Manchester's real life Barbie shows off 'jazzy mobility aid' and platform crocs

Crocs, linen, skirts - Mancs enjoy dressing for the last month of summer

We have more newsletters

It's the last month of summer and before Mancs tuck away their lightweight summer outfits and dust off their autumn coats, people are embracing every last bit of the season in style - between all the torrential rain. Skirts and dresses are out in force walking through Spinningfields, with the influence of Barbie still very much prevalent.

You'll find a lot of summer styles on sales racks in high street stores such as Zara and H&M as they prepare to bring in autumnal wear so August is the perfect time to nab a bargain - even if it's something you want to save until next year.

We went to speak to shoppers in Manchester city centre to find out what they're wearing as part of our series, Steal Their Style.

Lucy Dawson

Stood waiting for her taxi, Lucy Dawson from Lincoln looked like a real life Barbie. The iconic doll is still inspiring people even after the film's release, yet I have a feeling people will be donning Barbie themed outfits for the rest of the year.

The 27-year-old from Lincoln absolutely understood the assignment when it comes to Barbie - long wavy blonde hair with two braided front pieces, pink dress, pink shoes - even pink nails! However, Lucy said she bases her outfits first and foremost on her mobility aids.

Lucy is a disabled model and survivor of brain disease, who has over 175k followers on her Instagram @luuudaw where she shows off her collection of “jazzy mobility aids” and speaks openly about her disability.

“My style is always based on what footwear I can get away with because I have an orthotic leg so it’s pretty much always Crocs, and then along with that, what mobility aid I’m using so that’s how I pick my outfits,” she said.

“With it being Barbie, I went with my bright pink walking stick with my bright pink crocs with jewelled jibbitz in them. I had to obviously go with a very bright pink dress as well because it’s been Barbie week and Barbie month, so I’ve gone through everything pink in my wardrobe already!

“My shoes are mega crush platform sandals from Crocs and they’re one of three types of footwear I can actually get my leg into. It has been really tough at times to obviously be so limited in what type of shoes I can wear, I’ve been disabled now for like six years and it’s only been this year that I’ve actually been able to find cool stylish shoes.”

Georgia and Abby Kasabova

The Kasabova sisters, who were in the city centre doing a spot of shopping, were dressed like day and night - one opting for fresh light whites and the other in a totally black outfit. One thing these sisters shared in common however - they both have their finger on the pulse of all the latest trends.

Younger sister Georgia, 25, from Preston, has nabbed a bargain off-white, black striped, sweater from Zara with a gorgeous, lightweight white skirt. She accessorised her outfit with a light brown leather mini handbag and Vejas - trendy trainers that go with almost anything.

“I got the stripe jumper on sale from Zara for just £9.99. My skirt is an old one I got from ASOS, it’s an embroidered white skirt and I’ve just paired my outfit with some Vejas.

“Linen trousers are a must have item! They go with everything - day or night, it's perfect.”

In contrast, her sister Abby is wearing all black head to toe, but like Georgia, she too is wearing lightweight fabrics to keep cool. Wearing a pair of Vejas, shades, and a stunning black handbag with a customised strap, Abby’s made the simplest of looks look most stylish.

“I’m actually channelling H&M today - H&M shirt and H&M shorts, then my top is like a bodycon square neck. We’ve actually just arrived back from holiday and we packed a lot of linen, big shirts, oversized shirts, crop tops and short tops are all great holiday picks.”

They both echoed that their monochrome 'fits were not on purpose and were sheer coincidence. Must be stylish sister intuition!

Katie Locke

Comfort and artsy looks are key for 28-year-old Katie Locke from Blackpool. The art teacher, who tries to shop sustainably where she can, is wearing a geometric patterned dress that features different pops of colour from yellow to pink to dark purples.

In true art teacher fashion, she’s even wearing a pair of handcrafted earrings topped off with a beret she spotted at a vintage shop, just hours beforehand.

“It’s just from Sainsbury’s, I'm an art teacher, so I like comfy but colourful. I tried to shop second hand mostly, but sometimes I struggle to find sizes - do you know what, I am quite fond of a supermarket!

“I literally bought this beret I’m wearing just two hours ago from Blue Rinse Vintage Clothing here in Manchester and then my earrings are handmade from somebody on Etsy.”

Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.

direct to your inboxdirect to your inbox