Style manifests within a crevice in our subconscious, it is a talent that we all build and express daily. The fanny-pack is still cool to those ‘special’ individuals that have yet to achieve the mastery that you or style icons have. Being fashionably accepted is a battle in which, unfortunately, we either struggle and fail to comprehend trends or; we fluidly move throughout the style transitions. The opposite, I like to call the ‘state of being fashionably inept’ it isn’t caused by a lack of protons, don’t try to blame extra sets of chromosomes or even lack thereof; it’s the lack of understanding and maybe imagination.

When you’re at the mall buying your next outfit pretend for the moment, and imagine yourself styling a model for a high profile editorial (lets also pretend you’re not brainwashed by shitty local photographers and you know what fashion looks like) but instead you’re the model. Let’s be honest; with an ass like yours, you should be a model. Get into it; make yourself look as if you just stepped out of a high fashion magazine. I do it all the time, and people may not understand but like I stated before—

They’re brainwashed.

Obvious trends that have occurred throughout history, it could be said for some that they’ve been around for centuries but then I’d have to comment on how bronze somehow matched full-length togas and not something I really want to get in to.

• Color Blocking
• Slim Fit
• Patterns (houndstooth, tortoise shell, floral, etc)
• Casual and formal cross pairing
• Matching

Advances in technology have definitely changed the fabric of the industry, for the absolute best. Watching movies in the 90’s is a horrifying look into what drugs can really do to your perception of reality.

Wear-current-trends; don’t wait till 2067 to see them again.

Most of the people reading this probably have a solid grasp on what style they should try to stick with and what to experience next. For the others wanting the advice on what to wear listen up because the code for men and women is pretty much the same.

Men: The best advice anyone could give you is; be simple. Trying to achieve a look that is straight out of a magazine is not only unoriginal, but it’s unobtainable UNLESS you want to shell out some major dough. Being a man of your own rhythm is what men’s fashion is all about. Like waiting to experience your own trends and building a wardrobe that you can constantly interchange and add to. My favorite thing about having so many clothes is being able to create and manipulate new outfits. I have this paranoia not to let people see me in the same thing twice, at least when I’m working, and it works.  I’ve gotten to that point by shopping at fashion-specific stores that are also inexpensive. Start accumulating and soon enough you’ll have a constant style and it honestly makes you feel better when you can take pride in something so basic but SO essential. Simple is simple.

Women: The style of women is constantly changing, and being of the male species I don’t wear or shop for womens attire. I do know women who are struggling on finding a style to associate with, their problem is that they’re lost. Dressing yourself is not supposed to be so complicated and whatever your excuse is, realize that there are thousands of stores lining malls that are just for women. You cannot be having that much difficulty when Nordstrom dedicates three HUGE floors to your gender. Men have to shop from the darkest and coldest corner in the store.

Focus on the essentials of womenswear;

• Color coordination
• Accesories
• Shoes
• Fit

Let them guide you to your next purchase.

Investing in your wardrobe is one of the smartest and most essential aspects of modern life – not focusing on an appearance, but an exterior perspective of your personality. Channel your inner fashionisto/ Anna Wintour (or contact a professional).

Find a trend; study it, live it, become it.

(Source: fashionbasics)

Let’s consider all the variables are already calculated (because they really are) and say that you walk into a store, male and/ or female oriented, what do you hone in for? Is it shoes, accessories, or just whatever is in the impulse bin?

What I want you to find is a store catalog. If there isn’t one, study the mannequins. This is just so you get the jist of the styling and maybe some better ideas. I’m a firm believer in less is more, so when you see the dummy wearing 30 layers, pass.

There are fundamentals of fashion in every parameter of the sense. You have so many choices that don’t necessarily walk down the runway and I don’t remember the last time I saw someone walk the streets in couture. But I do live in Denver, so it could happen.

Getting back to the point and the specifics;

Skin Tone- CRUCIAL: There is a reason you don’t look good in lime green or different colors because your skin is still a huge part of the outfit. Try contrasting colors. If you’re dark go for darker colors, and vise-versa. Leaving the house looking like a sour apple is only something lady gaga should do.

Matching- Is not as important but don’t go overboard with patterns, stay simple and color-block.

Size/ Fit- Depending on the look you’re going for this varies, but I can tell you dress for your figure. I wear skinny jeans on certain occasions (when I’m trying to get a raise)

Shoes- This is the most critical point in the outfit, and anyone who tells you otherwise have not sunk their feet in a pair of Christian Louboutin studded Rollerboy’s.  I’m still pissed that mine are ruined – BUT back to this. Invest in shoes that are easy to match, i.e. black, white, tan, gray. When you have the right shoes you can make any outfit work.

Accessories- A simple watch or leather strap can make your outfit complete. I normally have a couple wristbands on and maybe a watch. I don’t overdo it with a gaudy gold Michael Kors watch. If you’re going basic or simple, please don’t use gold. It’s the tackiest of all precious metals.

Collar- Coming from a guy who owns over 40 suits; the collar matters. It’s fairly easy to differentiate between what collar you should and shouldn’t wear. Cotton-blend t-shirts do NOT need collars.

Fabric- Cotton, cotton, cotton! A day to day wardrobe should consist of mainly cotton. For maintenance and durability it is just cost-effective to keep-it-cotton.

Brand- This doesn’t mean shit. Keep scrolling.

COMBINATIONS- Can either make you or break you. Combine patterns, colors and fabric. Stay safe and minimalist. I can guarantee you’ll turn heads and get plenty of compliments without going to Barneys and melting your plastic.

This could come off rigid/ strict but I assure you taking bits and pieces from this will turn your whole wardrobe around. Threw out my ENTIRE clothing selection when I turned 21, and it included mostly Abercrombie and Fitch and Ed Hardy.. So I understand both good and bad fashion, and I overcame the worse.

(Source: fashionbasics)