Identifying the Latest Fashion Trends

September 3rd, 2010 Posted in Fashion | No Comments »

For every person who is interested in following fashion trends it is essential to update the latest fashion trends and developments in their world of modelling and fashion. When we discuss fashion it does not only mean clothing even though the clothing is a major element of the individual particularly women's fashion; it also constitutes several other elements which includes jewelry, the hairstyles, accessories and all the other to become fashionable in all sense. One has to understand what the latest trend is as the world of fashion and clothing is always in a state of flux and a constantly changing factor. A person with an extreme and uncritical enthusiasm has to make sure that they should be updated with all the happenings around so that they can go along with the changing trends and styles. In short, in order to be aware of the latest trends and designs one has to get all the information in the field of modelling and fashion.

To identify what all are in-styles of this season and what are the new season must have, you can make good use of the fashion resources such as fashion magazines or fashion shows. Apart from the internet resources fashion magazines will be the first source which will provide the latest information on the trends in fashion. As there are lot of fashion magazines pop out every month and the source of the information will be the latest and updated one. In addition when it comes to learning about the trends in fashion, these fashion magazines and internet are the main ingredients which you must be aware of all things related to fashion clothing and modelling trends.

The fashion follower should be a fast learner; and also he must able to learn the techniques to identify the various trends. The latest trends can be finding out by keenly observing others who are wear fashion clothes and it is not necessary that it should be noticed on the ramps but also on the streets as well. It is required because by fashion fanatic means that, one should have complete knowledge about the significant developments in the world of fashion. It can also be noted that the devoted fashion fanatic should use internet which is the greatest tool of technology that has made available for humanity.

One among the endless resource pool for all things in fashion and other aspects related to modelling and the latest trends in fashion is the internet resources from which one can be aware of that latest and hottest colors of the season which updates the latest trends in designs, the fashion gossips and like. As this is one of the fastest growing sectors in the retail market, online shopping for any fashion item are made easier so that they can have from any store literally from any store from any parts of the world. In short world of fashion is evolving, changing, in every sense. If you want to be topper of the fashion trend and developments, start making use of all the available fashion resource around you and be a star of the fashion and modelling world.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

How To Choose A Good Fashion Institute To Get Admission To

September 3rd, 2010 Posted in Fashion | No Comments »

Fashion designing is one of the most sought after and upcoming careers in India. More and more youngsters and middle aged individuals are following the latest trends and trying to keep themselves updated on recent fashion developments. Even the older generation has become very fashion conscious and getting dressed in the latest style is not limited to the younger generation only. Fashion courses are perhaps most in demand with various fashion institutes in India promising to offer the best programme in fashion.

Designing of clothes and accessories is an art and just as a career in any other field requires proper training so is the case with fashion designing. A fashion institute offers structured programme in fashion technology that makes an individual skilled in creating exclusive, unique and fashionable clothes with various types of fabrics. Due to the recent spur in designing careers, numerous institutes are coming up with high level and attractive courses. Different institutes have different fee structures, course curriculum, reputation etc. Moreover to a common man fashion designing might seem just like wearing different sorts of attractive clothes. But it is not so. There are various branches in the field of apparel designing also just as in the field of engineering or medical sciences. An appropriate institute offering programme in fashion offers the choice of studying most of the branches.

Therefore before choosing a fashion design institute in India a few very vital points have to be kept in mind.

  • Firstly find out about the fee structure and mode of payment options. Courses in fashion can involve a lot of money, so be very sure about your budget. Some institutes like WLCI etc also have tie ups with nationalized and private banks, who provide educational loans, so be sure to find out about these different options.
  • Find out about the entrance exams for taking admissions to these institutes and whether the fashion institute in India has any scholarship facility.
  • Do your homework about the institute that you are going to join and its reputation in the fashion industry. Try to go for an institute that includes practical training with reputed fashion houses as part of its fashion courses.
  • A programme in fashion technology should include specialization courses in fashion illustration, fashion marketing and merchandising, quality controller, product developer, visual merchandising etc.
  • Have a look through the campus before joining the institute. Visit their labs and classrooms to see the infrastructure being offered so that you do not feel cheated afterward.
  • Go through their course curriculum properly to see whether it matches your requirements or not and get full details about the type of certification or diploma or even degree that they are offering.

A programme in fashion involves a lot of money and hard work, so be very sure about the institute that you are joining. The fashion industry might look very glamorous from outside, but once you enter it, you really have to slog it out just like any other industry. But again once you pass out from a reputed institute and if you worked really hard, there is no looking back. You have ample of choices to choose from apart from just being a fashion designer. You can choose to be a fashion merchandiser, product developer, retail store manager, fashion co-ordinate, boutique owner, visual merchandiser, quality controller etc.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Fashion Modeling – Prospects After Completing Education

September 2nd, 2010 Posted in Fashion | No Comments »

Fashion modeling sounds glamorous and ostentatious profession to many people especially to young girls and boys. The exclusive life style, page 3 parties, designer clothes, international ramp shows and money lure every youngsters but this is just the half truth. The fashion modeling career requires lot of hard work, dedication and self sacrifice to be successful. Fashion has become universal now, there is a huge demand of male and female models in the market. All famous fashion models are being paid very well for any modeling assignment and ramp walk. Their remuneration depends upon the fashion designer and organizer they are working with. Where as aspiring models begin their career with smaller modeling agencies and low budget modeling assignments.

Today fashion modeling has become a huge profession and there is abundance of employment. There is no such educational requirement or age limit to become a model. You may be a school pass-out or graduate, all you need is a good face, height and a glass hour figure. To get into fashion world is a Herculean task due to excessive competition in this profession. All top models are earning very handsome this naturally makes competition very fierce. The international recognition, limelight, celebrity status also make it more difficult to get a break.

However, fashion industry has made phenomenal growth in India in the last fifteen years. Fashion industry is now targeting people of all age group to sell fashion. Earlier, youngsters were the prime concern for the fashion designers, they used to design attires keeping younger generation's likes and dislikes in mind, but this trend has completely changed now. Today, you can find designers are designing special clothes for middle-aged and older people as well. There has been a tremendous revolution in fashion world which has led to a huge demand of models.

Networking is an important part to be successful in modeling. A strong networking helps you to become familiar with fashion gurus and designers. If you are well acquainted with fashion designers, photographers, make artists then they may recommend your name to others fashion players for any modeling assignment and outdoor ramp shows. Thus, it is suggested to maintain a harmonious relation ship with everyone you meet with.

To begin your career as a fashion model you can start working as a catalog-model, show room model, television model etc. You must make an impressive portfolio of yours and distribute in different modeling agencies. If any top modeling agencies hires you it would be easy for you to enter into the big world of fashion.

It should be remembered your entire career depends on your face so make yourself recognized in the fashion world by attending parties, nightclubs etc. These are the few places where you would find cream of fashion under one roof. Fashion modeling is a lucrative career, it gives you multiple opportunities to travel around your country and globe. Fashion modeling has various categories- Ramp modeling, Television modeling and print modeling, Showroom modeling, Advertisement modeling.

Fashion modeling is a multi-million dollar industry, Bombay is the hub for fashion modeling. Everyday hundreds of youngsters walk-in to try their luck in fashion modeling but very few make it to the top. Fashion modeling gives you international recognition, you may get chance to work with the best international designers in world- famous fashion cities Paris, Milan, New-York, Tokyo etc.

Despite of such tempting opportunities in modeling it is a very short-lived career. You profession is not ever-lasting and you need to tackle excessive stress, work pressure and many unforeseen challenges.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Fashion and Beauty – Both in the Eyes of the Beholder?

September 2nd, 2010 Posted in Fashion | No Comments »

What goes on every woman's mind these days is how to look beautiful and fashionable. They share the same feeling with every designer who thinks of new creations that will be in fashion. But what makes fashion interesting is the fact that beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder. Is this a valid statement? Let's see.

As soon as man learned to love beauty, fashion has come to picture in the society. It has gained its position so rapidly and consistently. Time evolves with fashion and beauty. Fashion goes along with history. You can distinguish the time of historic events through the fashion statement of its character. Apart from the era, you can also tell which society you are pertaining to through its fashion. You can easily tell if its from the western part of the world or the eastern. Indeed, fashion has made its mark in history.

Nowadays, fashion has been tied up with beauty. It is almost a fact that anything that is in fashion can be considered beautiful. Everyone wants to express their personality and feelings through fashion. Fashion statement is the way a person goes with the flow of the society and a form of self expression. It sometimes dictate how somebody can be beautiful to others. Our fashion statement also signifies our origin. Every country has a distinct style in fashion.

They say that fashion is for the exclusive for the elite. Well, if you will look into the famous fashion icons, their patrons are those in the upper class of the society. Apart from the capability to spend a lot of money, they are the best person to go along with the rapid changes of fashion sense even outside their country.

Without the fancy fashion statement, one can portray beauty by sufficing the perception of other people. What people think of us plays an important role as far as fashion is concerned. Beauty begins from within. Optimism and confidence will surely makes us beautiful. The moment we feel these positive feelings of beauty, we can be ready to be fashionable. There goes to show that no matter what a confident person wear as long as he or she is able to stand in the crowd with grace, fashion statement will never be questioned.

If money is an issue; you can't afford the fancy fashionable outfit then start beautifying yourself. You can start with your hair. It is believed to be man's crowning glory. Indeed it is! Imagine wearing the most expensive top of the line apparel without combing and washing your hair; that would not make you fashionable since your untidiness will prevail. On the contrary, even if you are wearing a simple dress, if your crowning glory gives the glow then you can outsmart the fashion icons. beauty and fashion when combined together may prove the real meaning of being the best in both fields. It starts with a simple touch of confidence then ends with unimaginable amusement from the crowd.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Choosing Fashion Accessories

September 1st, 2010 Posted in Fashion | No Comments »

Would you like to improve and update your appearance, at the least in terms of your fashion accessories and style? If you are, you may not just want to look at the latest in fashion trends, as far as clothing, but you may additionally like to examine the latest trends in fashion accessories Fashion related accessories are quickly increasing in popularity, though many people still have no real idea exactly what they are.

In relation to fashion accessories, you will find that a wide variety of differing products are included. Fashion accessories, such as fashion clothes and such items, come in a number of differing sizes, shapes, and styles. You can find fashion accessories that are created for young kids, teenagers, men, women, small sized, and plus sized people. A few of the many fashion items that you might find at one of your local fashion shops or on-line stores are described here.

The most popular fashion addon items is jewellry. As was previously discussed, fashion accessories are designed for all varieties individuals, regardless of age or gender. For teens and children, fashion jewelry items that are fashionable often include colorful pieces, including charm necklaces or charm bracelets. In terms of men, a very popular type of jewellery often includes large pendant necklaces, many of which display a cross or another popular or significant symbol. As for ladies, trendy items of fashion jewelry consist of earnings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, and so on.

Another type of fashion accessory that you may have an interest in buying is a purse or even a handbag. Teens and women most commonly own purses and handbags. A purse is often used to describe a bag which is smaller or compact in size and handbags tend to be a little bigger. Handbags and purses come in a number of differing styles; therefore, it's common for many ladies and teens to possess more than one purse or handbag. Actually, many individuals out there prefer to match their fashion accessories, including their purses and handbags, with the clothes that they wear.

In conjunction with handbags and purses, travel bags can be considered a fashion accessory. Travel bags are much like purses and handbags, except you will find that they're often created for both females and for males. A travel bag might include a smaller bag that can be used as a carryon bag for an airplane ride, a diaper bag, as well as a laptop carrying case and so on.

Shoes and boots are also considered a fashion accessory, although many do not necessarily think them to be. Most often, females's shoes and boots are considered as fashion accessories, as opposed to men's shoes and boots. Certainly one of the reasons for that is due to the large choice of females's shoe styles that you'll find available for sale. For instance, it's more than possible to find athletic shoes, casual sandals, elegant sandals, flat dress shoes, high-heeled shoes, and so forth. As with handbags and purses, many women own multiple pairs of shoes and many endeavor to coordinate their footwear, particularly for work, with the rest of their ensemble.

Another one of the many differing types of fashion accessories available for purchase are belts. For a lot of men and boys, belts aren't necessarily considered a fashion accessory, as much as they're a way to hold pants up; though, the same does not actually ring true for females. women's belts come in a number of differing sizes, shapes, and styles. That is definitely one of the reasons why females's belts and belts which may be designed for kids and for teens are often considered as fashion accessories. One can find belts out there that are created for wearing with an informal pair of jeans, as well as a pair of conventional kaki pants for work.

Belts, handbags, purses, travel bags, jewelry, and shoes and boots are just a few of the countless fashion accessories that you may be able to find for sale at one of our local fashion shops or even online. As a reminder, fashion accessories are a great way to spice up any wardrobe, especially one that can use an updating.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Fashion and the Fashion Industry

September 1st, 2010 Posted in Fashion | No Comments »

Fashion is something special in each individual's life. It reflects their lifestyle, their personality, their attitude and approach towards life and most of all the particular styles they prefer in clothing and foot wear and other accessories. Fashion is not restricted only to women but is active among men as well. The fashion industry today caters to the needs of different types of people interested in fine clothing, foot wear and all accessories or gadgets.

Fashion industry is the platform where one can find the best gadgets and accessories. Not only that, fashion is something that cannot be avoided, it is an inbuilt feeling within us that grows day by day. The most prominent part of fashion is clothing and foot wear and this has found the best place in the fashion industry. A whole lot of brands like Adidas, Puma, Reebok and the like have found the best place in the sports industry.

The best part of fashion is that it keeps changing everyday bringing out new ideas and new concepts giving the fashion industry a boost. People interested in fashion designing have really hit the jackpot since this is the industry that never dwindles at any time. As long as there is fashion in the air the fashion designers will be progressive.

Ethnicity is obvious in women's fashion since women have a lot to choose from if they follow the latest fashions. Almost every woman loves to be fashionable in some way or the other to impress the opposite sex. Fashion not only brings out the beauty and elegance in a woman it also expresses here status, her personal expression, her style and her feminism which is the most important.

Today the fashion industry has gone on to find a suitable place in the men's world as well with the latest brand T-shirts, jeans and formals, etc. bearing the brand of leading manufacturers like Tommy Hilfiger, D&G, Adidas, Reebok, etc. A man is a man only when he is portrayed in the best formal attire while at work. With the best brands of formal shirts and pants, blazers and suits from Van Heusen, Peter England, Arrow and much more the best part of a man is best portrayed.

The importance of the fashion industry is not just designing clothes and accessories for men and women; it also offers the best career for an enthusiast seeking big money with an interesting job. Unlike working with a bank or a departmental store that provides mundane work throughout, the fashion designing world offers a new purpose to look forward to each day. The fashion industry has a wide range to work with in textiles, apparels, accessories and just anything that is creative and innovative would be the best state-of-the-art technology that people throughout the world are looking forward to.

You can have an interesting career in the fashion industry like being a fashion designer or a fashion consultant, image consultant, fashion design consultant and any fashion software consultant. Do whatever you like, create your own images and bring them to life in the many T-shirts that are manufactured by leading companies. Men and women are always looking towards something new in the clothes they wear.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Why is Fashion So Fashionable?

August 31st, 2010 Posted in Fashion | No Comments »

Many people look at fashion and say that magazines and celebrities start trends in the fashion industry. That may be true but did you know that you can set your own fashion trend. If people like it well enough and see it often enough they may start copying it for a look for them selves thus creating a fashion trend. A fashion trend is copying the look of some one else and more and more people copying the same look so they can look like that person. In writing copying is not okay, but in the fashion industry it is considered to be a good thing because the more people you have that want to look like you the more people will be your line of designs or your line of clothing if you have it placed in a retail store.

In fashion there are other ways at looking at trends. Another way of looking at trends is through celebrities. Trends tend to come and go because of what you might see a celebrity wear to the SAG Awards or to another award show. Singers also tend to set fashion trends when they go to the video music awards or country music awards. There are a lot fashion trends set by singers, celebrities, movies, video songs, and others in the television industry. You would be surprised at how many people buy clothes to dress like a certain person that they look up to. Also, they decide who to follow and what trends to follow. You always want to look good because you want to have a good example for the people who follow you.

The fashion world is tough because you have jobs in the fashion world that depend on you to do your job as a model or designer and if you do not produce clothes to set every thing in place for the trends to occur and happen then you don't have a trend. In fashion every thing is different from one day to the next and it can change in the blink of an eye. You can have some thing be hip two minutes ago and in the fashion world be out of hip the minute it was in hip. It just depends on who is wearing and how long the fashion is seen as cool by most of the general population.

People like Jennifer Anniston and Tyra Banks both have influences in fashion. One does in acting and the other does in modeling. This goes to show you that you can have a career in the fashion world and influence a different part of society. It also shows how others influence fashion and the different ways that trends are set where they may not be set before. Tyra has had fashion models looking up to her and people in general that want to be her. She makes billions in profits each year and is considered not just a model but one of the first super models of the run way. This woman created a path for many black women and many women in general.

In conclusion, many people look at fashion and just think a super model for Victoria Secret and that being a model is easy work when in all reality it is very hard work for every one involved. The fashion designer has to be in touch with people that want to sale her line. The photographer really has to know people to take pictures of and the magazines just tend to follow where ever the story takes them. So where ever you may be in fashion you still have to know your stuff to keep up with the latest trends.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Basic Wardrobe Planning is Easier If You Know Your Fashion Style – 3 Benefits & 8 Fashion Archetypes

August 31st, 2010 Posted in Fashion | No Comments »

Basic wardrobe planning may be more cohesive if you figure out your fashion style type. Some types of fashion, offered with the over-50 woman in mind, are:

  • arty or bohemian
  • sophisticated
  • sporty
  • suburban
  • professional
  • simply elegant (or elegant simplicity)
  • trendy or trend-setter.
  • romantic or sexy.

I call these fashion styles fashion archetypes, because they embody deeper needs and behaviors of our personalities. Expressing one of the types of fashion is a way of becoming the star of our own lives.

As we age, we may have to reassess our fashion style: The suburban mom takes a job and needs a professional wardrobe; the lawyer retires from her professional career and takes up her dream of landscape painting. The suits have to go.

Here are three advantages of basic wardrobe planning around a type of fashion that suits your personality and lifestyle:

  • Efficiency shopping and pulling an outfit together, even on the fly.
  • If you decide your fashion style is sporty, you're less likely to splurge on that emerald green, ruffled jabot blouse that you will only wear once a year. After all, it hardly goes with the khaki and charcoal cotton slacks that are the core of your comfortable daily uniform.

  • Spending limited wardrobe budgets on what will give us the most use. Basic wardrobe planning involves figuring out what types of fashion we most need. It makes sense to add a black skirt to our professional wardrobe when we understand we've got 18 tops and three jackets to team with it. Shopping for an item we might have spurned as too ordinary becomes a fashion triumph.
  • Feeling well-dressed and comfortable on every occasion. The best fashion advice for women is to decide what feels good and looks good on you. Your personal fashion style emerges from that. What looks and feels good changes over time. Periodic reassessment is essential.

Here's a summary of eight fashion archetypes.

ARTY/BOHEMIAN

The arty look is colorful, quirky, sometimes ethnic, and always fearless. Natural fabrics are preferred. A snowy white poet's shirt, an embroidered jacket that goes from work to art gallery reception, and a luxurious handbag are suggestions for the bohemian wardrobe.

SOPHISTICATED

The corporate executive wife and the charity fund-raiser are some typical lifestyle choices of women who express their inner creativity with sophisticated fashions. Wardrobe suggestions are a Chanel suit, a silk dress, gold cloche earrings and a diamond pendant necklace.

SPORTY

This fashion style is tailored. A blazer jacket is a must. It can be worn with a variety of durable, washable cotton pants, such as khaki, a good choice for the active, outdoorsy woman. Sweaters and sweater sets work well. A silk T-shirt adds sophistication. Avoid fussy prints and ruffles.

SUBURBAN

Suburban fashion goes from town to country with ease. She visits a corporate office in tailored slacks, a fuchsia shirt, an elegantly tailored long jacket, and pumps appropriate for lunch at a chic restaurant. Then she's off to a soccer game. The pumps are replaced by rubber-soled loafers, the jacket with a sweater. Pick garments for their versatility.

PROFESSIONAL

The professional fashion archetype loves suits - pantsuits for every day, skirt suits for court, a tuxedo suit for formal occasions, and a tailored dress when a skirt is a must. Choose suits and tops so you can mix-and-match for maximum versatility. Add an embroidered vest for pizzazz.

SIMPLY ELEGANT

If you've asked yourself What Would Jackie [Kennedy Onassis] Do?(book by Shelley Branch and Sue Callaway) Or What Would Audrey [Hepburn] Do? (by Pamela Keough), this is your fashion archetype. Stock your closet with solid colors and garments with simple lines such as the A-line, princess, and cheongsam dresses. Shop at designer consignment shops to achieve this look on a budget.

TRENDY/TREND-SETTER

The older woman who adopts the latest fashion trends may end up looking as if she is desperately clinging to her passing youth. For best effect, add fashion trends to classic costumes. For example, an outrageous jacket, with lots of bling and some feather accents, might be worn with simple black or white beneath. Experiment. Every fashion mistake can be changed tomorrow.

ROMANTIC

Flirty grows up after 50 or risks appearing as if life has passed her by. Ruffles, but not frills; clinging fabrics that hug curves without being skintight; and decollete that knows when to quit are hallmarks of the romantic fashion archetype. Strive for glamor and sensuality using texture and a bit of bling.

Take this fashion archetype quiz to learn more.

In summary, knowing and expressing your fashion archetype starts with identifying the fashion styles that fit your lifestyle and personality. Buy clothes that look and feel just right. Basic wardrobe planning is a snap when we build our clothes collection with our personal type of fashion in mind.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Fashion Stylists Are Becoming Mainstream

August 30th, 2010 Posted in Fashion | No Comments »

Fashion stylists are indispensable for celebrities, fashion models and actors. Today, with people busy with their careers, we find many individuals too opting for the services of stylists. Most of us are fashion conscious today and want to look our best during all occasions. This is one of the reasons why a lot of individuals too are increasingly opting for the services of fashion and image consultants.

Fashion consultants work in close coordination with their clients to prepare them for events such as cat walk, fashion shoot, movie shoot or fashion show. They efficiently integrate their unique personalities with the right choice of clothes and accessories. Fashion stylists work in close association with leading fashion designers, expert hair stylists and makeup artists. Some stylists are adept at hair styling too and work on their client's hair to offer stunning results.

These stylists help with their client's clothes and accessories shopping choosing the right designs and colors. They fine tune and equip their wardrobes with clothes that exactly suit different occasions. This is the reason why they are also known as personal shoppers.

People who have been worked on by expert fashion stylists stand out among crowd and are the centre of attraction wherever they go. They exude confidence and charm and are always poised and self assured. They are examples of high fashion superbly guided by their stylists who help them keep pace with the ever changing fashion trends.

Every successful stylist has their own fashion website to make it easy for clients to contact them. To be a professional fashion stylist is a highly demanding job which requires you to be focused and dedicated. Only a deep passion for designing and styling can make you a reputed and successful stylist.

If you have the flair for it, you can either be a freelance, self taught professional or can opt for a degree from a reputed fashion institute. It greatly helps to do an internship under well known fashion stylists before venturing on your own. This will help you learn the nuances and tricks of the trade and learn all about the industry in-depth.

You must be prepared to face clients who are highly demanding and insist on perfection. If you work for fashion models on an everyday basis, then you must be prepared to deal with last minute highly stressful situations.

A stylist working for a television or movie production unit must be adept at selecting, planning and preparing items that are exactly suited to each setting and situation. The overall theme must be kept in mind before choosing the right clothes and accessories. Most importantly, all this has to be done keeping the budget in focus.

Fashion stylists must also keep pace with the current and latest fashion trends. Your key to success is in how expertly you integrate the personality and looks of your clients with the existing fashion sense.

Expert fashion stylists will be able to make last minute fix ups and swift alterations to dropped hems or split seams. They will be able to give focused attention to detail and will be highly knowledgeable on the current fashion trends.

There are numerous stylists in this industry and in order to survive the competition and establish your presence as reputed fashion stylists, you must have determination, focus and most importantly a deep passion for your job.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Basic Wardrobe Planning is Easier If You Know Your Fashion Style – 3 Benefits & 8 Fashion Archetypes

August 30th, 2010 Posted in Fashion | No Comments »

Basic wardrobe planning may be more cohesive if you figure out your fashion style type. Some types of fashion, offered with the over-50 woman in mind, are:

  • arty or bohemian
  • sophisticated
  • sporty
  • suburban
  • professional
  • simply elegant (or elegant simplicity)
  • trendy or trend-setter.
  • romantic or sexy.

I call these fashion styles fashion archetypes, because they embody deeper needs and behaviors of our personalities. Expressing one of the types of fashion is a way of becoming the star of our own lives.

As we age, we may have to reassess our fashion style: The suburban mom takes a job and needs a professional wardrobe; the lawyer retires from her professional career and takes up her dream of landscape painting. The suits have to go.

Here are three advantages of basic wardrobe planning around a type of fashion that suits your personality and lifestyle:

  • Efficiency shopping and pulling an outfit together, even on the fly.
  • If you decide your fashion style is sporty, you're less likely to splurge on that emerald green, ruffled jabot blouse that you will only wear once a year. After all, it hardly goes with the khaki and charcoal cotton slacks that are the core of your comfortable daily uniform.

  • Spending limited wardrobe budgets on what will give us the most use. Basic wardrobe planning involves figuring out what types of fashion we most need. It makes sense to add a black skirt to our professional wardrobe when we understand we've got 18 tops and three jackets to team with it. Shopping for an item we might have spurned as too ordinary becomes a fashion triumph.
  • Feeling well-dressed and comfortable on every occasion. The best fashion advice for women is to decide what feels good and looks good on you. Your personal fashion style emerges from that. What looks and feels good changes over time. Periodic reassessment is essential.

Here's a summary of eight fashion archetypes.

ARTY/BOHEMIAN

The arty look is colorful, quirky, sometimes ethnic, and always fearless. Natural fabrics are preferred. A snowy white poet's shirt, an embroidered jacket that goes from work to art gallery reception, and a luxurious handbag are suggestions for the bohemian wardrobe.

SOPHISTICATED

The corporate executive wife and the charity fund-raiser are some typical lifestyle choices of women who express their inner creativity with sophisticated fashions. Wardrobe suggestions are a Chanel suit, a silk dress, gold cloche earrings and a diamond pendant necklace.

SPORTY

This fashion style is tailored. A blazer jacket is a must. It can be worn with a variety of durable, washable cotton pants, such as khaki, a good choice for the active, outdoorsy woman. Sweaters and sweater sets work well. A silk T-shirt adds sophistication. Avoid fussy prints and ruffles.

SUBURBAN

Suburban fashion goes from town to country with ease. She visits a corporate office in tailored slacks, a fuchsia shirt, an elegantly tailored long jacket, and pumps appropriate for lunch at a chic restaurant. Then she's off to a soccer game. The pumps are replaced by rubber-soled loafers, the jacket with a sweater. Pick garments for their versatility.

PROFESSIONAL

The professional fashion archetype loves suits - pantsuits for every day, skirt suits for court, a tuxedo suit for formal occasions, and a tailored dress when a skirt is a must. Choose suits and tops so you can mix-and-match for maximum versatility. Add an embroidered vest for pizzazz.

SIMPLY ELEGANT

If you've asked yourself What Would Jackie [Kennedy Onassis] Do?(book by Shelley Branch and Sue Callaway) Or What Would Audrey [Hepburn] Do? (by Pamela Keough), this is your fashion archetype. Stock your closet with solid colors and garments with simple lines such as the A-line, princess, and cheongsam dresses. Shop at designer consignment shops to achieve this look on a budget.

TRENDY/TREND-SETTER

The older woman who adopts the latest fashion trends may end up looking as if she is desperately clinging to her passing youth. For best effect, add fashion trends to classic costumes. For example, an outrageous jacket, with lots of bling and some feather accents, might be worn with simple black or white beneath. Experiment. Every fashion mistake can be changed tomorrow.

ROMANTIC

Flirty grows up after 50 or risks appearing as if life has passed her by. Ruffles, but not frills; clinging fabrics that hug curves without being skintight; and decollete that knows when to quit are hallmarks of the romantic fashion archetype. Strive for glamor and sensuality using texture and a bit of bling.

Take this fashion archetype quiz to learn more.

In summary, knowing and expressing your fashion archetype starts with identifying the fashion styles that fit your lifestyle and personality. Buy clothes that look and feel just right. Basic wardrobe planning is a snap when we build our clothes collection with our personal type of fashion in mind.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button