Be Stylishly Different - by Neha 

Fashion is extremely dynamic. Trends change every other week. Users are exploded with pictures and information through all kinds of media. There are fashion bloggers in every street who give you outfit ideas. Pinterest amazes with stunning pictures. Global brands are available anywhere at the click of a button. In such a scenario, how does one maintain their individuality? It is very tempting and easy to reproduce latest looks and get lost in the crowd. It also brings about monotony and is hard on your bank account. 

Here’s how you can dress differently from others and yet be stylish. 1:  Sometimes classy is trendy 

White shirt and light denims. Printed maxi skirt and tank top. Skinny jeans and high heels. Pleated plaid skirts and tee. These are some classic eternal combinations that have not and will never go out of fashion. It is always good to have some classic pieces in your wardrobe that you can turn to when you don’t want to be a part of the crowd and yet look fashionable. 

 

2: Mix textures and patterns 

You will find a variety of patterns and textures in your collection – lace, stripes, plaid, abstract, jacquard, suede, boucle, floral. Mix them randomly. Lace with plaid or floral with stripes. Try unconventional color and pattern combinations. 

 3: Bring in ethnic accents 

India has abundance of ethnic designs – block prints, tie-dye, unique silks & embroidery. We probably take them for granted because they have been around since forever. We are also used to seeing them in Indian wear. Look at them differently and you will find that they can be incorporated in western casual wear. Add at least one of those elements into your outfit. Use a block print dupatta as a scarf. Wear a gota border skirt with a tank top. 

 4: Think global 

Why just focus only on traditional Indian patterns when the world is open for you. Native American, Mexican and African ethnic prints are bright, unique accents that can transform your look in a big way. Aztec had come into fashion recently. Mexican and Native American prints are prints and woven designs are pretty much like Indian – bold, colourful and striking.  You only need one such element in your look – a bag, a piece of jewellery or a vest, and look exceptional.

 

 5:  Distract 

Your outfit maybe simple but you can pair it something unusual and attractive. Like a sassy pair of shoe or a large, heavily embellished bag. A pair of denims with a unique asymmetrical top or an eccentric ruffled top or a funky printed shirt. A plain outfit with fancy jewellery.  It will bring entire attention to itself and enhance the whole look. 

 6: Go all over 

Sometimes, an all over look stands out. Choose a color or print that flatters you and get obsessed with it. Choose outfit, shoes, bag and accessories of the same color and see magic happen. 

 7:  Striking contrast 

Contrary to the above, adding one contrasting colored item to the whole look can create the same magic. 

 8:  Dig deep into your closet (and your Mom’s) 

If you dig deep into your closet, you will find so many items of clothing that you haven’t worn in months. Most of them would still be wearable. Even if a piece in itself is not trendy anymore, you can pair it with a trendy skirt or pair of pants and make it work. It will give a fresh look and feel to your look. You will also feel good about not having to waste an ignored old piece of clothing! You can also hunt into your Mom’s wardrobe and discover lovely vintage stuff. 

 9:  Have collectibles

Whenever you travel to different cities or countries, collect items like scarves, clothes or jewellery specific to that region. These treasured pieces can come to your rescue when you are bored of current fashion and want to try something different. These pieces tend to become timeless pieces that always get noticed. I bought a dull blue croquet lace bordered scarf from Prague three years back. I usually team it with a plain tee or maxi dress. It always wins compliments. 

 10:  Focus on silhouettes 

Distinctive silhouettes and shapes like dropped shoulder, box pleats or butterfly sleeves can look strikingly different. You only need some of such signature pieces in your collection and use them to spruce up your look at times. Also, wear silhouettes that flatter your body. Do not wear those crop tops just because they are in. 

 Fashion industry sets norms about colors, combinations and looks. And most of us like to follow those norms because that defines ‘stylish’ for us. Don’t! Experiment! Break rules. Make unusual pairings. Be bold. Be subtle. Discover your style, stick to it and be proud of it. Be you, girl. Don’t be everybody else. About Author

Neha is a fashion enthusiast & budding designer, apart from being an avid traveller, passionate photographer, ardent foodie, music lover, chocolate fan and zumba freak. Ever since she was young, she has loved being surrounded by clothes. A visit to the mall every week was a must during her working years. She describes her dressing style as carefree and a blend of Indo-western that is not driven just by current trends. She blogs at http://fusionforever.wordpress.com about her outfits, aspirations and life.Fashionlivre Profile: Fusion Forever 

 

 

Image Source:Image 1, 2, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6, 7,  8 , 10