A new fashion resolution

As we approach the start of 2016, we begin to think a bit more about life. What went well last year, what didn't, and how we are going to improve on things next year (aside from going to the gym everyday and swearing we will never touch chocolate again - as if). New Year's Resolutions aside, it was this 'gazing out the window' mode that bought me to a subject I love - no guesses what....

Fashion.
What is fashion? Big question. And hard to answer. Is it style? Is it trends? Is it even about the clothes?

For me, I think of fashion in terms of a) expression and b) feeling good.

As I write in the About part of this blog, fashion shouldn't be seen as a set of hard core rules that everyone must follow or - God forbid - risk arrest by the 'fashion police'. Fashion can give the impression of being a very serious industry, but at its heart I don't think it is. If it was, it wouldn't be loved by so many people. After all, fashion magazines are meant to be entertaining, as well as informative.

This is why I loved the Sponge Bob/fast food theme that Moschino put on last year (see above). The clothes were not to most people's taste - indeed, they probably weren't intended to be - but people loved the fun/crazy/frivolous element.

And without going all hippy, fashion is also a type of art. It's CREATIVE.

When planning what to wear for an event, it's not a logical, scientific and structured approach. Instead, it depends on so many factors - including the mood you are in the time you have. Sometimes, when in a rush, I have a 'go to' outfit I always pick. This is crazily important for avoiding major stress levels when short of time - for me, it's an LBD at night or skinny jeans/blazer during the day.

Image:Dorrance

But the times fashion is most lovable is when one gets to experiment. People will shout at me for this - but deciding what to wear can genuinely be one of the greatest pleasures in life. Provided you are happy with the end result, it's a creative process that is in many ways similar to cooking.
You have your ingredients (the clothes) and you have a finished product (look) in mind.

This is in essence what I mean by the 'feel good' factor of fashion. It should be enjoyable. Okay, it can be frustrating at times. When that jacket just doesn't look good, or when you are stood in a sea of clothes wondering if ANYTHING will go with that new top you bought.

But for all the good times, the times when your handbag makes its first appearance or the joy you get when your dress fits to perfection, fashion is great.

So in 2016 let's embrace it - and have fun.