Today's Fashion: Attractive or Repellent and Who Really Dictates Style

"What do you think about today's fashion, attractive or repellent"? In answering this question, I must say that I don't see the trends of this Spring much differently than I do when I look at the fashion trends from decades ago. First and foremost, one must honestly know themselves in order to accurately assess whether a particular fashion style is attractive or repellent for them. Because everyone is different, physically and emotionally, we all have a different idea of what defines attractive and what defines repellent. When one wears an outfit with a smile and a positive outlook, they are always attractive. If one does not stay true to one's self and what makes them feel good, which is typically what suits you by the way, then they become a fashion victim, which is never in style or attractive.

The Style Setters

That said, there are always a few key pieces each season that are considered fashion "must-haves" if you want to abide by the rules of the runway. The styles that you will find in the stores this season are always a toned down version of the extreme ensembles that you see parading shamelessly down the catwalk. Spring will bring:

• 70's glam
• lots of bright colors and luxe fabrics
• denim, classic lines, without the holes
• skinny pants and wide leg pants
• stripes
• sheer fabrics (layer as needed)
• floral fabrics, Asian-inspired or classic

How you interpret these new Spring pieces and blend them seamlessly (pun intended) into your existing wardrobe is the real test of style and how well you know yourself! One should introduce only styles that make them feel good about themselves. Self confidence is always attractive, whatever your shape, if you feel beautiful you exude beauty and look stunning! You can immediately tell from one's body language if they are wearing something they love. There are far too many new clothes in the stores to choose from -- Don't select anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or self conscious, you will stand out and look as awkward as you feel.

When shopping for a few new seasonal pieces that will work well with some of the clothing you might already own, make a wish list of a few good candidates to shop for so that you won't get distracted once you hit the store. I would suggest doing your research first, online and by talking to people, like most things, if it seems too good to be true then it probably is. Finding a significantly less expensive "version" of a pair of designer slacks on E-Bay may require some added online sleuthing to feel confident that you are getting the real deal . There are some things that you can safely buy online but a new trendy piece is probably not one of them, unless you have tried on a friends' identical piece and know that it looks smashing and fits like a glove! Lastly, have fun! A new season signifies change, growth and renewal! Wear it Well!!!

Classics are timeless and always a good investment. After spending a fortune on trendy garbage that goes out of style or falls apart before you even have a chance to wear it, I have learned that it is best to purchase fewer more expensive, classic styles, preferably on sale. Pieces that will not go out of style:

• wool gabardine trench coat in black or khaki
• wool slacks in camel or gray
• cashmere sweater set in gray
• tailored cream colored silk blouse
• classically styled jeans that fit without holes or tears

If you build your wardrobe gradually buying a few classic pieces at a time, then you can incorporate the seasonal, more trendy styles that are fun to wear and announce "attractive" each time you put together an outfit. Because theseclassic pieces are neutral colors, most of the new Spring must-haves match famously, creating a brand new look without spending a fortune.

The fashion message here is that you dictate the style, whether it is trendy, classic or my favorite, a combination of the two. Define your own look using pieces that make you feel good about who you are. Wear clothing that is comfortable and realistic for what you do, where you are going,and how you feel for a look that announces confidence -- undeniably attractive!