Let me guess – you want to know how to look fashion forward without looking like a fashion victim? Well, here’s a tip: Wear every trend with your own personal style and follow these simple rules, and you will be a true fashionista!
Easy does it
Wear one trend at a time – if you’re going for the western look with a peasant skirt, cowboy boots, a huge western belt, chunky earrings and a cowboy hat, chances are you’ve overdone it. Remember, ladies, wear one trend at a time and don’t overdo it! Less is more, and looking fashion forward is all in the details.
Don’t overmatch
It’s not necessary to match from head to toe. There is no need to wear a pink shirt, pink shoes, a pink purse, pink jewelry and pink makeup. Can we say overkill? When you are trying to put together a chic, look keep an open mind about colors. Many colors go together but don’t match, including pink and green, blue and red, and black and brown … the list goes on and on. Be creative and explore new avenues when putting together an new ensemble.
Wear it right
We have all seen those people who try to rock a trend and it’s an “almost but not quite” look. Some trends take prep work. If you’re going to tuck your jeans into your boots, you have to do a little more than slapping it together as you’re running out the door. Practice makes perfect. If you want to try a new look, you might consider giving it a trial run before you go into public. Practice applying that hot new makeup trend or rockstar hair-do, and get an opinion from an honest friend before you venture into public looking like a fashion train wreck.
Be age appropriate
Aging is a fact of life, and there are just some trends, like micro-minis, hoochie tank tops and belly-baring T-shirts – hello! – that are “right” only at a certain age. (Sorry, Madonna!) You don’t have to show tons of skin to be sexy and contemporary. Look for cool trends that suit any age.
Check out the runways
High-fashion runways are where the trends begin and end. So, you see a look on the fashion runway and love it but are a little wary of rocking that Prada-inspired look in everyday life? Outfits worn in fashion shows are often exaggerated and overdone to give them a larger-than-life look. For instance, dresses are made shorter, tighter and more revealing than anyone could imagine pulling off on a regular day. So, don’t be intimidated if a trend appears outrageous at first sight – by the time it hits the stores it will have been modified for real-life wear.
Stay symmetrical
When considering donning a new trend, look at the proportions of the garments in relationship to your body. When trying to wear an oversized sweater or shrug paired with chunky accessories this season, make sure you don’t look like you’re drowning in your outfit à la Mary-Kate Olsen. Make sure to pair that oversized top with sleek boot-cut trousers, jeans or cropped pants. Do not pair your oversized top with a wide leg or a loose fitting bottom, because your cute figure will get lost in your outfit. Just remember, wear one oversized item at a time whether it is on the top or on the bottom, then make sure the other half of your outfit is form-fitting and flattering.
Whitney Patterson is a sophomore CCPA major. She can be reached at [email protected].
