What’s the difference between style and fashion?

What is style? What is fashion? They’ve never been the same. Fashion changes from year to year, and season to season. It comes in quickly and disappears at a whim. Style is developed and if done well, is indelible to the wearer and remains forever. I worked as a stylist before I opened my own boutique, so I can give you a few tips to make the difference between the two.

Style Starts with Quality

Fine workmanship has nothing to do with price. No matter how it looks or fits, quality is at the forefront of a stylish look.

The fabric should have a good “hand”.
Seams should be generous, stitched smoothly with finished edges, and should not pucker or pull.
Buttons should be functional and properly attached.
Buttonholes are well finished and large enough for (the button to go through without pulling).
Hems should be invisible.
Sleeves should fall straight from the shoulder to wrist.
Linings should be an inch above the hem and straight hemmed, and should never interfere with the garment’s drape.
Collars should fold correctly and with ease. You should not be able to detect seaming or cutting.
Patterns should line up and match.
Zippers look best dyed to match fabric and concealed.
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When you find a look that works for you adopt uniform dressing. This is a common thread that should run through your wardrobe. It can be that theme or signature color, cut, or garment. Change it up with different accessories, textures, and variations on that style. The good news? You’ll use more of your wardrobe than most people do which is only 20 per cent.

Trend Styling

Every wardrobe should be based on essentials. They are the key items that carry you through the day and create a working wardrobe. Once you have these basics you can take your looks to another level by mixing things up with a sprinkling of current trends. A sprinkling means just that, not a big helping of whatever is hot. It’s an acknowledgement that you are up on what’s happening and open to new looks, but not about to be overwhelmed by the latest and greatest. You take what you like, wear it in any way that suits you, and you look current and in control. Diamond Hoop Earrings 1/10 ctw in 1oK Yellow Gold at My Jewelry Box

If you just don’t feel comfortable in a new trend, then don’t buy it, no matter how popular it is and what celebrity is wearing it. Use your intuition when you shop. It will never let you down. What good are those low rise jeans if you’re constantly pulling at them because they keep riding down? Your emotions and comfort always show up on your face.
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Runway to Reality

It’s so much fun to watch the runway shows and peruse the editorial pages of the leading magazines, but realize that what you are seeing is highly exaggerated. Obviously you’re not going to go around in a sheer blouse. That’s pretty obvious… but you also cannot possibly wear five layers and why would you possibly want to? That said, one or two layers in coordinating colors can create a lovely flow of fabric while appearing creatively put together. Too many layers and you not only look like a mummy, but you lose your ability to move. The point is to take what you see in the magazines and on the runway and fit it to your own lifestyle and age. Lucky Brand: Shoes – Shop The Official Store Now!

Tales from the Runway

Buyers who come to the runway shows rarely purchase items for their stores exactly as shown on the runway. The major department store buyer will order what was shown as a very mini skirt and insist the designer tack on three additional inches. These buyers are astutely aware that their customer will not make that purchase otherwise. That gorgeous plunging blouse may be ordered, but only with the addition of a few more buttons.
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