How to Be a Trend Setter
If you have a real passion for fashion and follow the latest runway looks religiously, you may want to incorporate some of these trends into your own wardrobe. The trick is to find fashion forward pieces that are affordable and can complement some of the more classic items already in your closet. If you study what works in magazine ads and on fashion television, you can copy some of the newest colors, cuts and patterns, and then combine them in your own unique way. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Fashion magazines
- Slouchy boots
- Shoes with architectural heels
- Sweater dress
- Jacket with elbow sleeves
- Skinny jeans
- Leggings
Instructions
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Look to the runway for inspiration. Designers present their upcoming lines well in advance of the season so you can find out in plenty of time what new looks will be "in." Even if you can't attend any of the major Fashion Week shows personally, you can view designers' lines from these events on New York Magazine's website (listed in the resource section) and find new looks that may work with your own taste and style.
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Read reviews of some of your favorite designer's new collections, and find out what fashion experts see as common themes for the upcoming season. Also look for commonalities yourself. Pay attention to the shape of items, lengths, colors, patterns and fabrics. Also notice how the newest styles fit (such as very fitted and tailored or more relaxed and slouchy). Then go shopping and try to find pieces that have some of the elements you identified.
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Subscribe to a handful of fashion magazines to become familiar with fashion and get an understanding of how to make it work for your lfiestyle. Vogue and Harper's Bazaar offer a glimpse of high-end style at its best. You can use these resources to help you get a feel for different trends, while Glamour, Lucky and In Style can give you advice on how to copy these luxury looks on a more affordable scale.
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Visit chain stores like H&M, Forever Sixteen and Target to find inexpensive clothing and accessories that are fashion forward. Stores like these look to the runway for inspiration and capture low-end versions of the more expensive clothing. Understand that these items cannot compare to the quality that the designer originals offer, but they can capture the high-end look and make it affordable. Use your best shoes, jewelry and purse to make budget clothing look more expensive.
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Shop at high-end stores like Barney's New York, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus for trendy items from up-and-coming independent designers. Investing in a few well-chosen fashion forward pieces (such as premium denim jeans in a dark wash with special detailing) can help you cement your reputation as a style setter. Just be sure anything you splurge on has some lasting power and will carry you through multiple seasons.
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Select one or two great well-made staples that have modern lines even if they aren't all that unusual. This will make you look current and will also be able to carry you through the next few seasons. Belled sleeves, jackets with elbow-length sleeves, sweater dresses that can be layered and slouchy boots are all easy to wear but can further your image as a trend setter. You can find such pieces as stores like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, the Gap and Nordstrom. You can also look for such items at off-price stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Filene's Basement.
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Try on items that are different from what you usually wear. A geometric patterned shirt, long tunic sweater, or belled skirt can be paired with conservative pieces you already own and can completely change your look. Just remember that when you adopt a new trend, you don't have to do it from head to toe. If you typically wear solids, try combining a French striped long t-shirt with classic jeans and a shrunken blazer from your closet . Add a colorful scarf around your neck for a fresh and trendy look worthy of attention.
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Look in your own closet for pieces that you can wear in new ways. For instance, a long, stretchy skirt can be worn with the waistband pulled up to your chest to make it a dress, or a mini dress may look great worn as a tunic over skinny jeans. A button-down dress can double as a cardigan if you wear it open over pants and a top. Try to think outside the box to find multiple purposes for your favorite items so you can get more use out of them and follow, or start, different trends.
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Stock up on inexpensive, trendy accessories. Look for items such as leggings with embroidery, beading or that come in bright colors, find big statement necklaces, cuff bracelets, large structured handbags and shoes with architectural heels and other unusual detailing. When you mix such strong pieces with your basic items (such as a simple blouse and pants), you can take a timeless look and suddenly make it look very fashion forward.
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Wear your clothes with confidence, and steer clear of items that make you feel too self-conscious. Regardless of how trendy your outfit is, if you feel comfortable in your own skin and walk with your head held high, you will look fashionable and well-put together, and others will look to follow your example.
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Tips & Warnings
Look for trends that work with your body type and image. If very short skirts are in but you have heavy legs, this may not be the best look for you, so pick and choose carefully.
Remember that some looks that you see on the runway can take a few years to catch on in the mainstream, but if you wear these items yourself right from the start, you can influence others to try them once they see how great they look, and the trend may catch on sooner thanks to your influence.
Keep in mind that not everything shown on the runway is meant to be translated into "everyday" wear. Some of the looks (like tall fur hats, large feathers, five inch heels and sheer skirts) are for the dramatic and artistic value only.
