How Do I Look Chic and Trendy Without Following the Latest Fashion Trends?

by Faye
(California)

I've always wanted to look "chic and trendy" when I go to school. I have tons of clothes but I have no idea what to wear with them. I wanna like, have a lot of different outfit combinations that way I won't look like I wear the same ones when I go to school.

I'm kinda on a tight budget so I dont know how to improve my outfit without hurting my wallet. Btw, I'm 14 years old and a Freshman.


Hi Faye,

one of the best and cheapest way to create different outfit combinations is to use accessories such as jewelry, belts, hats, scarves, bags, headbands and shoes. They're cheaper than clothes and can create multiple outfits.

As I don't know what clothes you're referring to, I'm not able to give you specific tips on how to wear them differently.

However, what I can do for you is to give you some basic guidelines on how to look chic and trendy without necessary having to spend too much money on the current fashion trends.

You can never go wrong with these pointers:

How to Look Chic and Trendy on a Budget

Include a belt in your outfits

Fashion belts - both skinny and wide belts - are wardrobe essentials that can instantly make a loose and shapeless tee, tunic top or dress look chic, feminine and pulled together

Secure a skinny belt and wide belt in dark, solid colors such as black, dark or/and tan brown, along with simple belt styles so that they'll go with all of your outfits. After securing the basics, extend your belt-collection with trendy ones - from various buckles to colors, and details.

Simply wrap a belt around your waist or hips. A popular and chic look for fall is to layer it with a cardigan sweater, or several tops underneath each other.

Layer it

A fun way to look chic and trendy is putting
together an outfit with at least 4-5 layers of tops and accessories.

Start with a basic top, put on a shorter top that slightly exposes the hem on the top OR/AND pair it with a cardigan or jacket of your choice.

Wrap a belt around the waist, and then add a stylish scarf on top.

For maximum boho-style effect you can also wear a nice necklace with the scarf - but make sure your body scale and height can handle all the layering. Piles of layers on a thin and short frame is not a good look.

August 2011 Update: To get some ideas on what closet essentials (indispensables and timeless seasonal trends) you can update your wardrobe with check out:

• Spring & Summer Fashion Trends Essentials
• Fall & Winter Fashion Trends Essentials

And for tips on how to put together your outfit take a look at the outfit ideas-section.

Shopping Recommendations

Since you're on a tight budget, here are some suggestions on where to buy the cheapest accessories online:

All the Rage Online - they have lots of cheap and trendy celebrity-inspired jewelry

Affordable Scarves - lots of low-priced scarves

Belt planet - offers lots of fashionable wide belt styles


Hope this helps!

Kind regards,

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How To Look Chic and Trendy For Winter 2009/10

by Christine
(California)

What to wear for Winter? I already have some boots, sweaters, scarves, etc. But is there anything else that I can wear to look chic and trendy aside from these?

Oh and, what do you wear with brown boots?


Hey Christine,

Winter is a prime time for layering. Aside from the classic boots, knit sweaters and scarves, focus on these Fall/Winter 2009-10 trends:

• Distressed jeans with a little bit of shreds and holes



Destroyed skinny jeans/PacSun


• Tweed and wool dress shorts (looks great with opaque tights and even sheer black pantyhose)
• Bright colored opaque tights in Autumn colors such as mustard yellow, deep purple, deep greens and deep reds




Colored opaque tights/Mytights


• Wet look and ankle zipper leggings (worn with knit sweaters and tunic shirts)
• Sweater dresses worn with a wrap around the waist
• Faux fur stole, vest or scarf
• A simple knit beanie hat




Knit beret hat/Karmaloop


• Boyfriend blazer
• Studded handbags
• Chain and pearl mix bracelets and necklaces
• Oh and definitely stacking your bracelets together.




Hamsa Expandable Bangle Set/Max&Chloe


• A simple wide belt in black or brown wrapped around the waist of your jacket, coat, sweater, etc.
• Oversized cocktail rings
• Red or purple colored nails

There you go. These are my personal picks for looking chic and trendy for Fall/Winter 2009-10! Also make sure to check out the indispensables and timeless seasonal trends - the Fall & Winter Fashion Trends Closet Essentials

And let's not forget your last question..

"What do you wear with brown boots?"

I would wear brown boots with:

- Black opaque tights, slightly loose fitted denim shorts (not super short) and a nice black cardigan and white tee on top
- A nice flowy knee length dress
- Skinny pants in denim, black or grey with a tunic sweater

PS: The tan brown boots are from www.SteveMadden.com.


Hope this helps! :)

Sincerely,

Products you may be interested in:

Your 24/7 Private Stylist

Affordable Color Analysis

Quality Color Swatches

"Color Revival" e-book