How to Become an Expert on Fashion and Trends

Becoming an expert on fashion and trends can be fun because it's an easy way to feel proud of your style and give you a sense of control over your life and your choices. Becoming an expert on fashion and trends is mostly about joining what looks good (and feels right) on your particular body and a willingness to update certain items in your wardrobe from time to time. Read on to learn useful "secrets" insiders use to be in the know on fashion and trends.

Instructions

1. Gather as many resources as possible so that you can learn from them. Collect fashion magazines, clothing catalogs and take time to window-shop the specialty boutiques. Notice what the different trends are and how they are being used. For example, accessories were the biggest trend last fall. From bright bold bangle jewelry to pretty scarves and gorgeous pocketbooks, accessories were in. Fashion magazines and catalogs spend lots of time and money researching what the top designers are doing, and then the stores recreate these looks in their storefronts. By doing research on a regular basis you will build your knowledge and experience about the latest fashions and trends.

2. Don't just recreate your entire wardrobe each season. Always have a good fitting pair of black slacks and a white blouse on hand and complement this look with one item from a latest trend. Last fall, a bright colored scarf looked great with a pair of black slacks and white top. Next year, you might pair that same pair of black slacks and the white top with a pair of flats, a wide belt and a silver necklace.

3. Experiment with fashion and trends as much as possible. You want clothes that complement the good qualities you already have. For example, if you have a small waist but short legs you want to buy pants that accentuate your waist and make your legs look longer. If you have broad shoulders and a small chest you want tops that accentuate your chest and offer a softness around your shoulders, so don't buy tops with shoulder pads.

4. Invite a friend over and take the time to go through your closet and try on your clothes. Preferably, this will be a friend whose style you appreciate and like. Get feedback about whether the items you are trying on flatter you. Go through your closet and get rid of items that don't flatter you, clothes you haven't worn in a year or more, and anything you bought 10 years ago. Even though trends do circle around, chances are if something in your closet is more than 10 years old, it is no longer in style and hinders your ability to be an expert on fashion and trends.

5. Take time to shop. There are always lower price versions of the latest trends you see in magazines, so don't feel you have to get rich before you become an expert. There are many discount stores in every town across the United States that carry similar items at a much lower price than the designers. Be smart. Remember what you learned from the research and experimenting you did and choose items that flatter you and reflect styles that not only make you look good but are hot items right now.

6. Be comfortable with your age. It's tempting to try to look younger than your age. We live in a society that praises youth, but the most fashionable and trendy women wear clothes that not only look good and flatter them, but are age appropriate too.

7. Analyze other people's style. When you're out and you see someone who has a great style, think about what it is she's doing that makes her look so good. Maybe it's the relaxed jeans that fit so well combined with a trendy purse and pair of cute boots. Borrow style ideas from people whose style you appreciate. Being an expert in fashion isn't just about buying everything you see in a magazine, but having a fashionable attitude. A woman who looks good usually feels good about herself too.

Tips & Warnings

• Browse through catalogs and magazines regularly, as styles change often.

• <br>Have a fashionable attitude. Go to an outing or event with the intention that you want to look your best.

• Don't give up if you're not an expert by the end of this season. Becoming an expert takes willingness, time and patience.