FASHION TRENDS Fall / Winter 2018-2019 + how to wear them ǀ Justine Leconte

Fashion Vs. Style

So what fashion is on trend this season? That is the question many women ask themselves as they prepare to go to the mall or go to their favorite online boutique. As mature women, we have seen fashions come and go. However with all the fashionable clothes, we buy each year many of us still struggle with the proverbial, “I have nothing to wear" on a daily basis. The solution to this problem? Stop shopping fashion and start shopping for your personal style.

There is a difference between fashion and style. Fashion refers to the trends or "in" things that designers promote each season in stores and on the internet. It's your cropped pants, bell sleeves, cold shoulder dresses, and mom jeans. But certain fashions are not for everyone. Have you ever heard the saying, “just because it's in your size doesn't mean you should wear it"? Personal style, however, is about the fashions that look good on you.

Style takes into consideration a couple of factors. The first is color. What colors look best on you? Based on the color of your hair, eyes, and complexion, certain colors will look better on you than others. Color consultants use a variety of systems to determine what colors look best on a client but, generally speaking, color palettes are chosen based on your undertone. Is it yellow and warm or is it blue and cool? To determine your undertone, try on some jewelry. Which looks best on you, the silver or the gold? If it is silver, you likely have a cool undertone. If it is gold, the undertone is likely to warm. Once you have determined if you are warm or cool, get a color wheel to see which colors are warm or cool. These are the colors that will look best on you. If you need additional help, talk to a color consultant or check out the Eyes on Hue app.

The second factor is fit. Does the outfit you choose fit your body silhouette? Everyone has a different body silhouette. Are you round, angular, bigger on the top than the bottom or just the opposite? The clothes you choose should flatter your body shape. For example, if you are pear-shaped or bigger on the bottom, to balance out your frame, you may want to wear blouses or tops with ruffles, colorful prints, or wide collars. On the other hand, you might want to stay away from large floral print pants, tulip skirts and other items that may draw attention to your larger bottom.

To figure out what looks best on you take cues from others. Which outfits get you the most compliments? Look at photos. In which ones do you think you look your best? What are you wearing? And if you really want to up your style game, seek the assistance of a stylist.

If you dress your style and forget what's in fashion, you will always have something to wear.

Get Through The Party Season In Style

Party season is always on, it's fun, exciting; full of energy but dressing to kill isn't always so easy. While some can nail party looks like a pro, others may find it difficult to pick the right outfit and style it accordingly. Investing in a sparkly cocktail attire may sound very tempting but in reality, that dress is worn just once or twice a year.

So, here is a quick walk through some unconventional, unorthodox party wear dresses that are sure to provide the much-needed party glamour. This guide will also prove to be helpful in transforming simple outfits into interesting ones, something that can be worn to sundowners as well as formal dinner parties. Try each look here to see what works the best and then slowly build a style statement that is unique and every bit noticeable.

If just making a good impression is the idea then simple dresses and co-ords can work effortlessly.

• First thing to consider is the occasion and time of the party as this sets the tone for dressing up. Day celebrations favor comparatively lighter designs, allowing a simple look to do the trick. This one allows for a more relaxed party dress topped with some light make-up. Addition of simple accessories can further accentuate the look making it all the more pleasurable, but that is totally up to the wearer.

• On the other hand, if the party is at night, you can go for a dressier, classier appearance. Opt for a nice gown, a pleated dress or a smart playsuit to look simply amazing.

• Standing out in a party, but in a good way is important. Try and stick to your personal style and avoid going too overboard as it may fetch discomfort and you may not end up enjoying the party. For instance, a pair of bejeweled sneakers is a good choice for ladies who aren't comfortable wearing heels.

• It is always better to combine your existing clothes and create unique styles than buying a new outfit.

• When it comes to choosing accessories, elegant, dainty designs work well for an evening event. For night parties you can glam up your look with chunky, statement pieces. Large hoops, broad belts, and earrings can make even the simplest outfit look party ready.

• The next in line is shoes and bags. Either match them or create the perfect clash. Pick a color from the outfit and match your shoes and bags with it or just take whatever you like as nowadays pretty much everything works!

• To make the party look more unique, you can add a personal style statement to it. Like a headband, some embellishments in your hair or tribal accessories can render uniqueness to your look.

Besides outfit, styling your hair is another key factor to nail a party look. You can try a variety of things from simply straightening your hair to going for intricate braids to achieve a more glamorous look. For a sexier appearance try on beach waves or tight ringlets, whatever suits the occasion.