Fashion trends that have withstood the tests of time

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Everyone has their own impression of what glamour means. We all know, more or less, what it refers to. But it's very much a matter of personal taste and style. For example, for one person, glamor might refer to a dress that couldn't be bought for less than a four-figure sum. To another person, that may be decadent and wasteful. They in turn might see glamor as being something simple, inexpensive and refined. Neither person is wrong - glamor is what you make it.

Everyone, therefore, has people that they see as style icons. Modern day icons are very much a subjective thing. In the 40s and 50s, it was straightforward. Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, Judy Garland... you know the drill. These days, some people won't wear anything that hasn't been given the nod by a Kardashian. Others wouldn't be seen dead in anything that has.

And so, with so many competing views of what style and glamor actually are, it is sometimes wise to step back from trying to fit any mold. Wearing something that a lot of people might not consider stylish is a style statement in itself.

As long as you can look in the mirror and say "Yes, I'm rocking this and you know I am", then that's all you need. Carrying it off with confidence is the key. Look at Lady Gaga. You may not like what she wears, but she has zero doubt about it.

So, with that in mind, there are some items you may have put on the banned list as not being stylish. But it's down to how you wear them, and believe it or not, you can make pretty much anything look great.

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1. Anything In Tweed

For a long time, tweed was viewed as being for old men and no-one else. Unless you were going grouse shooting or teaching geography in a boys' boarding school, you didn't go near it. And it is a look that can still take some pulling off. However, things have changed in recent years, and tweed's hard-wearing, moneyed look is now worn more freely.

While a few years ago it may have still been just hipster boys wearing it, now the girls can get in on the fun. A belted tweed jacket can look great paired with the right pants (but those pants should be light in colour). With a refined hat to finish the look off, this can be a very strong fashion statement. Just don't accessorize it with a shotgun. That's taking the country gentleman thing too far.

2. Bandanas

We all have our own associations with bandanas and, to be fair, some of them are a little sensitive. It can be difficult to wear them without tipping over into cultural appropriation. No matter how much you like a certain look, appropriation is something to be avoided.

However, bandanas have been around for some time in a range of ways. I'll be honest, even I didn't know about some of the crazy uses they used to have. Saying that, you can make a bandana work in so many ways. Because of the size and the versatility of the item, they can be worn as a cravat, an armband, or you can go for the Rosie the Riveter look. This last has become hugely popular recently.

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3. The 80s Power Look

Yes, you've seen the photos and maybe you lived through the decade. And there's no doubt that some of the worst excesses of the 80s should stay back there in the 80s. Ideally in a cave, on the moon and, with a little luck, on fire. Look, some of the colors and the cuts were amazing. But shoulder pads? Let's just look back on those as a lesson from history. Women can do anything and be anything, but we don’t have to look like that to do it.

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Easy Tips To Help You Spend Less On Clothing

Shopping can be one of our biggest vices. We do it when we're stressed, we do it when we're happy, we do it when we need a pick me up. In fact, for many people, it becomes something of a habit. It can be near impossible to walk past the mall on your way home from work, and not pop in. You're not planning on getting anything of course - it's just for a browse. Or at least, that's what we tell ourselves! It comes as no surprise that we revamp our wardrobes way more than is needed. The average American woman is said to spend around $125,000 on clothes in her lifetime. So if your spending on shopping is getting out of control, see if any of these tips would help you cut back.

Set an aim

Finding yourself out of pocket with all your money going on clothes? If there's a holiday you're desperate to go on but you still find yourself buying more in the mall, it's time to get focused. Stick a picture of your dream destination everywhere: on your fridge, next to your bed, as your phone background - everything! Then, when you are tempted to pay Topshop a little visit, you might think twice.

Get brutal with your closet

It's pretty likely that you have some items in your closet that you've actually never even worn. Set aside an afternoon to go through all your clothes and decide what you really need. You'll have to be pretty cut throat for this, and it's true that some clothes do hold emotional ties. But if all they're doing is taking up space in your wardrobe, then unfortunately they will have to go. Give it a shot - you may feel refreshed afterwards, like a weight has been lifted.

Look out for discounts

If you're a designer lover, chances are you'll be spending a small fortune on clothes every month. Try and tear yourself away from your love of labels by shopping more at high street stores. Many of these stores also offer discounts, so keep your eyes peeled for things such as Bealls Coupon Codes. You could find yourself saving a lot of money and still coming out with a fab new outfit.

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Hold a swap shop with your friends

If you and your girlfriends constantly talk about how swamped down you are with all your clothes - do something about it! Suggest holding a swap shop where you can try on each others clothes and take stuff the other person no longer wants. If you've had your eye on a certain dress for a while, this could be your perfect opportunity to snatch it, and give something back in return.

Try thrift shops

Initially, you might be put off by the idea of a thrift store. Granted, not everything in there is going to be a vintage gem. But, if you have a certain degree of patience, digging through the rails for an hour or so could end up paying off. You will certainly end up with something unique, and thrift stores often have designer brands hiding amongst the rails too.

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How to fix "I have nothing to wear" syndrome

I know what it’s like to get frustrated and decide I’m no longer leaving the house because I have nothing to wear. But somehow, it's also equally frustrating going shopping with that annoying "do I really need this" voice going through my head. So I've found that the best solution to both spectrums of problems is to really be in touch with your style and what's hanging in your closet.

Go Through Your Wardrobe

Start going through your wardrobe, and make piles. If you haven’t worn something in months, put that in one pile. If you wear something quite a lot, put that in another pile. If you wear something occasionally, put this in another pile. These piles will help you to work out what it is you need to do to your wardrobe. In the pile of clothes you don’t wear, take a look at what there is and figure out why you don’t wear these things. Do they not match other things in your wardrobe? Are they uncomfortable to wear? Write a list. These are things you should avoid when you go shopping in future. When looking at the pile of clothes you do wear, write out why you wear them the most, and then take this list with you when you go shopping. This is what you’re looking for. In the pile of clothes you sometimes wear, work out what you could do to wear them more. Maybe you could purchase an item that would bring everything together. Learn as much as you can about your habits and you’ll be better prepared in future.

Define Your Style

Use some words to define your style. You can use anything you like, from luxe, to sporty, to sports luxe. What defines you the most? Include words that describe your personality too. When shopping, ask yourself if the clothes you are looking at fit the bill. If so, you’re onto a winner.

Note Down Which Outfits Did/Didn’t Work And Why

Do you have any outfits in your head that you absolutely loved? Figure out why they worked so well for you. Any you decided you didn’t like afterwards? Work this out too. You’ll be able to put better outfits together in future, but don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone is the way to go.

Consider Putting Together A Capsule Wardrobe

Putting together a capsule wardrobe can save you time and money. It can mean you always have something to wear. You won’t waste money on clothing, and you’ll never say ‘I have nothing to wear!’, as you have an endless amount of outfits to choose from. You can find lists online of what you need and what you should do to get started. Starting again can be scary, but when you look for Asos discount codes and other codes to save money, it can be made easier.

Have Rules For Buying

Have rules for buying clothes. For instance, anything you buy needs to match your personal style definitions. Anything you buy must match at least 3 items in your wardrobe, and be worn multiple ways. Everyone will have their own rules, but you’ll be a smarter buyer once you define them.

Never Buy On Impulse

Buying on impulse can give us a rush, but this is one reason why so many of us have clothes we don’t wear, or only wear once. Rather than buying on impulse, ask yourself if you’ll really get your wear out of this. Will the novelty wear off? Maybe wait a few weeks, and if you’re still thinking about it, buy it.

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Cold weather accessories that actually look good

If you’re a fashion lover, you’re probably eager to look stylish whatever the weather. When temperatures start to drop, you have to rethink your wardrobe. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t look great just because it’s cold outside. Accessories are the key to looking and feeling fabulous all year-round. Here are some fantastic additions to your cold weather wardrobe to consider this fall/winter.

Sunglasses

I know what you’re thinking. Sunglasses are for summer. This is true, but you never know when a stray sunny day may come along. In the fall, we’re often treated to clear, bright skies even when it’s chilly. A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes and make you look incredibly chic. In the cooler months, go for larger styles and darker colour frames. Leave neon shades and novelty glasses for summer festivals and exotic holidays.

Hats

Hats are a great way of keeping warm and adding interest to your outfit. In the fall, felt fedora hats are an excellent addition to smart casual outfits. Team with a pair of skinny jeans, a printed blouse and a faux fur gilet for a chic but cozy option. Alternatively, embrace woolly beanies or caps for a more casual look. Both these styles will look fantastic with relaxed jeans, trainers, and slogan sweaters.

Bags

A girl can never have too many bags. As the cooler weather approaches, you may wish to swap fabric, straw and canvas bags for heavy-duty options. Leather is a fall staple, and it adds a touch of class to any outfit. Go for a bowling bag or an oversized shopper for a lunch date or a trip to the mall. For an evening out, brighten up an LBD with a leopard print clutch. If you’re looking for some inspiration for new additions to your collection, take a look at online sites like BNB.

Jewelry

Many people like to wear jewelry in the summer, but it’s not so popular in the cooler climes. The colder seasons are actually a great time of year to wear sparkly pieces. Jewel tones, such as midnight blue, purple, green and burgundy, work really well in fall and winter. You can make your wardrobe more versatile with accessories. You can also dress up plainer items, such as dark dresses and jumpsuits, with jewelry. Necklaces are a great addition to blouses, jumpers and dresses. Jewelry inspiration is always pretty easy to find too, so it makes for a simple way to spice up a winter outfit.

If you’re looking for an easy way to stay chic all year round, make accessories your best friend. By changing the extras you add to your outfits, you can create stylish looks for any season. Add hats jewelry and bags to bring your fall outfits to life, and make every look unique. Search online for tips or have a look through some glossy fashion magazines.

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