Fashion Trends - Do They Matter?

I was at a networking event the other day and was asked what I do.  As I was explaining, several women joined the conversation, all chiming in with some version of “Oh, how fascinating.  I just love it when an outfit looks and feels great, but don’t have time to bother with the trends – do they really matter?”

Well the short answer to that is Yes, and No.  As I’ve said all along, not every trend is for every body, but it is important that you be at least somewhat aware of the trends and find ways to incorporate them in to your wardrobe.

For you Trend Trackers this is easy and fun and you pour through the pages of your InStyle Magazine like it holds the answers to the world’s biggest questions.  You are first in line at the store and are likely rolling out the latest color, pattern or silhouette before any of your friends have even heard of it.  But the rest of us are a little slower to notice, embrace and incorporate the trends.

But no matter what your clothing persona, incorporating tends tells the world far more than you think.  Sure it tells the world that you pay attention to fashion and have at least a passing interest in style, but it also tells the world who you are.  If you show up to an interview wearing something that screams Ally McBeal, you send a message that maybe you don’t take your work seriously, that maybe your skills are not up to date.  Once that question is in the interviewer’s mind, it’s an uphill battle and an impression that is hard to change.  Despite how sharp your resume is, suddenly you move from top candidate to questionable candidate.

Of course, current trends can have the same effect so you must be selective about when, where and how you choose to incorporate them.  Fall 2012 is filled with Color, Pattern and Texture.  Many of us are enjoying the leather trend and while a leather skirt may not be appropriate in your workplace, one with leather insets or trim might work just fine.  Same goes for pattern.  A bold patterned blouse paired with bright colored trousers might be a bit much for even the most fashion forward person at a law firm, but may fit in perfectly at an advertising agency.  The point is that your personal style reflects who you are, where you work, what you do and how you live.  When you have that down you can be selective about what trends you choose to incorporate in to your closet and which ones to leave on the racks!

Need help incorporating trends in to your wardrobe? Schedule an appointment with the Confident Closet today.  Working with you, we can help you identify what fits, what works and sort through the hangers to create a wardrobe that fits, from Blue Jeans to Black Tie!

www.TheConfidentCloset.com | 703-297-6126 and 410-224-4581 | vicki@TheConfidentCloset.com