How To Rule Fashion Trends

Everyone knows a fashion victim. He is the guy that wears all fashion trends at once, disregarding whether he can pull it off or not. Not good.

The key word to remember when developing a personal style and turning from fashion victim into ruler of fashion trends is balance. Balance is the key to most things in life, and fashion trends are no different. Balance funky with classic, patterns with solids, soft fabrics with hard-lined silhouettes. For example, each season and year brings with it a flurry of new fashion trends and “must-have” items. The key to these items is to integrate them into your wardrobe, not don them head to toe. Velvet blazers in rich jewel tones were hot this fall. But pairing one with a shearling coat, military inspired slacks, black motorcycle boots, and a ruffled oxford (all things that were hot-hot-hot this fall) and you quickly go from fashionable to awkward. Pick one key item, like the shearling coat, and put it with jeans and driving moccasins. Or wear the velvet blazer over a T-shirt. The key to ruling fashion trends is to pick and choose, not throw together everything that is en vogue at the moment.

Not all fashion trends are right for all men. For example, not every man will feel comfortable in a velvet blazer or a flowered pattern shirt. While they may be in, if they are not for you, then you will never feel comfortable wearing them. However, every year has certain great and versatile fashion trends that can work with almost every sensibility. For example, peacoats and toggle-closure wool jackets are very “in,” and can be found in navy, black, and other neutrals. And military details are also very in style. While you may not be comfortable in head-to-toe fatigues, pants with subtle military detailing on the buttons or back pockets allow you to embrace the trend without being ruled by it. Balance these trendy items with what you have in your closet, and voila! Instant style update.

The most important thing when buying clothes is that clothes fit right, and suit your style. Remember to try things on, and imagine yourself wearing the items. If you try on a hat, and can never see yourself leaving the house in it, do not buy it. You are likely to feel uncomfortable wearing it. You have to be realistic; even if your girlfriend thinks it looks great, and GQ thinks it looks great, you will not feel great wearing it if you hate it and feel like an idiot.

Once you have found some items to update your wardrobe, you can start integrating them into your daily life and seeing a new, more updated you. Choose one thing, and add it to a classic style that you already own and love. Balance your older clothes with hot new fashion trends and get instant updates. And let your personal style shine through. Don’t sacrifice your personality in favour of latest fashions. If you are a rock star at heart, then throw your new peacoat over a hot, vintage Rolling Stones t-shirt you have had since the 70’s. If you are a cowboy, add your favourite hat to your new trendy shearling jacket. Never lose yourself; improve yourself. The key to achieving admirable style is to look like you, but best possible.