Have you ever wished you could have a professional stylist come in to your life and help you figure out what looks good and what just, well, doesn’t? Chances are, there are fashion trends you really love but can not figure out how to translate the look of those stick-thin models on to a real person. Sometimes, the truth is, runway looks are not practical for real life, but there is still a lot of inspiration to be taken from couture extremes.

Colors are one of the most inspirational takeaways from the season of fashion. It is generally easy for any body type or complexion to draw from some of the newest or trendiest colors without going overboard or looking like a clown. And if the shade on the runway doesn’t flatter you, look for a muted or bolder tone of the same family and you can still get the high fashion apparel look you were going for.

You may not have a personal stylist picking out your wardrobe and directing your hair and makeup each day, but that doesn’t have to keep you from finding personalized tips from experts. The Internet offers endless help from the biggest names in the business. You can log on to nearly any fashion magazine website and find free tips from makeup artists, fashion designers, stylists and more. Many times these magazines will cycle through the typical fashion advice and offer tips like how to dress for curvy women, tall women, petite women, etc. These tips are always helpful in guiding you on the right cut, shapes and styles for your body. Let’s face it, skinny jeans and leggings are not meant for everyone. If you feel more like humpty dumpty than the hot model on the cover of a magazine, then your confidence is not boosted and you will feel uncomfortable all day. Maybe that means you have to skip the legging trend, but there are plenty of ways you can mimic the look and feel of this fashion. Tights are a great way to add a little more coverage under a tunic or skirt. If you are short, then leggings may cut off the little bit of height you do have. Tights, on the other hand can make you look sleek and slender. When paired with a shoe in a matching color, your leg and foot will become one elongated, graceful extension. In this case, tights are better than trendy fashions in the moment.

When it comes to building your wardrobe and buying apparel, you should look for key items that you really love and then pair it with classic pieces that you can use for several years. Another important thing to keep in mind is that if you are going to aim for dressing in trends, don’t take on more than one trend at a time. Two, at the most, is usually the max you can wear before you start looking a little bit silly. Yes, the store mannequins may be donned in 4 layers of shirts, 3 necklaces and a scarf, but if you walk out of your home dressed this way, you will look quite silly. Sometimes, less is more. This rule of thumb can take you a long way in the world of fashion and apparel. If you feel confident and comfortable, your attitude will carry through and remember, your smile is the best accessory.

By: Sarah E Little

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