Living up to the title of fashion editor among your family, friends and even social media followers requires a certain penchant for shopping each season. Keeping your look up to date comes with some hidden secrets that are a rite of passage when working your way up at a glossy. The trick is in making it look easy.
1. Do a wardrobe check before every purchase
Aerin Lauder, A Fashionable Life
Dig through all the nooks and crannies of your current closet before making new purchases, because chances are you, like me, tend to buy the same things over and over again. This gut check will help you avoid a closet full of duplicates and allow each new piece to earn its keep.
2. Make a list each season
Trend spot with the experts, online
After your closet check, you can start shopping. Your mental list was likely double and now you’ve edited down to the five or so key updates to take your look to the next level. Before you pick up the credit card, write them down so you stay focused.
3. Weigh out “IT” accessories
Fashion Editor, Joanna Hillman makes judicious choices about what qualifies as an It anything
When it comes to great bags and shoes, the items deemed “It” of the season may not necessarily translate to your personal style. Determine if a cult accessory is something you want for your collection or an ephemeral item that you’ll end up consigning in six months. And give yourself a break when you make a mistake—TheRealReal.com is another one of our secret weapons.
4. Buy only what looks great on you
Kerry Pieri BAZAAR’s digital fashion/features director
Prioritise what looks good on your body and what you feel good in versus straight-up trends. If midi-lengths cut you off, don’t buy in. Same goes for oversized silhouettes or crop tops. It’s all just a passing fad, and photos don’t lie!
5. Make fashion friends
Hidetoshi Nakata, Nicolas Ghesquiere and actress Doona Bae backstage at Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2016
No, it’s not so much about having designer friends, which definitely has its perks — A-list parties and jet-set travel. But what you really want to do is buddy up with your favourite brand’s shopgirls or customer service reps. They will keep you in the know on major sales, sometimes even letting you shop early. To that note: Get on store wait lists for a new season piece that is likely to sell out that you know you won’t be able to live without.
6. Dont’ forget the basics and know thine uniform
A classic blazer is a fashion necessity
Don’t fear the classic: white button-downs, a great pair of jeans, a navy blazer. While they are less “fun” to shop for, these are forever pieces for a reason. Also, when in doubt, go for your ‘uniform’. Establish your go-to look and interpret it each season. It you love pants, try a new silhouette. If skirts are heavy on your rotation, invest in a super luxe take on your favorite shape. If you only wear black and white, add a new texture to the mix.
7. Hit the beauty counter
Joanna Hillman pops a cherry red and sexes up shearling — easy!
Never forget that a new pop of colour is the easiest way to update a look or your wardrobe. Adding a new eye shadow palette or lip color is a cheap and chic addition to any seasoned shopper’s list.
Images: Getty; Deigo Zuko
Via: HarpersBazaar.com
