Help! I don’t know if this trend works on me!
Those cropped pants and babydoll dresses are sooo cute, but do they work on you? No, seriously! Just because something is all over the trends like a bad rash, it doesn’t mean that you have to spend your hard-earned money on it in the hope that it’ll make you a fashion hero. Some clothes are like stray dogs – although others are best brought home, some can be a danger! Before you introduce that new trend to the other clothes in your wardrobe, here’s how to tell if it’s right for you:
1. Does it go with anything else I wear?
You know the drill: you spend money on an item and feel great in the changing-room when you’re trying it on, but then when you take it home you realise with dread that it goes with nothing else in your wardrobe. So then it sits at the back of your wardrobe until you pluck up the courage to donate it to hospice six months later. When shopping, stick to this fashion rule: ask yourself if the item matches anything else in your wardrobe. If it matches three or more other items that you’ve already got, it’s in the bag.
2. Does it suit my image?
You need to know what your image is all about otherwise you’re going to scrounge up a whole lot of clothing that’s not really focusing on telling the world about you. That’s essentially what your image should do. If you have a good idea of what your look is – for instance, vintage princess, sporty, or creative chick – then you will focus on buying the latest trends that actually work for you. Not just leave everyone confused (yourself included) as to what you’re all about.
3. Ditch the celebrity clone!
Sure, that outfit looked great on Kristen Stewart, but what if when you try it on it just doesn’t show off your assets or make you feel like a million bucks? Don’t just buy into what the mags say about a trend (although we sure know how to pick the best celebrity fashion folk – read on at ‘Stash her style’ for some inspiration you can tweak!). Get some great ideas but then mesh them into your own style. Just because the latest trend is made a hit by a fashion-forward babe in the spotlight, it doesn’t mean it’ll make you shine. Be realistic about that – and the same goes for hairstyles.
4. You wear the pants
You bought a gorgeous fire-engine red jacket and it looked so fierce on you that you can’t wait to wear it. But remember you’re the one wearing them – they’re not wearing you! The point is: never wear so much stuff that it overcrowds your personality. Focus on pieces that drag attention your way but don’t overpower you. Clothes look best when they’re worn with a confident, cool attitude. That’s what ultimately makes a look rock. It’s more you than the clothes!