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.
Known as"The Makeover Guy,", entrepreneur, author and makeover expert Christopher Hopkins has inspired, educated and entertained audiences around the world. You might recognize him from his appearances on HGTV the Oprah Winfrey Show and The
Today Show.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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