STYLISTICALLY SPEAKING

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> </xml><xml> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE </xml><xml> </xml> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> Fashion is cyclic. Sticking to a trend to a point you look 1916 in 2016 can be ridiculous. But just when should you phase out a style and embrace something fresh? And so is my question; just how long is long?

The dynamism that is a fundamental element in fashion can be frustrating. Today you buy a three-buttoned blazer. Ten years later, it is overtaken by one button and two buttons. For fashion enthusiasts, the transition from one style to the other can be exciting. But for people with little or no interests in trends it can be really frustrating.

Several trends come and go, then resurface again after twenty years considered dapper. Double-breast blazers for instance. I remember ten years ago while in college, double-breast jackets were considered outdated. Being spotted in one, made you look like a grandfather amongst your youthful contemporaries. I can’t believe that I’m in a shopping hunt for a double-breast jacket today. I find it horribly annoying though exciting. But to others, this makes no sense.

Who decides that it is now time for happy socks? And that men can hide their dull coloured socks. That skinny jeans are fresh and that baggy denims should rest in peace. Just who makes these decisions? And how do I know that it is time to rid-off my wide neck ties for slimmer and mid-sized ones? Is there a circular issued when a style is shelved for a new trend? What if I choose a blind eye on these changes and stick to the cardinal role of clothing; that is dressing to cover my nudity.

Well, there are so many questions on the mind of many. These are questions I meet every day from my clients as an Image and Style Consultant. And the major concern is, when exactly should you move onto the next trend and how do you know there is a new trend.

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These decisions are made by fashion shapers mostly, designers and top notch celebrities then trickled down to the streets. It used to be hard getting info on style and fashion unless you had access to a pay TV. Today, technology has made it easier for us. You can follow fashion life of any of your favourite fashion elite at the comfort of your smart phone by simply liking their fan pages on social media.

Information on latest trends is also widely available in style magazines, fashion blogs and fashion shows on television. Attending fashion events like runways and regular visits at trendy apparel shops in your city could also be a helpful source.