OTSMAGAZINE: fashion rules

Spring is to fashion what New Year’s is to resolutions. If January 1st is a time to rethink our choices and swear to shed bad habits and adopt new, better ones, Spring is the time when closet spring cleaning takes place, we leave our foolish fashion choices behind and adopt new ones. As soon as the first heel hits Fashion Week runways, we know what will be in and what will be cast aside in the upcoming season. So, let us see what the near future holds for all the fashionistas.

New Clothes, New Beginnings

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If Elle is to be trusted, this spring brings on a whole lot of stripes – diagonal, horizontal, vertical, wide, narrow, monochromatic or colorful – take your pick. And they will make their mark on every single garment from dresses and pants to blouses and shorts and go as far as beachwear. It is safe to say that it is time to get stripy. As for other prints, despite Miranda Presley’s snide “Florals, for spring, groundbreaking” comment, flowers are here to stay, so, go flower power!

As far as other trends go, particularly in the color palette arena, khaki and other nude shades will be huge this season, following a very successful run in the previous one. The color that will be joining all the lovely nudes is yellow, and in all shades, so if you were wondering which shade to pick – you will not be wrong with any single one. And while on the subject of color-pops, pink will be present in every shade you have ever imagined.

Off-the-shoulder pieces are still going strong this season, but unlike the previous, the charm lies in exposing not both, but only one of them. So, choose your more flattering one ladies.

If you love your crisp white shirts, you will adore the makeover they have received for this season – they are now bolder and longer.

What Types of Hair Care?

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According to Harper's Bazaar, sleek and shiny is back this season, so you might as well bust out that flat iron that has been gathering dust all this time, that is, if you want to get that Gigi Hadid hair. However, since supermodels not only follow, but set trends, Gigi will be rocking her staple beach-waves this season too, so whichever way you decide to go will be Hadid approved. Other major trends will include balayage, and the only thing that is changing is the colour palette – instead of the caramel and honey hues, more cool, ashy and grey tones will take the stage. Thanks to the likes of Alicia Keys and Kerry Washington, to curly girls we say – rejoice, the time has come to stop smothering your curls, go natural and let the volume out. Finally, bobs and lobs all around the globe will be encouraged, so if you have them, keep them, and if not - grow them out.

Make Me Up

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For better or worse, this season appears to be fazing matte out and bringing metallic lips in. Worry not - dark and bold lips are still in. The classic red lip is also safe from extinction, and so is the eyeliner. Dewy finishes enhanced by light strobing are definitely in, as most makeup artists are abandoning the sharp contouring practice and advocating natural enhancement of the face’s focal points. Blush is also back, and bolder than ever, but as far as eye makeup goes, Harper's Bazaar shows that eyes will not be the main focus this season, though strong eyebrows will still be going strong.

About author:

Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She's passionate about traveling, fashion and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.” Find her on Facebook.

To many, style is like music – it’s a whole language, a unique way to communicate your preferences, your beliefs and your attitudes to the whole world. And yes, some have a talent for it, while others have to work damn hard to catch with the times and craft their own look.

But just like every Mozart’s cadence has a clear structure, even when it has his famous trill ornaments, a unique style has its own set of guidelines that make it stand the test of time. Let’s see how you can achieve the same with your look!

Different doesn’t mean better

And simple doesn’t have to be boring. And vice versa for both. It takes time to master this level of finesse, but it boils down to several key things. First of all, whatever you do, you don’t need to dress differently every day, and you should never dress for people, but for the occasion.

Don’t aim to dazzle or impress others, personally. If you’re leading an office life, simplicity can be your most practical, comfortable choice to keep your productivity high and your colleagues to respect you. Simultaneously, you can add a decent touch of flair with the right choice of nail polish, jewelry, or even a powerful Skagen timepiece on your wrist. Be playful, but keep it cool and graceful.

Wear your personality

Life is too short and too wonderful for all of us to wear black socks all the time, or so my significant other claims, and I cannot help but agree. While tighty whities will always be a reasonable garment to own, don’t limit your wardrobe (your undergarments included) to clothes that don’t resonate with your personality!

If you fell in love with that stunning Alice + Olivia mini dress with floral embroidery, then go for it! Or if you simply adore wearing all things plain and monochrome apart from your insanely colorful shoes, what’s stopping you? There’s a need for crisp white shirts and pure black pumps, but don’t be afraid to add some innovation to your style dictionary.

Comfort meets style

Sometimes, trends can be ruthless and dismantle all style choices you otherwise love, and yet there are still enduring items that remain timeless despite (or maybe because) of their simplicity. A great example is our undying love for the hoodie. It’s an icon of youth that we even transformed into an haute garment in the past year, an essential for anyone who loves street style.

Come to think of it, the timeless Birkenstock is practically a family member of every household by now, a must-have, a favorite pick for beach lounging, summer barbecues and casual walks to the store. It’s vacation for your feet, and consequently, a beloved holiday choice for many. And yes, comfort does matter as much as appearance, so don’t throw away your old college sweats or your old flannel shirt – style always makes room for comfort.

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Know your size

Ah, the rule many keep forgetting or at least ignoring when it comes to buying your bra size, and picking your dress for the summer wedding (because by then you’ll surely shed those extra pounds off your waist). Always mind your body, not just type, as in choosing the right cut, but also your size, as too tight or too loose doesn’t fly with everything or everyone.

Yes, oversized is popular, and some of you can pull it off, but not all the time and for all occasions. On the other hand, too tight is simply too tight, so if your clothes leave deep indentations in your skin, it’s a clear sign it’s time for a shopping spree!

Posture means style

Supermodels, Instagram stars as well as famous designers all know one dominant truth of a true fashionista – what you wear can only be as good as the way you wear it. No matter your figure, your size, shape or preferences, your attitude is the determining factor of your style.

So even if you’re wearing that hoodie and a pair of torn old sneakers, keep your head held high, your back straight, and all those imperfections we all secretly try to hide will fall into oblivion compared to your resolute posture. Whatever you wear, wear it with pride, and enjoy every bit of that style of yours that adds to your authenticity!

About author:

Our favorite time of the year has officially started and there's no better excuse for updating your summer wardrobe. Every girl deserves to be spoiled with some fresh clothing items or hot pieces of jewelry that will make her outfit pop. We singled out a few summer essentials you might find interesting to splurge on.

Contrasting color outfits

Remember that awesome orange and pink dress that Beyonce wore in her 'Crazy in Love' video ages ago? Well, guess what? The color block trend is making a comeback and Sasha won't be the only one looking fierce this season. If you choose a one-piece swimsuit in the previously mentioned color combo, you have ensured your beach goddess title. Also, contrasting maxi dresses would be an ideal choice for an afternoon city stroll. Summertime is perfect for these playful fashion staples and whoever said you can't pull off these looks should be on your block list, for sure.

White strappy shoes

Classics are eternal and white heels are here to prove it. White is everywhere, from flats to heels, and you could wear any outfit combined with these shoes. Lewit strap sandals with a scooped topline and a towering would be a perfect addition to your shoe collection.

Wide leg Palazzo pants

There should be a law against women who don’t own one of these awesome pants because they slay all the way. Apart from being incredibly flattering to the figure, they give you that extra classy look and can be worn with blazers or tops only. The choice is all yours.

Matrix-inspired frames

Keanu Reeves must be proud to see his signature shades taking center stage this year. Skinny, narrow and totally unflattering, these sunglasses made an impact on celebs such as Elsa Hosk, Rihanna and Kourtney Kardashian. Also, round and octagonal Ray-Ban lenses are timeless, and every fashion-savvy lady can confirm that. But, sunnies should be more than just a fashion statement and we need to protect our eyes from the sun. If you want some stylish designer sunglasses, the Eye Concepts shops offer a wide variety of different brands and shapes. They also provide professional eye care services and you can be sure that your eyes are shielded with style.

Off-shoulder everything

Off-shoulder dresses and tops are everywhere and we don't mind since we are madly in love with them. For the girls who enjoy flaunting their girly and feminine side, these are mandatory for the summer. There are plenty of fabrics and patterns you can choose from, but if you want to steal the spotlight, then opt for a silky, red off-shoulder polka dot top and enjoy your diva status

Bow down to these cuties!

Linen, pointed-toe flats with a big bow at the front are huge in the fashion world and everyone went mad over them. Who wouldn't fall for the amazingly stylish and comfortable summer slippers? Whatever color you choose, be sure they can match any outfit. And if you can't decide, buy them all since they are very affordable

Dreamy cover-ups

The kimono is definitely the cardigan's long-lost fashion-savvier twin, and you don't have to be a Geisha to wear one. Who needs love when a super trendy kimono can warm you up during chilly summer nights? Embroidered kimonos with loose sleeves and fringe embellishments are a major trend alert and they are ideal for the boho chic lovers. Match them with your favorite pair of high-waisted shorts, along with the crop tops and basic tees for the ultimate street style. Also, silky, maxi floral kimonos are a must-have staple this season and for a killer night out outfit, combine them with strappy heels and a denim skirt.

Fashion is all about playing games, so let go of your fears, find your favorite picks and indulge yourself big time.

OTSMAGAZINE CONTRIBUTOR BIO

Scarlet Gratton

Scarlet is a passionate writer and regular contributor at ripped.me interested in fashion, lifestyle, and health. She loves traveling, you could say that she is a real travel addict, especially when she has a chance to visit some exotic destinations. She would tell you that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places.