TYRONE WOMEN have consigned the little black dress to the doldrums, opting instead to show their individual fashion personality.
That's the results of a Diet Coke survey, developed in conjunction with Omagh native Caroline Baxter, who is Executive Fashion director at style bible 'New Woman'.
The survey looked at what's hot and what's not with the fashionistas of the North's Six Counties.
Hollywood star Cameron Diaz has beaten style icons like Kate Moss and Kylie Minogue to be crowned 'most fashionable' celebrity by Tyrone women.
Style chameleon Diaz, who can switch from surfer chic to red carpet siren with undeniable ease, captured almost half the vote in a style survey commissioned by Diet Coke to mark the introduction of six limited edition 'Design Cans'.
The 'Design Cans' which feature vibrant designs from the world of fashion, textiles and art printed directly onto the can's surface allow the buyer to 'Choose the Look they Love' from the collection.
This was the challenge set to Tyrone's budding fashionistas in the survey which asked them their style preferences for various social occasions.
In towns like Strabane, the fashion consious see the ever faithful 'little black dress' as passé for the all important first date.
More than half of those surveyed plumped for the more individual, and fashion forward, look of a customised vintage dress. The first date is no doubt seen as an opportunity for Tyrone's women to showcase their style and consequently their personality.
Long seen as the ultimate 'dress up night' the girl's night out uncovered a range of looks but one fashion staple – the ubiquitous skinny jeans! While women in Tyrone continue to channel their inner Kate and Mischa, dressing up their jeans with a glitzy top, Armagh ladies put their own twist on their favourite jeans with a pair of sky scraper heels!
But when it comes to meeting the parents, women had a surprising favourite look. The days of a 'safe' flowered dress and sensible flat shoes are long gone, rather local women are embracing future fashion trends with shoe boots, high waisted trousers and striking Pucci print tops.
Favourite looks for hitting the beach had local women divided – women in Tyrone had a run away beach favourite with over half of women there preferring an itsy bitsy bikini while the rest of the province opted for the more 'conservative' one piece swimsuit.
New Woman's Caroline Baxter, who has shared her fashion knowledge with appearances on shows such as Ten Years Younger and Britain's Next Top Model, said: "Women here are definitely fashion aware and look to celebrities for guidance as to what is 'fashionable'. Her fashion personality is very informed and fashion led.
"The first date preference of a customized vintage smock dress is definitely driven by what a female friend would choose for her. It is widely known that men do not understand or like this trend as it obscures the body shape, yet championed by celebrities like Nicole Ritchie, this look will be around for a while.
"Jeans are always popular and skinny jeans are the most trend led option at the moment - even with the wide flared look coming through. Jeans can be dressed up in heels or down in flats. It's a youthful trendy look started by Kate Moss wearing Sass and Bide jeans a couple of years ago and has since become the uniform of both WAGS and Muso's everywhere. It's also a no-brainer as they go with everything.
"A string bikini is a brave look - it's the simplest option but also the most high maintenance, no hiding behind a sarong for the ladies of Tyrone! This look requires a buff body and a fake tan. It's a confident look both stylish and classic."
Alexandra Phelan, Diet Coke Brand Manager said: "It's obvious from the results that Northern Ireland's women are embracing and celebrating their style freedom more than ever. A person's style is the ultimate manifestation of who they are... our six 'Design Cans' allow you to 'Choose the Look you Love' and there is a can to match every look...the must have accessory to every outfit!"
Diet Coke 'Design Cans' are available now in stores across Northern Ireland for a limited time only.
