Courtesy of Rtvchannel.tv

How many times have you gone out, dressed to the nines (or so you think) and yet felt like the ugly stepsister for the entire evening?  Cut to the day where a casual aperitif turned into an incredible evening out, and there you were in nothing but your favorite jeans and a pretty top with compliments  flying at you like Carrie Bradshaw flies to shoes. Why such a stark contrast?  Because you were comfortable.

Bear in mind, comfort does not–in fact should not mean frump.  It’s about finding what works for you and sticking to it.  It doesn’t have to mean boring, either. Look at Angelina Jolie: she rarely wears bright colors, but does she ever look bland? Victoria Beckham wears the same style of shades practically every day, but her style is classic, never dull. 

Happily, you don’t need the budget of a film star in order to look great; if you know what flatters you and what doesn’t, every piece you buy will become a staple. Following every trend can not only break the bank, but can also result in the clothes wearing the woman rather than the woman wearing the clothes. While everyone wants an up-to-date wardrobe, it is important to follow the trends that suit your body type and your taste (not to mention your budget).

First and foremost rid your closet of unwanted items. The general rule is, if you haven’t worn it in a season, it should be thrown out. This is to stop you from convincing yourself that peasant skirts will one day come back in vogue. Most importantly, if you feel comfortable in it, then it deserves to stay, but if a particular outfit has never quite flattered you, it deserves to be dropped off at the nearest charity store where it will find a better home. Cleaning out your closet is liberatory and will also help you to discover what it is that you really wear (and hence help you know what to look out for when shopping).

Once you have found your personal style, stick to it. As fashion icon and stylist to the stars Rachel Zoe remarks, “I don’t believe in changing my style because something’s a trend…People are mislead: they think because it’s a trend, they should do it.  And it’s not going to work.”  No matter how good something may look on the runway–or your best friend–if you are not comfortable in it then it will not look right. Forget the trends. Learn what suits your own body and personal taste. You wouldn’t buy a ski suit if you did not like skiing, or a maternity dress if you weren’t pregnant, so why would you buy a sheer dress you know you will never wear? 

If you do happen to be drawn to a certain trend which doesn’t particularly suit you, update your basics with accessories that you will be able to wear on more than one occasion. You will feel comfortable and fashionable all at the same time, and that is the key to personal style.  The best part is, once you know that everything you buy will be put to good use, you won’t feel bad about splurging on those items you really want, knowing you’ll be wearing them again and again.