Looking Off-Trend
Getting swept up in seasonal trends is easy. They are the bright, shiny objects that trick us into believing they improve lives, boost happiness and fix anything and everything. It’s a hypnotic state that makes us forget trends are just a moment in time, and that moment only. The seduction is real, and it happens four times a year. What remains is often a closet full of garments stuck in time that eventually look like costumey. If you don’t want to appear straight from central casting, avoid wearing these oldies but not-so-goodies-anymore:
Shoulder pads
Yes, shoulder pads are cycling back in style, but today’s shoulder statement is an entirely different look than the 1980s varietal. Current, on-trend should pads are compact and contoured, while 80s-style were boxy and bold. If you think recycling your old shoulder-padded pieces is a good idea, think again. They’ll only make you look dated or, even worse, like a football player.Elastic waisted jeans
Some trends should be avoided altogether, which includes elastic waisted jeans. The design is automatically associated with old age, making anyone appear older than reality. Instead try high-waisted jeans with power stretch fibers that work double-duty as chic daily denim and a foundation garment that contours, sculpts, lifts and holds but without binding. You will look smoother, sleeker and younger.Neons
Neons are a very specific, very narrow trend that’s usually short lived. Moreover, neons overpower most wearers leaving only a small percentage of people who actually look good in them. Do your wardrobe a favor and restrain from ever buying neons in the first place, and avoid putting old pieces back in rotation. Always remember neons are like time capsules of another fashion decade and will make you, too, look from a different era.Velour or terry cloth tracksuits
While matching sets are currently all the rage, that doesn’t mean you should resurrect old velour or terry cloth tracksuits. Yes, the classic tracksuit is fine, but made in either velour or terry cloth materials time stamps the style to the 2000s. Fabric technology has come a long way since then, so consider upgrading to a performance fiber like bonded crepe or polyester-cotton knit for a modern day look. Extend the tracksuit’s shelf life by avoiding extreme design details like color blocking or on-trend hues.Micro sunglasses
A chic pair of sunnies is the perfect outfit finisher, except when they make you look dated. Micro shades are a good example, these teeny-tiny, round or almond shaped frames had their day in the sun ages ago. Also avoid hexagon and exaggerated rectangular-shaped sunglasses, and any frames that are overly decorated with colors, patterns or logos. Instead invest in a timeless classic like an aviator, wayfarer or — for the fashion-forward — cat eye frame to look chic and timeless no matter what decade.
See BestLifeOnline.com press feature here.