This ensemble was inspired by designers Nicholas K and Rick Owens. The silhouettes are very asymmetrical, arty and drapey. The outfits are dramatic, layered, intricate, ruched, monochromatic and hard-edged. The fabrications are generally knitted, which conveys a casual vibe. The trims on the items are usually leather, silver hardware, mesh or nylon insets. Some items are rugged and distressed. The avant-garde aesthetic is an acquired taste with a high longevity factor. 

The colour palette for the look is for the most part black and grey, with the occasional pop of murky olive, brown, burgundy and white. Denim is absent. Outfit proportions are just flattering enough, creating sufficient structure in the right places to prevent the look from wearing you. You’ll get a good sense for post apocalyptic style from these pictures.

There is an art to creating this vibe and it takes practice. But once you begin combining all sorts of drapey knits together in one colour or tonal colours, you’ll get into the groove and have fun with it. I’m going to give two easy renditions to get you started.

Here are the components:

Bottoms: Choose a pair of leather or pleather skinnies. If you don’t have those, regular black skinny pants will do — either full length or cropped. Black harem pants are the next best silhouette. If you don’t have those, black joggers or upscale track pants will work just fine, especially when you pull them up to create a scrunched effect at the lower leg. 

Layered Tops: Layer an asymmetrical drapey topper over a similarly asymmetrical drapey top in the same colour or tonal colours. Sometimes you can layer three pieces over one another for a fab effect. Layer short over long, long over short, or keep the layers a similar length. Some of the items can be VERY long and voluminous. Their asymmetrical hems give them structure. 

To create structure you can add a black waist-cinching obi belt when the pieces are soft and floppy, as seen with the black cardigan on the far right. 

Footwear: You’re after fairly severe black footwear. Think pointy toe pumps or loafers. Peep-toe booties, chunky flatform sandals and buckled sneakers.   

Accessories: Finish off the outfit with a black handbag. Think angular clutch, upscale backpack or slouchy satchel. A slouchy black beanie is a good choice for headgear. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.

I haven’t included skirts and dresses here because those are a little more complicated to incorporate, but feel free to experiment with those pieces too. And if you’re after post apocalyptic lite, substitute the bottoms for blue jeans and add a handbag in a colour other than black.