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DECEMBER 2009
Fashionista

It's easy to find trendy clothes. Fashion magazines and stores are loaded with them — all those perfect clothes you're just dying to own. A closet full of only the latest trends or current-season-only clothes may be what you want, but they won't last you more than a year. Trends have a way of making way for the next, yeah you got it, TREND! And they have a reputation for being hard on the pocket and aren't really suitable as everyday wear to school or college. The dilemma kids our age face is how to look fashion-page trendy on a budget.
Well, no fear people! MS MICHE, our very own 'Teen Fashionista', is here to help, with advice on how you can put together great looks that are both trendy and wallet savvy. She launches this series with basics... the foundation for any great wardrobe!

Every teen needs a basic wardrobe, and by that I mean T-shirts, jeans, kurtas that you won't be bored within a few months. So to start with here are some easy tips for making sure there's always something cool to wear in your closet:

CORE PIECES: Your wardrobe must have a solid foundation - the simple basics! Bear in mind though that your basics might vary depending on your climate, school dress code, personal taste, etc.

BE YOURSELF: Whatever else you may forget about style, remember just this: only wear what works.

ASSESS WHAT WORKS FOR YOU:

  • Think about places you frequent and what type of clothing is appropriate
  • Take personal activities and interests into consideration when trying to figure out what you really need.
  • Decide what comfort level you need.
  • Assess your body structure. Take someone you trust shopping with you and ask her/him which styles really work on your body.

    THE RULES: Everything works great in moderation. The goal is to pick one or two trends each season that you know you won't get sick of fast.

  • If you decide to invest in an expensive trend, don't ditch it the second it goes out. Hold onto it for a bit - it will definitely come back in style.
  • Raid your mom or dad's college keepsakes. Denims I inherited from my mum (that she last wore in the late 70's) are so in right now.
  • Buy only what you love. Never buy something just because it's trendy, on sale, or because a friend likes it.
  • Great style takes time to develop. You'll never have it down to an exact science. You'll find your fashion groove over the next few years.
  • Have fun. What good is your clothing style if it can't lift your mood? Great colours, a perfect fit and touchable fabric can be real boosts.

    PERFECTING YOUR WARDROBE

  • Choose two to three foundation colours to base your entire wardrobe on. Always stick with these colours (and only budge for coordinating colours!). Choose colours that work for you. For example, black, khaki, and denim all work together and can be easily coordinated.
  • Don't go overboard with patterns. Few prints really mesh well together.
  • When all else fails, you need to have basics to fall back on. Necessary essentials - well-fitting solid tees, flattering jeans can be easily mix-and matched.
  • Only buy things that have a perfect fit. And find a trustworthy tailor, as well, for those fabulous pieces that need a little altering.

    TAKE CARE OF YOUR CLOTHES

  • Washing and cleaning your clothes and shoes is important to having a great wardrobe. Make sure you read the labels before you buy anything, so you don't end up buying high maintenance (delicate washing or dry-cleaning).
  • Always keep clothes and shoes in tip-top shape (shoes shined and clean, hems hemmed, buttons securely on, and no loose threads) to keep your overall appearance neat.

    MUST-HAVE BASICS
    FOR YOUR WARDROBE
    * Two pairs of jeans that fit great
    (A medium wash is the most classic)
    * Khaki shorts or skirt.
    * Basic white shirt
    * Casual kurtas that can be combined
    with jeans or pyjamas
    * Three solid colour T-shirts.
    Choose colours like gray, black and white.
    * A well-fitted denim jacket
    * Nice pair of boots
    * A great pair of sandals.
    * Several belts
    A WELL PUT TOGETHER APPEARANCE DOES MATTER
    Sure, you may have a fabulous personality, huge intellect, or maybe a raging sense of humour.
    But your outward appearance will be the first thing people notice about you. In its purest sense, fashion is actually a great way to let the inner "you" shine through. When you get past the labels, trend-copying and celeb wannabes, the way you put your style together speaks volumes about what's inside.
    Never doubt yourself: Fashion is about self-esteem. Confidence is definitely the key to any outfit.
    Once you get the basics of how to dress you can start to have fun with personalizing a unique look that's all you! Until next month: Stay stylish guys!
    Models: Mary, Ophelia, Anand; Photographer: Vijay X;
    Clothing courtesy: Kyra's; Accessories: Models' own

    MS MICHE is a fashion-savvy teen who loves clothes and describes her own look as "urban laidback". If you want to ask her a question, e-mail editorial@theteenagermag.com with the subject line ‘Ask Ms. Miche’.

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