Fashion Updates
Fathoming Fashion
For some people, seasonal fashion updates are exciting and something to look forward to. For others, fashion can be daunting and confusing. Learn how to identify trends, fads and classics and work with them in your wardrobe. Colour, Style and image knowledge are the best ways to deal with changes in fashion and make it work for you.
Designer launches or catwalk parades leave you wondering who could ever wear these amazing and unconventional outfits! The fact is that they are designed to shock, inspire, attract attention and promote the designer. From these parades, themes are picked up, interpreted and become mainstream designs for street wear.
The secret to fathoming fashion is to have some knowledge and understanding about what is going on, how it can work for you and a plan of action. Each time new styles, colours and accessories flood onto the market, you are looking at a collection of "classics", "trends" and "fads".
Fashion Classics
Classics are items of superb quality, cut and fabric that have a timeless elegance. They are usually found in neutral colours and you can expect to pay a lot more for these items. If carefully chosen, you will get years of wear out them, which will eventually negate the high initial price because of the reduced cost per wear.
Fashion Trends
Trends are style influences that remain on the market for 2 - 8 fashion seasons. The trick is to spot a trend at the start of its cycle, not to catch it as it is going out. Well chosen trend items can then be dressed up and down with new colours and accessories to extend their life and alter their look. e.g. the current trend in pants is for flat fronts and thinner legs, replacing pleated fronts and fuller legs.
Fashion Fads
Fads can be described as "one season wonders". Young people love them and often waste valuable dollars on clothes and accessories that they wouldn't be seen dead in, the following year. Because of their short life span, fads clothes have a loud date stamp attached to them and rarely get optimum wear. They are great for those with an unlimited clothing budget and for creating the current mood and theme of the season.
A working wardrobe contains a good balance of classics, trends and fads that suit your body shape, colouring, personality and lifestyle.
What is fashion?
Fashion is an ever-changing reflection of life around us. When a war is on, we see military styled jackets with metallic buttons. When the economy is depressed, styles become more sleek and functional. When the economy booms, we see more volume and exotic fabrics. Each fashion season is based on around 4 - 5 themes, although at times this may not be apparent e.g. the peasant theme seemed to dominate the market this summer. Inspiration for themes comes from ethnic groups, movies, cultural diversity and retrospective recreations. "What goes around comes around!" This is particularly true with fashion.
Can I ignore fashion?
Of course, but by doing so you may appear to others to be living in a time warp. The most constant thing in life is change. As life moves on, so must we, but in a way that meets our budget, personality and lifestyle. No one needs to become a slave to fashion, but a mark of style is maintaining a current appearance. This does not mean having to go out and buy new items each season. It's about being aware of trends, colours, looks and knowing what wardrobe items to retire or store away for the next cycle.
The key to a stylish image is to develop your own individuality and choose what suits and enhances your appearance and personality. If you have no idea about how to do this, a colour consultation or style analysis will quickly put you on track, saving you time and money in the future.
For further information contact us on 03 9857 6275 or email us at: fiona@yourimage.com.au.
