Mix it up

Here's how you can get playful with Bench Fashion Week's new spring/summer collections.

MANILA, Philippines — This season’s Bench Fashion Week saw the debut of some of the best spring/summer outfit ensembles to hit the runway. The first day’s show highlighted designs from Vania Romoff, Vero Moda, Karen Millen and Kashieca. Bench ruled the runway on the last day alongside Joey Samson and Assembly. But let’s focus on the young brands and designers on the second day like Human and American Eagle Outfitters, and Bench Design Awards alumni Jennifer Contreras of Pr()blem, RJ Santos of Randolf, and Jaggy Glarino of Jaggy.

To help get your sartorial game up, we’d like to suggest a few outfit combinations for the occasions and events you might find yourself in this summer. Think of this as a paper doll-type situation, where you can mix tops and bottoms as much as you please. Because as Bench Fashion Week shows, style is all about customizing your own look.

For some Late-night prom-ditching shenanigans

This is the kind of outfit you change into right after you scan the empty spectacle of your prom or ball, look your date straight in the eye and go, “Let’s blow this popsicle stand.” Then y’all run off into the night to make better memories than what any lame old ballroom waltz can give you. Cop a Randolf piece for color, and Jaggy for that nonchalantly disheveled flair.

Color-blocking: Open button-down shirt from American Eagle Outfitters and comfy shorts by Randolf (by RJ Santos) will keep you cool all summer long.

For the impromptu pool party

For whatever reason, the beach trip you and your crew were planning for weeks isn’t pushing through. But you know the summer sun only makes sense if you’re lounging near a body of water, so why not head to the pool instead? Call your friends, ’cause y’all are still gettin’ wet whether or not the water’s got salt in it. Peep some pieces by Randolf and American Eagle Outfitters for some heat wave-friendly threads.

Graded A: Be the star of the classroom and the party with this mixed ensemble from Pr()blem (by Jennifer Contreras) and Human.

For The last exam before freedom

You come into the classroom for your last test before the weekend, looking fly as hell. You know as soon as you turn that paper in, you’re off to party somewhere far away from all your academic worries. Let your teacher know you’re as much a weekend warrior as you are a star student with a boldly patterned Pr()blem top and comfy Human bottoms.

For the 'gram: This Human jacket and Jaggy (by Jaggy Glarino) pants combo is equal parts cozy and chic.

For The soul-searching sabbatical

That backpacking pilgrimage you’ve been dreaming about is just a few calendar squares away. You’re off to see some monuments! Talk to interesting strangers! Think about life! Maybe even go off the grid! Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish while you’re at it. Y’know, for documentation purposes. Don a Jaggy and Human hybrid outfit to nail that saktong nomad look, maybe get a nice photo essay going along the way.

Star intern: Hustle through all that traffic in this American Eagle Outfitters top and Pr()blem (by Jennifer Contreras) bottoms.

For those ultimate intern errand-running marathons

Quick! Somebody needs to write these emails, pick up those official receipts, and run over to the coffee shop next door to buy everybody macchiatos. As an intern, yes, you’re an errand-runner, but you’re a damn good one at that. Looking baller just comes with the position. Mix and match some Pr()blem and American Eagle pieces to get into that hustle headspace.