Never in the history of the United States has there been an easier time to choose a fashion trend that fits your personality. Now you might argue with me that the 1960’s to 70’s transition represented such freedom, but each of those era’s still had a fairly singular ‘look’, or ‘trend’. The trend today... and by today, I mean this actual day, because in a few days, many of you will go shopping and you, the consumer, will ultimately choose which designer’s artistic creations show up on the street… the trend today is no single trend. You have choices running, I believe, the entire gamut.  The style spectrum runs from Marc Jacobs (albeit colorful) full-on Grunge Redux, to the more sophisticated (and soft-toned) Christian Dior figure flattering jackets, tulle skirts and streamlined (if I can call them that) combat-style boots. You have Gucci‘s Emo re-imagining, full of poetic, angst, and rainy imagery. Then there’s Prada with their artistic jewel toned gender neutral fare. You’ve also got Guess and H & M’s curvy-figure flattering (and hugging), accessory heavy, ‘I am woman, hear me roar!’ Among 2019 collections you’ll even find delightfully feminine dresses, hearkening back to the turn of the century. No, not that turn of the century... the one before.  Among men’s fashion, you have super masculine and outdoorsy Huckberry.com showcased designers. Then there’s the fit (aka comfort) meets function world of Duluth Trading Company. And no one could miss Ferragamo, Kiton, and Loro Piana with their head-turning jackets.  So how then, this fashion season, do you choose? Right now, it’s actually easier than ever and great fun if you keep in mind A FEW GUIDELINES…  Start always with my fashion mantra, ‘dress to show the world who YOU are’…. on any given day. Ask yourself, ‘Which style best highlights MY personality?’ Please, please, please refrain from just wearing what the most popular or trendy people in your social circle are wearing… unless it truly reflects who you are… and fit’s with the following additional guidelines: Appropriateness : If the Grunge Redux is your thing, dress it up for your cousins wedding. If Curvy Sexy is more you, wear the conservative version to the office (think Christina Hendricks in Mad Men) Just because something is worn on the runway or on your friends doesn’t mean it should be worn everywhere. Current Style : Although there are so many from which to choose, look for the 8 Points of Interest (taught in the Fashion & Style class). You’ll find commonality among all the looks that will keep you ‘in style’. Quality Workmanship : You don’t need to shop strictly within the Fashion Houses to find quality workmanship. I’ve found terrific quality at family stores and little boutiques and conversely a few poorly made items bearing designer names (although you should expect to find better materials and workmanship as the prices go up.) The important thing is that you know what quality workmanship looks and feels like. Fit : The rule here is that if an item of clothing doesn’t fit YOUR shape, don’t wear it. In fact, if an entire clothing trend or style doesn’t work with YOUR shape, leave it alone. There are plenty of classics that never go out of style that will flatter almost any shape. The Way Clothing Is Worn : More important than the clothing itself, is the way it is combined, layered and accessorized. Color : Looking at color choices among the different designer houses? …you have them all… all of them… you choose. If you’ve done the Color Test (from the Fashion: Color and Accessories class), you know which ones look best on you. They’re readily available this season.  What will I be wearing? More importantly what won’t I be wearing… Since I sport a curvy shape, today’s Grunge Redux will be reserved only for Sunday evening movie night, curled up with my Sweetie. At the office, I’ll lean toward Dior‘s feminine figure flattering styles, especially since many items fitting that look and color trend are already in my closet. Of course, I’ll try on a few new items from this season and add a couple that fit my shape and personality. I’ll probably keep wearing a few outfits that are almost out of style solely because they’re my flattering favorites.  As for you, I suggest you do what works best for YOU. Just remember to have fun! Keep an open mind, and when you look in the mirror, make sure whatever you’re wearing reflects who you are.