Accessorise – Following the latest fashion is easy and affordable, instead of wearing the current trend head to toe, buy a belt, bag or jewellery. This is a great trick that all Stylists use – you can completely change your look by throwing on the latest cuff, ear-rings or necklace. Add a studded belt this winter to that dress you bought last year and you are suddenly right on trend !
Be Yourself –Always inject a dose of your own personality to every outfit, by throwing on a favourite, complimenting necklace, belt or anything else that you feel is totally “you”.
Co-Ordinate – These 2 Rules are the easiest way to make sure you “get it right” every time:
Pattern on top = Plain on bottom and vice-versa. Basically this means that if you are wearing a printed top – wear something plain on the bottom (i.e.: denim or black etc.) Or if you are wearing a printed skirt / shorts etc., wear a plain coloured top – Keep the bling, ruffles etc. just make sure that the top is a solid colour. This brings us to the 2nd rule:
Stay Don’t Stray – For example: This means that if you have a floral print skirt with 6 colours in it – choose a top that is in one of the colours from the skirt – i.e.: the floral skirt has blue, pink, green and yellow, so you can choose a top in any one of those colours. The worst mistake you could make is to choose a top in a totally random colour that isn’t in the skirt: such as white or red. This works for any printed item you wear – By just choosing the right colour combos and NOT introducing random colours you will always look FABULOUS!
Rule of 3 – Never buy something that won’t go with anything else in your wardrobe. Try to imagine the new top / skirt etc. with at least 3 other things you already own. This will ensure that your awesome new top etc. will create 3 fabulous new looks – not just sit in your wardrobe with the tags on because you have nothing to wear it with!
Spin It – Don’t be afraid to experiment with interesting accessory combos: Funk up a sweet floral dress with a black cuff or cool gladiator sandal or rock an edgier black tee and jegging combo and add some pretty pearl bracelets. By mixing these outfits up you are creating a whole new look entirely – from OK to Fabulous in a heartbeat!
Go- To Pieces – Every fashionista needs to have items in their wardrobe that are easy to put on, look awesome and make you feel fantastic! These can be a favourite tee and jeans or maybe you are a skirt or dress girl, These items are your “Go To” pieces – outfits that make you happy every time you wear them. whatever your preference, try to build up a few pieces that you can turn to when you have no clue what to wear.
Recycle – A secret you may not know is that clothing that is in the shops now, is actually from the following season, i.e.: some of the clothes in the shops in summer are actually items you will be wearing in winter! This is because places like America and Europe are a season ahead of us. So if you see a a fabulous scarf or bold coloured jeans in summer, snap it up and hold onto it, you will be so glad you did when the trend hits big time in winter and you are way ahead of the pack in the fashion stakes!.
Cost per Wear – When considering an expensive purchase, divide the cost of the item between the number of times you expect to wear it, if your purchase is an awesome pair of jeans for $200 and you wear them every weekend, they will pay for themselves in no time!.
Invest Wisely – Spend more on classic pieces, a leather biker jacket, quality knitwear, jeans, bags, shoes and stunning statement pieces. These items will not date and still look gorgeous for years. Trend items – are just that –a trend, The latest “must have” tie dyed maxi dress will be obsolete before you have even paid off the purchase on your credit card!
By all means, go ahead and indulge in the tie dyed maxi, simply buy a cheaper chain store version, ALWAYS ensuring that the cut, colour are flattering to your individual body shape and season pallet.
Experiment – Always try on one new thing every time you shop – you never know when you may just discover an awesome new style or accessory, therefore creating a fantastic new dimension to your look!
Style doesn’t come with a price tag – it comes with knowledge!
Sandra Harrison
Personal Stylist
Fashion 101
