flannel Pencil Skirt – ModCloth, Knee Socks – Free People
While her style is often described as soft and feminine, Cassie wouldn’t be a character on Skins if she didn’t have her own unique quirkiness. For a quirkier aesthetic, Cassie opts for tougher fabrics, as seen on her red plaid skirt, as well as graphic t-shirts (but of course still has her knee socks on).
As with Effy, vintage t-shirts and ironic tops are among Cassie’s wardrobe favorites. If you aren’t a fan of the longer skirts, pair a bold tee with a pair of skinny jeans or tucked into a more basic skirt.
Soft and Feminine
Product Information: Hat – Forever 21, Floral Cardigan – Forever 21, Gray Cardigan – Forever 21, Knee Socks – Free People, Petal Skirt – ModCloth, Floral Skirt – ModCloth, Sunglasses – Forever 21
By far my favorite aspect of Cassie’s style is her collection of ladylike vintage skirts and accessories – which she pairs with soft cardigans and tees. Since I already touched upon her love of longer skirts above, these looks in particular are all about the accessories.
Round white sunglasses, a flat-brimmed straw hat, and printed stockings are the pieces that really set Cassie’s outfits apart from every other vintage-chic fashionista. To capture her style, pile on the vintage accessories, and utilize soft colors like pastels and neutrals. By keeping all of the pieces within the same color spectrum, you’ll have more room to experiment with different prints and fits.
Tying it All Together
Cassie’s style is one part rebellious teen, one part school-girl and a few parts vintage femininity. From flowy skirts to knee socks, Mod white sunglasses to patent leather Mary Janes, her looks are a great fashion inspiration no matter what your personal style.
What do you think of Cassie’s style? Do you prefer her feminine touches or Effy’s rocker edge? What items do you think really shape her ‘signature’ style? You guys had amazing input on last week’s post, and I love to hear your comments and suggestions. Be sure to leave a comment!
Posted on on June 29, 2011 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Accessories, Celebrity Style, Celebs, Clothing, Dresses, Fashion Inspiration, Featured, How To, Inspiration, Inspired by, Skins, TV, Vintage
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Cara
I love Cassie! My look is kind of similar to hers in some ways and i will definitely be trying out some of these <3
Caitlin
I’ve never seen this show before but I’m a fan of her style! I personally would probably wear a more toned down version of this since it’s a bit too hispter for me. I think my favourite look of her’s is where she’s sitting at the table – cute skirt!
Paula*
Wish I was tall enough to wear long skirts :p Nice article, though.
Olive
oh wow, this is lovely! Mini next please :)
Aik0
There should be an article on how to wear knee lenghth, midi, and maxi skirts!
Jem
Love Skins and love Cassie’s style. I’ve been trying to emulate it recently because it’s simply gorgeous and you’ve given me some more idea’s on how to do so. Keep up the Skins style posts I love them!
Danielle
she was my favorite character on skins! love it!
Ally
LOOOVE Skins. Echoing the above request -please do Mini next!
Mallory
Could you do Emily or Naomi ?
jj
Loved Cassie’s style!!! I really hope you guys continue, hopeuflly with a little Naomi action!
Alison
I hate Cassie’s character but I do love these Skins How Tos!
Lisa
Hey… am i the only one who can’t think of cassie without humming the Cat Stevens “Wild World”…. awsome end of a season, and an era in the skins series. I kind of miss some of the party clothes though.
Ally
@ Lisa – you’re definitely not the only one that does that :-)
shaina
wow, i’ve never worn skirts that length but i feel really inspired to try haha. especially the way she wears it sitting at that table. i’d love to try that. i love cassie, don’t understand how people don’t :) my favorite thing about cassie has always been her amazing hair…perfect for summer
Eve
Yes! Cassie is my absolute favorite.
lauren @ lapetitefashionista
i got SO into skins over christmas break this year when i got my netflix on demand subscription. cassie has such a unique sense of style; it reminds me so much of when i studied abroad, you can tell the brits are super inspired by her fashions!
Cerys
Cassie/Hannah was on the show 5 years ago, you should do a feature of one of the newer characters, they’re always dressed quite nice.
Erin Courtney
This is awesome! I started reading CF in 2007 and I was obsessed with watching Skins online (I live in the US). Cassie is my favorite! I kept thinking it’d be cool if you covered her fashion. I was surprised to see this article today. Nice work!
Maya
Haha, oh please, the first generation of skins is my favourite generation of Skins, please, go through all the seasons. I loved Cassie so much, I was excited for you to cover her style. And you did not disappoint!
SammiJo
THANK YOU! I love Cassie’s style!
Laura Hernández
I <3 Cassie!
maxine
The soft and feminine is so what I would wear out on a date.
Antoinette Miller
i love her and her style, great job with these!
beckysmith
the first generation of skins is my favourite generation of Skins, please, go through all the seasons. I loved Cassie so much, I was excited for you to cover her style.
madiesmith
Wow……..i like her grey cardigan. i’ve never worn skirts that length but i feel really inspired to try . especially the way she wears it sitting at that table.
madiesmith
wow……..i like her grey cardigan.
madiesmith
wow……..i like her grey cardigan.Cassie is my absolute favorite.
saussa
<3 <3 love that fashion
Stephanie
Absolutely Loving These skins Series!!!!
(L) Keep it up!
Gigi
can you do one about michelle’s style?!?! She doesn’t have the best style..but its very distinct to her personality and kind of sporty and bright
Vi
Does anyone know wear to find those white sunglasses she wears? I love them.