Fashion follower vs fashion victim

Which one are you and how do you know whether you are pulling it off or need to take it off, pronto. It’s really quite simple. Do you flick through the fashion magazines and go straight out and buy the nearest copies of your favourite trends in abundance, or, do you actually take a second to think about how they would look on your actual body?

Considering the fact that you are not unfortunately the model in the glamorous Elle magazine in your hands, nor are you that seemingly perfect celeb gliding down the red carpet in vintage Prada. Now this is not to say that you can’t follow whichever trend you please, indeed every woman can be a fashion follower rather than a fashion victim. You just have to take a few things into account. Let me explain, there is a fashion coming to light as I type and you read, for culottes. I know, I know, hardly embellished Moschino but it’s a perfect trend to use for my theory. So… culottes, perfectly fine on Jourdan Dunn, model of the moment, not so much on someone like me, 5″4 and a half (that half is important okay!) and straight up and down figure. Long baggy culottes would definitely swamp me. A fine example of clothes wearing you rather than you wearing the clothes. Now this is more of a case of a fashion not being suited to some people rather than working it for your body but I could make it look less tragic. People of my height and shape can adjust by wearing something fitted on the upper body to counteract the baggy structure of the culottes. Also a heel is a must if you don’t want to end up looking dwarfed.

That is just one example of current fashions and I could go on but I shan’t send you to sleep. Instead here are some general pointers to consider to stop you becoming fashion victim. Here is how to own it, work it and ooze style:

Rule 1: Remember your shape. You like the lace trend? Skinny Minnies opt for a pencil skirt to create the illusion of curves. Curvy babes rock that A line dress.

Rule 2: When it comes to trends for new shades, whether it be pastels, the blue hue or summer white, consider complexion and colouring. If you are as pale as I am (milk bottle white) then avoid white at all costs and make best friends with warm tones. Also hair colour can either emphasise a great colour or clash. Blonde? Avoid yellow. On the other hand, embrace pinks.

Rule 3: Appropriateness. What I mean by this is – maybe that printed bodycon is best kept for outside of the boardroom. Ripped denim tempting you but you are not sure whether they are more suited to your teenage daughter? You have a teenage daughter?! Step away sister.

Rule 4: The most important rule known to fashion. Once you have considered rules 1-3, own it. Embrace fashion. Let the streets be your own personal catwalk.