Fads and Trends

New sells. Hot, new, "the latest" makes almost anything more enticing. Consequently, we may get sucked into the frenzy of being "with it" or having the latest look, when it might just not be right for us. When offering image advice, I avoid talking fads. I want to give advice you can use for the rest of your life. If you're perpetually excited about the latest fad and want it, there are hundreds of magazines, Web sites and TV shows in which we can lose focus and spend all our extra time, money and energy. 

Many younger women are fad victims. I often hear, "That's so cute!" when it's absolutely awful. Whether it is a fashion fad, a hairstyle or hot makeup look, it may be "new" but that does not mean flattering. It may be interesting on bone-thin celebrities and models but it is rarely appealing on someone with less than perfect proportions. 

Trends are another matter. Fashion trends usually develop slowly. If a trend is something that is flattering to you, be the first to discover and wear it! But if it's not good on you, don't waste your time or money. It will end up sitting in your closet with one or two unfortunate wearings. 

Case in point: One year, I bought my grandmother black leggings and an oversized black and white plaid shirt when that was the trend. I thought, "Hey, let's show her great legs!" But she was very busty with skinny legs and the outfit made her look like she was about to tip over at any minute. I learned. Not only was it inappropriate for her body type, but inappropriate for "who she was." Lois was a Classic. We went for a walk and she wore the outfit to please me, but she never wore it again. I still have a photo of it. What was I thinking? 

I did the same with my mom who is A-shaped. I figured an oversized sweater over leggings would cover the large part of the A, if you get my drift. And it would, if a person didn't move. But once you walk, the diagonal line from skinny ankles to wide hips catching the drape of the fabric is immediately apparent. Though as a Dramatic she could pull off the trend in style, the look was just too of-the-moment and not ideal for her body type to be comfortable as a frequent wardrobe staple. 

If a trend is something that is flattering to you, be the first to discover and wear it! If not, leave it in the store rather than unworn in your closet. 

Finally, classic clothing is always in style. You can't go wrong with it. You'll rarely be embarrassed when you look back at photos of yourself. Classics are the pieces in which you invest: a little black dress, a white shirt, a trench coat, a great pair of jeans, a pair of black high heel pumps, a string of pearls. 

Classics are universally flattering to everyone, and any age. They will never be wrong, and never be inappropriate. Spend money on them, and they'll serve you well for years. Add your personal style or current trend in the color, line, pattern, texture and accents that flatter YOU. That's the key to looking current AND attractive, always.