Fashion is a way of life for many women, with styles, trends and creative clothing offering myriad opportunities to express one’s true self and put a personal stamp on the world. Anyone who has walked down a crowded street in their best shoes and favourite outfit knows the power that well chosen clothing can bring. Fashion gives us the opportunity to have fun and constantly reinvent ourselves with different looks, themes and outfit designs.
The most enduring fashion trends are the ones that last the test of time. True classics include blue denim jeans, the ultimate white t-shirt, the crispest white shirt and the trench coat and these are offered by most brands and fashion houses, from high street to couture.
Other trends last no longer than a short season in public consciousness. Examples are cropped t-shirts, culotte trousers, leather shorts and vests. Some trends seem to die out entirely and then re-emerge with a vengeance. Who remembers saying they’d never wear leggings again, just a few short years ago? Now the high street is flooded with every fabric and colour variety and their reappearance seems set to stay. Similar trend returns have occurred with flared jeans, skinny jeans, platform shoes and mary-janes. The fickle nature of fashion does mean that those most attuned to it are obliged to adore pointed stiletto toes one season and round-toed platform heels the next. Sleeve lengths, trouser styles, colour palettes and fabrics du jour show that the fashion world is a constantly changing world, requiring true dedication if one intends to adhere to its every move.
However, there are various ways to enjoy fashion whilst being free from its flighty demands. For example, many choose to ignore mainstream trends and align themselves to a particular look. An example of this is the retro 50s look, or general vintage fashion. Others opt for hillbilly, rock, indie or other lifestyle looks, so they can create their own styles. Others just break away from fashion rules and create their own looks, leading the pack and setting their own style. Another approach is to fix on a style that suits you and buy key, enduring items to base a wardrobe around. Ideally, this would be a capsule wardrobe with a number of high quality, versatile separates to build your clothing foundation on, updated with new accessories, tops, blouses and t-shirts that reflect a latest trend or season.
Regardless of your approach to fashion, the best place to start defining your look is on the good old high street. Look at a mix of shops including traditional fashion stores, vintage and thrift stores and even high-end designer stores, just to get ideas. Department stores can come up with treats from their concessions. Then, look out for special sale and voucher offers for the best value.