Red lipstick. High-waisted shorts. Maxi dresses. The thought of trying these daring fashion trends might fill you with dread, but not to worry – here are some tips that will help you pull off this year’s difficult trends with flair and confidence!
1. Red Lipstick
Red lipstick is a great way to kick up a classic outfit like jeans and a white shirt. Finding the shade that flatters your skin tone, however, can be a tricky task. Leave it to these slideshows to help you figure out what shade will make your lips pop:
http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/red-lipstick-skin-tone/p76032/page2
http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/07/best-red-lip-shades-for-your-skin-tone/
2. High-Waisted Pants/Shorts
In order to avoid the Jessica Simpson fiasco (circa 2009), it’s really important that you try on lots of different shapes to find the one that flatters your figure best. You want the fit to be snug, since it will flatter your natural waist. For curvier girls, a wider, looser fit will accentuate your curves without making your legs look bigger. For more petite girls or those of you who are vertically challenged, try a capri style with a wider leg that lengthens your leg. As for your top, make sure it’s fitted and tucked in to help create that hourglass figure. Wedges are also the perfect shoe to keep your legs looking long and your butt looking even better!
3. Printed Denim
Lizard print, paisly, polka dot & floral – so many choices! Once you’ve bought a pair of these coveted jeans, you may find yourself avoiding them because you’re unsure about how to wear them. Don’t over think it! The key with printed denim is to let the jeans make the statement. Keep your tops simple – you can’t go wrong by staying in the neutral family (white, black, navy, grey). If you’re going to wear a color, make it a color in the pattern of your cool, new jeans.
4. Leather
Leather is a great thing to incorporate into your look on a small scale. Leather jewelry, shoes, belts can all add a nice touch to an outfit without overpowering it. On the other hand, if you’d rather go all out with the leather, be bold! Try a leather vest or jacket instead of your north face. Not bold enough? A leather skirt adds a touch of bad-ass to what might be a “normal” outfit in a subtle way. Still not bold enough? Leather leggings. Do it. You’ll be such a cool chick people will stop and stare at how awesome you look. And then, they’ll go out and buy some themselves.
5. Neon
If you dread wearing neon to any event other than a frat register or neon-themed mixer, I totally feel you. Neon can be tricky: how can you wear it without looking like you’re in a 90’s work out video or without looking like you haven’t had a chance to change since the night before? Well, making neon the star of your outfit can help. Wearing a hot neon pink shirt with jeans and white sweater will easily spice up a simple outfit – you’ll look effortlessly cool. Can’t handle that much of a commitment to neon? Try neon jewelry, shoes or even just a neon belt with a your usual jeans and T-shirt.
6. Animal Print
Not quite rocking the queen of the jungle look? It can be hard to bring animal print into your wardrobe without feeling like a cougar – literally. It’s best to bring in animal print a bit at a time. Try leopard print shoes or a zebra patterned scarf. If you want to add a little more, try a cheetah-patterned sweater with a white button up underneath and jeans.
7. Fur Vests
Celebs have pulled this trend off effortlessly since it hit the runway. Their secret? Wearing it with multiple outfits. Fur vests can add a little glam to your loose, black long-sleeved shirt and jeans, your going-out dress, or your leggings and plain, white shirt outfit. Try belting it to keep from looking shapeless.
8. Heeled Ankle Booties
Rocking these are easier than you think. Put them on with your jeans tucked in or when it’s warmer, roll up your jeans. These little booties also look adorable with a mini skirt and tights. Try it out!
9. Maxi Dresses/Skirts
Everyone can rock this look – you just need the right dress or skirt. The key with this look is to keep the color simple – avoid patterns and bright colors. Keep the fit of the skirt or dress straight and with very little flare or you will end up with a señorita skirt, which may not be what you were looking for. What to wear on top of the skirt? Try shirts that looked good tucked-in with a belt. I know you shorter ladies might feel like you can’t rock this, but you can! To elongate your figure and legs, have the dress or skirt cinch at your natural waist instead of your hips. Add some heels and you’re ready to go!
The key to wearing “difficult” trends is knowing when to rock them as well as having the confidence to rock them. None of these looks will work if you’re second guessing yourself and feeling self-conscious all day. Confidence is an essential part of pulling these looks off effortlessly so that when you walk into a room, people will be staring – in the best way.