Any fashion design lover worth his or her salt can look good in any circumstance. Whether fashionistas are going through thrift stores or high-end boutiques, they know what they are doing. Being on the forefront of fashion trends has its perks. Not only do you gain respect and awe by looking stylish, a good wardrobe can serve you for years to come.
Magazine fashion journalists use several techniques to spot trends. Some predict trends by season. Others may prefer deconstructing what celebrities wear. Similar fashion pieces are then sourced. For example, if Kristen Stewart is photographed wearing a rocker-chick themed outfit; the editor will observe the colors and clothes used to compose the look. After her analysis, she will most likely send a fashion or stylist intern to source for items like studded clothes or black denim jeans.
Fashion trends are applicable to many things: Hair, makeup, clothes, accessories and anything that adorns the wearer for aesthetic appeal. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to be fashionable and not compromise your personality. After all, the clothes that you eventually buy will be to your liking.
Here are four ways to avoid being the fashion victim:
1) Go Shopping!
- Hit the most reputable fashion streets and boutiques.
- Inspire yourself with store displays – they are usually styled by professionals.
- If you feel like pampering yourself with a luxury item purchase, ask for styling advice from the sales staff.
- Not intending to buy anything? Keep a lookout for styles you like. It is possible that there are other shops that sell similar items (non-fake, of course) at a fraction of the cost.
- Always try on the clothes when possible. A bad fit is not only uncomfortable, it can look plain awful.
Tip: A fashion stylist I know likes to shop online. She takes pictures of styles she likes with her Blackberry. When she goes shopping, she just keeps a lookout for similar styles!
2) Read Fashion Magazines
- Read up on tips to achieve celebrity looks.
- Buy a magazine you find most reasonably-priced. They will recommend the best shops according to your budget.
- Professional editors will tell their readers their insights on the latest fashion trends.
3) Watch the Crowds
- Look at what fashionable people your age are wearing.
- If you’re still in your teens, wearing clothes fit for the cast of “Sex and the City” will tend to make you look older than desired. Not recommended unless it is what you want.
- Identify styles that you like on the street. It could be a hair color you like. Maybe it could be the unique way a scarf is worn. Or it could just be the dress you always considered buying.
4) Crawl Fashion Sites and Forums Online
- Some sites will teach you how to assemble and critique an outfit.
- Make friends and get tips from other people online.
- Search for fashion available in other parts of the world.
- Online auction sites like eBay are good places to find vintage wear.
- Shopping online in bulk can give you great discounts. Some carts will also let you see what previous shoppers have bought.
Does your dream job involve spotting fashion trends? The best way to increase your chances is to enroll into a top design school and obtain a degree in fashion design, fashion marketing or fashion journalism.
Want to know the best schools to study fashion in Asia Pacific? Send an enquiry to one of our professional education consultants and start working on your dream career!
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