The world of fashion is always changing. Trends come and go. If you always want to look your best, having some rules that don’t change (or don’t change as quickly) will help you to always look great.
We live in the age of the internet. Because of online shopping, no matter where you live, you have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to purchasing clothing. This can lead you to be overwhelmed when you are deciding what to buy. With a few simple guidelines, you can find a look that is perfect for you!
1. Know Your Own Looks
You have probably noticed how some people always look comfortable in whatever they wear. There is always that friend who you joke could wear a burlap sack and look great. While there are a few people out there who really can pull off any look, this is typically not true.
More than likely, when you see someone who always looks amazing, it is because that person has figured out what works for them. Knowing what cuts and patterns will complement your shape, skin tone, and eye color will help you eliminate items that will probably not work for you.
Every individual is different. That doesn’t just mean in how they look, although that is a huge part of it. People also have different traits they like about themselves, and certain styles and colors will help accentuate that.
The most simple way to figure this out is to try lots of things on. Go shopping, with no intent to necessarily buy anything. Instead of focusing on finding an outfit for the day, look at which cuts complement your body shape. Notice which colors bring out your eyes. Do some patterns make you look slimmer or more full figured? Take notes if you need to.
2. Find Your Style
Fashion may change all the time, but there are certain categories of style that are much more slow to transition. If you know the look you like, you can change out individual pieces as trends change, while still looking like “you”.
If you want to stand out in a crowd, having a signature look is one way to make sure people remember you. Maybe you like a gothic vibe, or a more bohemian feel. You can still pick a new scarf or pair of shoes and add a trendy element to the same basic outfit you wore last year, and breathe new life into it.
3. Find Your Needs
What kinds of fashion do you need? If you work in an office setting, you may need more professional clothing. If you are a yoga instructor, you may want to focus on more athletic wear. No matter what, you can find styles that work for you.
3. Watch Social Media
10 or 20 years ago, trends had to trickle down to the masses through fashion magazines and television. Trends today can come and go in weeks. With the advent of dozens of social media platforms, designers can show off their creations in real time.
Social media, and the internet in general, has acted as an equalizer. In the past, trends didn’t reach rural areas until they were almost gone in the cities that started them. These days, someone in rural minnesota can see a new style the same week as someone living in Paris or New York, and order it to their door with two day shipping.
5. Decide on your Ethics
People today have a lot more information available about sourcing and labor streams than we used to. With knowledge comes responsibility. If you know that a design house uses third world sweatshops, are you ok with purchasing their products as long as it saves you money?
If a product line has a huge environmental impact, are you ok with it as long as it looks good? Ethical design has become a huge part of our modern fashion industry. Choosing companies that line up with you ethically can show other people where your ethics are.
One example of these ethical products are companies that produce beautiful leather products that require no animals to be harmed or killed. Mushroom leather brands include Adidas, Lululemon, and Stella Mccartney, allowing you to have classic fashion and no guilt.
Regardless of your style, you can follow these simple fashion tips to find the look that is right for you!
