Have you ever been absolutely overwhelmed by the latest fashion trends, wondering how you could possibly adapt the new runway looks to fit your personal style? I have! From the recent colorblocking trend, obsession with plaid and metallic looks and colors, I can personally say that I would never take a look right off of the runway. It’s all about adapting what I see on the runway to what my established style is in order for me to wear the clothes, and not allow the clothes to wear me.

Go with your gut reaction to a trend: Have you ever seen a particular trend walk down the runway and think: oh my gosh, I would never be caught in that, even if I just wore a piece of that? I’ve had that reaction from time to time. While I try to think about whether I could possibly incorporate the trend a little bit in some shape or form, if my gut tells me that it isn’t me, I’m going to trust my gut. For example, I  am not a floral print jeans person. I see those pants absolutely everywhere, and I can’t get myself to even consider purchasing a pair of those jeans. I’m also very cautious about the plaid trend. I know for sure that I would never wear head to toe plaid, but I would consider wearing bits and pieces of it in my outfit to add some diversity to a look. Which brings me to my next point:

If your eye catches onto a certain trend, find a way to incorporate it into your personal style:

I have often been mesmerized by a particular trend, but I rarely try to copy it straight off the runway. My style is just that – mine. It relates to my personality, my character, my lifestyle, and my emotions. I take what the designer offered, and I digest it in a way that fits my personal taste. For example, I don’t mind rocking the colorblocking trend, but I’ll do it my way. For example, I won’t just randomly match colors into an outfit. I will pick colors that I know  will complement with my skin tone, my eyes and my hair (for example, I can really work turquoise blue, teal, purple, red, and green), and work them into a style that I love or maybe just colorblock the blouse and accessories (shoes and jewelry) with a basic black pant or skirt.

Ask yourself: What does my outfit say about me? I think that some people are so determined to rock a trend that they let the trend wear them, as opposed to wearing the trend. Always ask yourself what does your outfit say about you before exposing your look to the world. You want to make sure that your wardrobe and your outfit choices always communicate the best you, and accurately reflect what you’re about, rather than just what is fashionable at the moment. If you allow your clothes to speak on your behalf, you may be misread and your personality and character will be muted and masked by an outfit choice not of your own making.

-Written by: Café Belle’s Fashion Barista