Fashion mistakes are plentiful, but what is it that most people do to create these fashion fax paus? What is it that is ‘fashionable’ on one person and a horrible mistake on another?
In a survey conducted to a cross-section of individuals, I asked:
Where do you think you have made the biggest buying mistake that has created orphans (clothes you do not wear) in your closet?
I wanted to know if they felt these mistakes were when they bought the:
- Wrong color
- Wrong size
- Wrong style
Over 2/3 of the people responded with “buying the wrong size”. This is not the reason why there are orphans in your closet. No, the reasons why you have clothes in your closet that you do not wear is because of the wrong style.
Women and men alike, will buy the wrong size and wear it because they feel that “if it zips it fits”. They will continue to keep these pieces in their closet AND wear them regardless of whether they should.
It is my belief, that if you have been attentive to what the world says about you, you will wear a color family that might be a good family for you. This doesn’t mean you are wearing your ‘personal best’ color. Rather, it is an OK color.
Generally, most people who are not fashion savvy, will go to the store and see something on the mannequin or in a magazine and mirror that look. In an attempt to be stylish, they will buy this look regardless of what it may feel like on them.
Once purchased and taken home, they will try the outfit on, look at themselves in the mirror and not get a sense of self. It is here where friction is felt.
The disconnect between the ‘styled’ outfit in the store and when they see themselves is a difference in their style personality and that of the outfit. It doesn’t ‘feel’ like them and it is taken off only to be put back into the closet never to be worn.
Fashion or Style?
There is a difference between fashion and style. In the words of Edna Woolman Chase, former editor of Vogue Magazine,
“Fashion can be bought, style one must possess”.
The Essence of Fashion is Style
The very essence of fashion is style. Style is at the core of your very being. It is who you are. Fashion is what is in the market. Fashion is what is on trend. Fashion is sold on the racks. Once purchased, fashion must be styled to your individual taste and characteristics.
What makes a pair of black pants different on one person than another is about how the garment is styled to reflect their personality.
Be Fashionable and Stylish
Being fashionable and stylish is not difficult. No, in fact it is rather simple when you focus on three parts to your wardrobe.
Core
The core of your wardrobe is the very foundation on which it is built. Like a home, without a firm foundation, there is little to support is walls. Get a great core, foundational wardrobe that consists of pants, skirts, jackets and dresses that fit your body.
Accent
Once a foundation is established, accent colors can be added in your personal best colors. This will always make you look and feel your very best.
Accessory
Accessories are the icing on the cake and actually create your personal style. Accessories are what allow you to become more fashionable and help you eliminate fashion mistakes.
It’s easy to be stylish, on trend and eliminate fashion mistakes when you create a wardrobe with foundational/core pieces. Highlighting your style using accents and accessories creates a uniqueness.
Style is a matter of bringing out to the world the essence of who you are. Done properly, you will never make a fashion mistake again!
Have fun with your style, create a fashion statement and you’ll always:
“Look Good Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”