Blog Post

Get Personal About Fashion: How to Create Your Own Style

By lauracarsonmiller Posted on July 10, 2008 - 2:45pm 

 

 

We all know that the minute celebrities and models begin to wear a new fashion trend, we tend to want to jump on the bandwagon. I’ve learned through time and extensive trial and error that you can save money, effort and the dreaded fashion 'don'ts' by taking the time to develop your own personal style that will outlast any and every skinny jean, trilby hat, maxi dress or platform sneaker that you might see in a magazine, on a runway or red carpet, or in a ‘candid pic’ of your favorite celebrity. Figuring out what works for your figure, personality and budget is an investment in yourself. And what better investment is there in the entire world than little ol' you?

 

Trends – Use Sparingly

 
There is not a thing wrong with the ‘it’ item of the moment, as it provides jobs and photo opportunities for many people, but when a trend shows up you really owe it to yourself to scrutinize whether it is right for you.  If you are curious about a trend, do try it on and see how you feel in it. If you aren’t sure if it’s flattering, ask for a second opinion. Don’t spend a lot of money on trendy pieces; go for the bargain brand when a style has a seemingly quickly approaching expiration date. If a fashion trend does fit your style, set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Remember, the next fashion trend you might want to buy into is right around the corner. Fashion trends are like garlic, a little goes a long way.
 
 

Basics – Building blocks to Fashion Bliss

 
Classics like flat front pants (try on styles to determine if you need flare, boot cut or straight leg cuts), French cuff blouses, button front cardigans and jeans (casual and dressy) are the basics of a wardrobe that is fast and easy to put together on a daily basis. If this sounds beyond bland, it is only because you have not put your own unique stamp on it yet! Accessories like shoes, jewelry and belts can totally change the vibe of any out fit. If you wear a studded belt with the dressy jeans and several cross necklaces with the tucked in French cuff blouse, it will make a totally different impression than the girl who wears the black flat front pants with the French cuff blouse, untucked and cinched with a the wide belt. Don’t make the mistake of thinking basic means boring. Wear the French cuff blouse with your fave Rolling Stones t-shirt over it, with the casual jeans and boots or your cool Vans or Converse low tops. Wear a straight or tulip style skirt with a form fitting tank or scoop neck t-shirt and the button front cardigan. Leave a few buttons undone at the bottom. A skinny or wide belt can change up this look. The bottom line is that these basic pieces can anchor any fashion trends that may be splashed across a magazine cover and they can still stand alone beautifully if called upon to do so.
 
 

Experts – Personal Shoppers - Get Your own Rachel Zoe

 
A fashion secret numerous people aren’t aware of is that many major department stores offer personal shopping services free of charge. A personal shopper will meet with you, find out what you need/like/loathe and prepare selections while you wait or at an appointment of your choosing. This goes for every thing from bra fittings to jewelry to a dress for an important event. Personal shoppers are up on all the latest fashion trends and can select pieces for you based on your budget, personality, lifestyle and body type. They know the store's inventory like the back of their hand, as that is a key part of their job. It is fun and eye-opening to see what some one else thinks you might look good in!   You may find that you try on things you would never pick out on your own. Taking time with a personal shopper allows you to see yourself in a different light, and perhaps to highlight great parts of your figure you’ve been neglecting. You know how when you start a new job or make a new friend you rediscover wonderful things about yourself that maybe you’d lost touch with for whatever reason? A personal shopper can help bring your own personal style full circle – from fashion trends to fashion basics and every thing in between.
 
 

Having your own style means knowing what is right for you and integrating fashion trends into your style instead of having them dictate it. And I have to say, there is a certain quiet confidence that comes with skipping certain style trends all together. Take the time to learn what works, yet be open minded if a fashion trend piques your interest. A very important part of my style comes from family jewelry, diamonds and more casual pieces, that I mix and match with all aspects of my wardrobe. Wear the new with the old and the subtle with the bold. Start your own fashion trends. Confidence and comfort are timeless and are a fashion trend you can always wear well.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
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sara's picture
By sara (not verified) on July 14, 2008 - 1:39pm

Store Adore helps me develop my own personal style. This website critiques the best boutiques, allowing me to find shops that agree with my taste. www.storeadore.com

 
 
suze's picture
By suze on July 10, 2008 - 6:07pm

I agree w/bren ... really well-written. And I so SO agree about the concept of taking great basic pieces and then finding of-the-moment accessories to update them. I actually AM the girl with the black flat front pants and the slate grey french cuff shirt who either throwns on a super wide belt or ties on a great Indian scarf and adds dangly silver earrings to get different looks. Such good advice!

 
 
Bren's picture
By Bren on July 10, 2008 - 3:54pm

Laura! I love this article! I want to put frosting on it and eat it up, it's THAT good.

 
 

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