You've already made the decision to improve your look, and you've mastered the basics that every fashion hopeful should know. At this point, it's a good idea to start becoming more conscious of the fashion all around you. This way, you'll strengthen your critical eye and develop a better sense of what looks good and what looks pathetic. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to study up on the subject without becoming a shallow, obsessed mall rat. The following are some ways to pick up some fashion ideas:
People watching Reading magazines Watching TV Surfing the Web
People-Watching
Even those with limited fashion instincts can pick a truly disastrous look out of a crowd. People-watching is an interesting and non-threatening way of surveying the myriad of "real" looks that are out there. Try this exercise: Find a stranger (in a bar, on a train, etc.) who you think is dressed well, then try to figure out why she comes across this way. What is it about her outfit that appeals to you? Take mental notes, paying close attention to details such as fabrication and color. If you're feeling super bold, you can even ask your subject where she bought a particular garment. She will probably be flattered. Or she might call the police. Either way, you'll make new friends.
Reading Magazines
We know, we know: Many fashion magazines are trashy wastes of paper. They will, however, give you a better sense of which colors, styles and silhouettes are happening, and also where you can find them. (And you can learn 101 Ways to Keep a Man at the same time!) Don't bother with Vogue or Elle--glossies like these treat fashion as art, and are probably more appropriate for fashionistas who care a little too much about the subject. A better place to begin is with down-to-earth mags (Marie Claire, Jane) that feature beginner-friendly clothing with attainable price points, as well as handy guides to smart mix-and-match dressing.
Watching TV
Did you ever think you'd actually be encouraged to partake? "What Not to Wear" on TLC is a great show for fashion advice. The Style Network, a spin-off of E!, offers runway coverage and other helpful fashion programs. And, ah, MTV. Pay attention to the clothing you see in videos (no, this doesn't mean you have to dress like Rhianna). Fashion stylists--who have advance access to garments--can be quite visionary in creating looks for artists. Chances are a skirt worn by Kelly Clarkson in a video will inspire many like it the following season. Be on top of trends before they happen. Also, be aware of the clothing shown on popular TV shows such as Entourage, Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives. Characters on such programs are usually pretty stylin', and a lot of thought (however insignificant it may seem) goes into what they wear each week.
Surfing the Web
If you can use the Internet to learn how to assemble bombs, you can certainly use it to learn how to dress better. The Web offers a host of fashion sites that can help you step up your style, from comprehensive directories to digital runway shows. And remember--when in doubt, ask the experts and you can find them all sashaying here to dish out firsthand fashion advice.
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Comments
jasminemars said
on 9/25/2009 5*, I like how you have multiple pages - never seen that. How did you do it?