#thriftedtransformations

 How to wear multiple trends, without looking over styled

           Part of the allure of Parisian style is its associations with ease and confidence. While this intrinsic sense of styling doesn’t come easy for everyone, it doesn’t mean that a degree of this natural ease can’t be achieved or mimicked. How can one navigate style and multiple fashion trends, without looking like you are replicating an editorial?

1.) The first step is to start researching trends that suit your aesthetic preferences, and your own appearance. If you feel drowned out by a particular color, don’t wear it! If a certain print or pattern doesn’t suit you, don’t wear it simply because it is trending.

2.) The next step is to select two trends that suit you. 

Option A: If you can find one garment that combines two trends at once, without it feeling overwhelming try it. For example, perhaps one garment can have the current neckline or sleeve trend, but also features the color of the moment; those combined elements can work together easily.

Option B: For bolder trends that are too intimidating to wear in large amounts, try finding those ideas in accessories. Don’t feel comfortable in the current print or pattern trend? Find that print or pattern in a handbag, shoe, or accessory.

3.) Continuing on, to change things up a notch look through fashion history for unique ways to style these items, or to find other pieces to throw into the mix. The best part about this step is that you can find many of these items at lower price points at thrift shops, vintage shops, and consignment stores. For resources to use to broaden your fashion history knowledge see the post, “Links for keeping up with current and future trends and learning about past fashions.”

4.) Next, look at your closet with a scrutinizing eye. What pieces are the go-to items that you already own, that are always in style? What pieces feel most authentic to you, and make you feel most comfortable, apart from pajamas? Use these pieces to build around the trends. Get creative! Browse Google and Pinterest to get ideas of how to drape or style your items in a new way. If you feel comfortable, don’t be afraid to cut and sew up old items to make new ones. YouTube is a great source to find tips on how to sew and construct garments.  Check out Thrifted Transformations for inspiration for garment renovation. 

5.) Finally, have fun! Fashion looks a lot more effortless, when you stop stressing about it so much. If you don’t feel comfortable, it will make your look feel all the more contrived. Fashion should be fun and way to express you. Don’t lose yourself, by trying too hard to be of-the-moment.

I leave you with two very true, and very similar wise quotes, from renowned fashion designers:

“Fashions Fade, style is eternal,” – Yves Saint Laurent

“Fashions fade, only style remains the same,” Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

   Sources Consulted and For Additional Information:

“Yves Saint Laurent Quotes.” BrainyQuote, n.d., https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/yves_saint_laurent. Accessed 21 Mar. 2018.