How to be fashionable and maintain your style

Posted byElaine FlookPosted inDressing with style, FashionTags:, ,
Blonde girl iin headscarf, red glasses and red lipstick

Even though I am an advocate of ‘Style Not Fashion’ it doesn’t mean I ignore fashion.

I love fashion. Fashion designers explore their creativity to bring us wonderful new creations on the catwalk which translate to the high street. (As I write this, I hear on the radio the sad news of Vivienne Westwood’s passing. RIP Vivienne and thank you for the innovation you brought.) Fashion shows us new ways of dressing (think of Vivienne Westwood’s take on tartan) and alternative ways of wearing our clothes (again, her take on a crinoline). Fashion explores new fabrics and different ways to use colour. It’s creative, exciting and innovative.

So you can be fashion-conscious but still reap the Benefits of Style Over Fashion.  The two are not mutually exclusive. 

If you are a fashion-conscious individual, it’s natural to want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. But at the same time, you can maintain a signature style that is uniquely your own. So how can you incorporate new trends without losing your sense of self in the process?

Start small: Don’t try to overhaul your entire wardrobe at once. Instead, incorporate new trends gradually, perhaps by adding a trendy accessory or incorporating a single trendy piece into an outfit. This way, you can test the waters and see how the trend works with your personal style before committing fully. Accessories are an excellent, low-cost way of bringing an outfit to the present time and can be sent to the charity (thrift) shop when the trend is passed.

Mix and match: One of the keys to maintaining your signature style is to mix and match different elements in a way that feels authentic to you. This could mean pairing a trendy piece with something more classic or vintage (a great pair of classic linen wide-legged trousers with a sharp on-trend shirt for instance) or combining different trends in a way that feels cohesive.

Be selective: Not every trend is going to be a good fit for you. Pay attention to the trends that speak to your personal style and interests, and let the rest pass you by. Don’t worry about catching everyone. Don’t be a slave to following the trends. Just pick carefully the ones that suit you and disregard the others.

Consider your body type and proportions: Some trends may not be flattering on your particular body type, so it’s important to consider how a trend will look on you before committing to it. If you’re not sure if a trend will work for you, try it on in a store or get a second opinion from a trusted friend. Remember to accentuate your assets.

Accessorise wisely: Accessories can be a great way to incorporate trends into your look without making a major commitment. Consider adding a trendy bag, shoes, or jewellery to your outfit to give it a fresh, modern touch. Buy accessories that are value priced but look expensive, that way you can change them often to keep your look on-trend.

Have fun: Above all, don’t take fashion too seriously. Experiment with different trends and see what works for you. Remember that fashion is meant to be enjoyable, so have fun with it and don’t be afraid to try new things.

Follow these ideas and you should be able to incorporate fashion trends into your personal style in a way that feels authentic and true to you. Which is what style is all about.

Published by Elaine Flook

I spent around 20 years working in design management and corporate branding. I cut my teeth as a Publicity Executive for a UK TV company in the 80s and progressed through design agencies to Global Head of Branding & Corporate Identity for a major international investment bank. A chronic health condition led me to complementary health and to become a practitioner. After another 21 years working as a therapist/coach to business people I pursued a long-held dream and graduated from The London School of Make-Up and The British College of Professional Styling. Funny how it can take a lifetime to find out what you really want to do. I'm reminded of Baz Lhurmann "Some of the most interesting 40 year-olds I know, still don't'. 2019 and the Pandemic led me again to a reassessment of what I want to do and how I want to work led me to pursue my interests and seems to have brought me right back around to design, bringing my 21 years of building confidence in people along with me. I enjoy design from all aspects but particularly its key purpose - functionality. I've always had a natural eye for colour and design running alongside a love of clothes. I wouldn't say 'fashion' per se. Fashion is fun and enjoyable but I've never been a fashion addict. I enjoy trends and do follow some but I am more interested in craftsmanship and the development of individual style for myself and others. I enjoy sewing. Being a seamstress is a great way of understanding how clothing is constructed, especially reverse engineering it by taking something apart to alter it or just to see how it is made. Men’s tailoring, women’s clothing and couture has long been a passion of mine. I am fascinated by how we can change our appearance by a single, simple gesture and how we are perceived by how we dress and present ourselves. Confidence can be built or crushed by what we wear and either elevate or destroy style. I love the synergy between the art and science of creating style. I'm loving working with people to create their own personal style and have a passion for dressing sustainably.

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