Article Fashion

Each season
we're faced with the same conundrum: what to keep
what to toss
and what to buy. If you're like me
when you go through your closet and drawers
you run across jeans from two seasons ago
denim skirts
raggedy T-shirts
and cargo shorts that are oh-so-out. For the coming fashion season
it's out with the old and in with the new - particularly for casual wear.

When it's time to shop
though
what should you look for? Denim is still central to the casual wardrobe
but some of the more severe denim treatments of years past are out of date. Slubbing is still in fashion
but the thing to look for is embellishment. This season
the story isn't so much rhinestones as it is embroidery. Look for women's jeans and men's jeans with geometric designs stitched on - the more the better. For example
look for jeans with triangles going down one leg
or designer jeans with the designer logo prominently placed on the front
just below the pocket. Black men's jeans are also back
so keep an eye out for the sleek look of black denim.

Denim shorts are also showing up in the season's offerings
but look beyond the short-shorts and go with a knee-length style. It's a bit of a throwback to the pedal pusher era
but shorts length is definitely longer than in seasons past. This is true for both plus sizes and missy sizes.

Now
what about tops? The color story is season is solids
but solids are ranging from bright marina blue to coral to the more subdued khaki. Look for T-shirts in a variety of styles
from tanks to polos to plain round-neck tees. Again
designer logos are prominent
either to make a bold statement on the front of T-shirts
or a more subtle statement just below the neckline in the back.

Before you dash off to the mall
you should know that some newer designers are making a splash. Check out the online offerings of the new kids on the block. You'll get both a price break and the ability to stand out from the crowd by being among the first to "discover" the next hip label.

In addition
remember that while you do want to be in fashion this season
you don't want to look like everyone else. Always keep in mind that you make the clothes
the clothes don't make you. Here are five tips to make fashion your own:

1
Accessorize - Your accessories make a statement about who you are. Don't go overboard
but choose pieces that are unique and that make you shine.

2
Attitude is Everything - You can be dressed in a mega-bucks designer gown
but you'll look dowdy unless you have the confidence to carry it off. No matter what you wear - even a pair of women's jeans and a T-shirt - hold your head high and know that you belong.

3
Don't Forget the Shoes - The wrong shoes can ruin an otherwise spectacular outfit. Make sure your shoe style is in sync with the style of your clothes.

4
Have Fun - Don't be a slave to fashion. Have fun with it and don't fret too much about every little thing. Experiment. Be bold. You may even surprise yourself.

5
Share the Joy - Remember those old clothes from last season or last year? Give them to a deserving charity. Your castoffs are sure to make someone else's day.