a wiggle dress (think MadMen)
a mid-length skirt or dress with a weighty boot or a bright sneaker, esp Doc Martens or Converse (or similar)
graphic prints, alternatively graphic eyeliner
lots of layers, as in 4+ layers, where each is partly visible
a pencil skirt, esp if not black or gray
oxford pumps
a leather jacket, esp if not black or brown
metallic shoes
lipstick, esp oranges, esp brights, esp mattes
a long, full skirt, esp with boots
white shirts, esp slouchy, v neck tees
western clothes in African prints
two of something you only need one of (2 button down shirts, 2 scarves, 2 belts, 2 pairs of socks, etc)
statement or retro (possibly outright bizarre) glasses or sunglasses
neon shoes and/or a neon bag
a skater skirt, a tea dress, a smock dress
men’s outerwear, esp a double breasted wool coat
vintage touches on an otherwise contemporary ensemble (a vintage lip color, broach, hairstyle, shoes, gloves, earrings,etc)
an elaborate belt with a simple dress
pointed flats, esp animal print (ballet flats in general going strong)
mustard
turquoise
royal blue (bordering on neon)
a sequined skirt/pants/blazer
a long necklace with a large pendant
plenty of bronzer and/or highlighter
a dainty gold necklace with a small round disc pendant (esp a virtually invisible pendant), esp several of these together
a formal or tailored skirt with a t-shirt, esp loose and plain, alternatively esp novelty tees, esp geeky novelty tees
anything remotely bohemian, including braided crowns or any messy braid, long messy hair, flowers in the hair, loose long dresses, lace dresses with tan leather boots, loose, unstructured tank tops with chunky jewelry, elaborately tooled leather belts, anything from Free People…
tribal-aesthetic jewelry
a bright eyeliner on the lower lash line only
bib necklaces, especially those with faceted stones, especially those with a mix of stones
heels and rolled boyfriend jeans, esp with holes
knee-high boots and a trench coat, esp in a jewel tone
jeans, a nice blazer, and loafers or athletic sneakers
unexpected floral print (as on boots, heels, loafers, pants, shorts, belts, socks), esp a vintage floral print (like vintage wallpaper)
stacking many, many bracelets (any kind will do)
knee socks
elaborate nail art
a messy topknot, esp with bangs, alternatively any J. Crew promo hairstyle
a slouchy, light-weight scarf worn loosely but closely gathered at the neck, esp in a bright color or silk
a men’s sweater, a men’s watch, a men’s blazer, or any combination
a cape
a minaudiere, alternatively any implausibly small bag, alternatively any implausibly large bag
ad just about infinitum
Appearing fashionable in the sense of ‘on trend’, then, is so straightforward as to be formulaic.
Roughly:
To look casually fashionable, do one or two of these things (or some other thing). Maybe only one if it’s the right one, and this list is not anywhere near exhaustive (which is part of the point I’m trying to make in making it so long), as one look at pinterest will show.
To look quite fashionable, do two or three of these things.
To look solidly fashionable indeed, do four or more of these things. This can be disastrous given an unfortunate combination or even just a lack of confidence. You might look like you are trying to hard or like you got dressed in the dark…or you might look awesome. I say don’t worry about it, though, just wear whatever you like. Attitude will carry the day.
[A cheeky demonstration would be ideal here but it is just too damn cold. Remind me later.]
