Fashion necessities that can make for cool combinations
Fashion is always changing.
While buying new clothes is great, much can be done with old pieces.
Rummage through your closet - or your parents' closet - for these cool fashions that can often be combined for further fashion points.
For the ladies:
Prints: floral, animal, shapes.
Be bold and wear something dramatic. Whether it is a dot pattern, zebra-like, or the oddest looking shapes ever thrown together on fabric - it is all about sporting something eye-catching. A large print or design will stand out and go well with any solid under or over-shirt.
Ruffles: extra fabric sewn in a wavy pattern in order to add extra "fluff" to a garment.
This is not the type of ruffle on early childhood skirts or the collars of the 1700s.
This year's ruffles are that of sophistication or playfulness. Wear this for any occasion; the trend is based around the collar (sometimes the sleeves, too) and the style works for casual attire, an interview or a dressy occasion.
For the gentlemen:
V-necks: something low-necked, usually worn by women.
Guys, get ready for some chest exposure (not the racy type). Although V-necks made their debut in the "scene" fashion, the low-necked collared shirts now have a place in all genres of fashion.
Most stores stick with solid-colored tees but it is possible to add pizzazz with a patterned or screen-printed tee as well. Not comfortable with that low of a neck? Layer it with a plain t-shirt and call it golden.
For everybody:
Cardigans: button up sweaters that look like something grandpa would have worn
No longer limited to the elderly, they come in an array of bold, dark or spring-like colors and in different lengths, styles and fabrics to appease to the fashionista of any genre or style.
Dig the classic look? Go for a basic cardigan in navy blue, black, grey, or white. Add bold colors to an outfit with a pastel or bright color such as green or yellow. Or, go for a statement and combine this trend with a printed pattern. An added bonus to this trend is during warmer weather, the not-so-bulky layer that can easily be tied around the waist or, for ladies, placed in that over-sized trendy purse still in use from last year.
Make it last by choosing a color and fabric that can last through the winter and wear well into spring.
If the idea of dressing like grandpa is still a little weird, zip-up hoodies and sporty jackets have a place in the trends this year as well.
How to wear it: this year emphasizes layering, which can put much of last year's wardrobe back into use in combination with the new pieces. Ruffles, cardigans, prints, or V-necks --- everything works in mix and match styles.
For a completely bold look, throw together a couple of prints while trying to keep the color schemes somewhat similar. A brown, black, and green print may look like a fashion faux-pas with an orange and purple print.
For a more casual look, stick with t-shirts, whether plain or printed, ruffled or v-neck, and wear under that favorite cardigan.
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