Horses for courses.

Friday, November 6th, 2009 | Celebrities, Fashion, Make-up, Trends

“The best colour in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you.” Coco Chanel

Engulfed in an abyss of fickle on-trend rules, translating seasonal looks into covetable ‘you-styles’ can make for a daunting feat. Trawling through hot new picks, runway costumes and studying Gaga (the lady of a thousand faces), I find myself squinting sideways as I vision my humble locks and average silhouette morphing into some of the outlandish styles of the moment.

cocodress

A self confessed slave to the cause, I possess an array of squeaky clean soled shoes, dresses that only ever feature in bedroom bound fashion shows and what can only be described as a make-up larder brimming with neon shadows and matching nail coats. But after attempting to finally put those floral 100 deniers to good use in light of the new ‘funky tights’ trend, I came to the realisation that there is no denying the uncomfortable truth: fashion is simply horses for courses and what may transform one into a haute couture ‘dame de la mode’, will invariably morph the most of us into a scantily clad style disaster. Bin the florals Sarah. Please.

The key? Knowing who you are and digging your heels (or flats) in while you bend the rules to you suit the beautifully unique look of you. Style is what makes us fashionable. Fashion doesn’t give us style. Experiment, on yourself (and on others), be comfortable, have confidence and ultimately, adapt trends as you see fit. If you go the other way, you’ll be on a fast track to ‘Gaga-ville’ and I imagine sporting a thousand faces real hard to maintain.

Daring divas…
All that glitters is definitely gold for Balmain this season. Transform AW09s sequin craze into a full on cat-suit if you wish, and everyone will stare in amazement at your courageous quirky audacity. When in the office, why not reduce your sparkle sensations to some shimmer-shouting eyes with Bare Escentuals Glimmer - True Gold. Couple with some patent booties (anything up to 5″) sported inconspicuously under the desk and you’ll relish in office glamour without offending straight-laced-Susan on floor four.

Elegant dames…
Sky high waists teamed with studded Jimmy Choos (we love you H&M!) and some razor sharp shoulders will have you swanking around in 80s fabulousness. Finish with a matted scarlet pout, rounded chill nails and a perfectly tousled up-do for the on-trend Audrey Hepburn image. Try Babylish Black Conical Wand - wide Barrel for delicious curls and to hold that pose for ever, spray hair zealously with Sebastian Liquid Steel.

In love with flats…..
Missoni’s heavy knitwear is all about layering and can be uber chic for the lady of natural beauty. Have a make-under in the style of the Gucci girls and relish in gleaming and dewy skin tones. Try Yves Saint Laurent Touché Eclat Luminous Radiance to add an understated glow to your fabulous complexion (jealous much) and bask in your easy-peasy beauty that quite frankly makes the rest of us green!

Alberta Ferretti put it perfectly: “Fashion shouldn’t be a costume, your dress should be an extension of your personality.” Afterall, you don’t need a 2004 Christina Aguliera calling the office and asking for her worst dressed rep back do you?