5 Tips for the Trend Cautious Fashion Lover

Trend Cautious - The tendency to shy away from new trends at first glance, often staying in one's comfort zone and bypassing the latest trends. Often the precursor to a style rut. 

This post started as just a little memo to myself until I realized I may not be the only one that tends to hesitate when a new trend comes along. With fashion week just a few days away, upcoming trends are bound to get mixed reviews. The goal of this post is to get you on the positive side of those reviews. After all, the more trends you like, the more variety your closet will have. We're in this together. Are you ready? Let's go! Here are five tips I have to help shed the hesitancy towards new trends.

5. Use social media

Social media is quite frankly taking over the world. We're always on some social network at least twice a day, so why not use it to inspire your next shopping trip? When a new trend first hits the runway, it can be a little daunting. The thing to remember is that the way things are paired and styled on the runway is hardly ever "wearable" for the average girl (or guy). Look at a runway outfit piece by individual piece, but more importantly, head to Pinterest and Tumblr! I use those two sites more than any other websites when it comes to getting ideas of how to make a trend more wearable.
Read more tips below, fellow trend-cautious fashionistas!

4. Bring the eccentric friend along

You know that friend that's not afraid to mix everything together and let her outfit proudly display her bold and outgoing personality? We all have one. Take her (or him) with you when you're going on a trend spree. There's nothing more discouraging for an already trend cautious girl than to be on a shopping trip with a fellow trend wary pal. You need the person that isn't afraid to try new things walking into the stores by your side, encouraging you to branch out and rock that new trend with confidence.

3. Start Small

For me, new trends often seem so overwhelming. Much like tip #4, you have to keep in mind that the runway version isn't wearable for the average woman. The trends are exaggerated so they can be the focus of the look. Peplums are more extended, prints are busier, makeup is heavy, and Chanel bags have the radius of half your height. (You know the bag I'm talking about). Don't get that hula hoop bag stuck in the forefront of your mind! Instead, start small. Want a circular handbag? Start with a clutch. Interested in mixing prints or testing the waters with seafoam green? Look for a patterned belt and minty flats. By focusing on keeping the trend in small details within your outfit, it allows you to comfortably stay in style and add a little flare to your everyday look.

2. Utilize your comfort zone

What's a neutral girl to do when something loud and bold like pattern mixing becomes one of the hottest trends? The solution is simple! Wear the trend in your "comfort" color. I'm a neutral kind of a girl, so when it comes to pattern mixing (or any trend that's a bit bold) I wear it within the neutral color palette. Black and white prints mix beautifully together without being the center of attention everywhere you go. For trends that are color rather than fit-based, wear the color in your safety fit. Fuschia will be a hot color to wear this summer, so buy your favorite article of clothing (skinny jeans, skirt, tank top, etc.) in that color so you can comfortably wade into a new trend. Not that you have to (or should) constantly follow trends, but they certainly help keep your wardrobe fresh.

1. TRY IT ON

This is the most helpful tip I can give. I can't tell you the amount of times I've looked at a trend and wondered if I was the only sane fashionista left in the world, and then tried the disastrous illusion on only to fall in love with it. Some things just aren't meant for hangers. Sometimes you have to try it on to finally "get it." On average, 70% of trends I like, I only liked after I took it in the fitting room with me.

[All pics used are from Tumblr]

Now that I've loosened your fashion belt, make it your goal to incorporate a new trend into your spring wardrobe! I recommend Nasty Gal or Forever 21 for up-to-date trend shopping.