The Smart Way to Shop Fashion Trends

It may not seem like it just yet, but spring is right around the corner. As the new season approaches, I’d like to share with you some tips on being stylish without becoming a victim of the fashion machine.

Beware of over saturating your wardrobe with single color trends

Belstaff Waxed Cotton Roadmaster Jacket, $550 Neiman-Marcus

This is the easiest way for the machine to victimize you.. The past couple seasons we saw the color gray reign all throughout collections. Almost every store displayed gray in their windows. At any given time there are at least four colors trends that are peaking. Diversify your color palette. Beware of over saturating your wardrobe with single color trends. Every man should have a wardrobe that contains an array of colors that compliment his skin tone. When you’re shopping, keep tabs on how much of each color you have. If you’ve only bought gray for the past couple seasons, chances are that your wardrobe will be left in the shade…

Beware of finishers

We’ve all seen it. The wet look, the waxed look. I’m talking about waxed pants, waxed jackets, waxed shoes, waxed bags, waxed sweaters. Special coatings are just an easy way for designers to get you to think differently about cheap fabrics. Often you’ll find that a $500 waxed jacket is made of cotton. In reality, a cotton jacket is a cotton jacket, with or without a waxed coating. Don’t let them trick you. Designers will try to justify the price of a cotton jacket by its finishing. You’d be better off investing in something more classic and durable, like a tailored leather jacket or a fine wool coat.

Invest in a pair of hard-bottomed shoes

Apron-toe Venetian, $550 Barneys New York

Because beautiful women like men who look like they have a job. Even if you don’t have a job, sporting a pair of slick, hard bottomed shoes makes you look like you have class. You will stand out amongst the sorry fellows wearing Air Jordan’s at the bar. You’ll be able to wear them to the bar, job interviews, weddings, ect. Be sure to choose neutral colors like black brown and beige. Powder blue is not an acceptable color for dress shoes.

Classic styles and neutral silhouettes will keep you fashionable longer

The trick to staying fashionable building a wardrobe of classic styles like khaki pants and dark blue denim paired with solid, striped, and patterned dress shirts. Be sure to choose neutral silhouettes, like straight leg or slim jeans. Avoid ultra skinny and ultra baggy pants because the fashion machine loves to tweak silhouettes, as it is one of the first ways the machine will get you to turn up your nose at your wardrobe. Keep this in mind, classic styles and neutral silhouettes will keep you fashionable longer.

Keep in mind that the fashion machine works by over emphasizing certain styles, colors, and patterns. It temporarily limits what is available for you to buy only to sell you something “slightly different” the next season. Don’t be a victim of the fashion machine! And always remember, there is a distinction between fashion and style. Fashion is dictated, style is purely personal. The challenge is being fashionable and while maintaining your personal style at the same time.