Fashion trends come and go faster than most of us can keep up with them. That closet full of trendy dresses will look dated and stale in a year, and few of us can afford the cost of updating our wardrobe with each new season. But you don’t have to buy an entire new wardrobe to look fashion-forward. In fact, sticking with classic pieces and adding a few trendy touches here and there is one of the best ways to never look dated. Rather than buying a new wardrobe, try these 5 pieces, which can keep you looking like a fashionista year after year.
A Fabulous Bag
Odds are good that you replace your purse at least once a year anyway, so purchase a trendy, fashion-forward bag. It can make your entire outfit pop without revamping your entire wardrobe. For 2012, envelope-closure bags, tooled leather, pastels, cross-body bags and 1970’s inspired-fare are de rigueur.
A Trendy Coat
During the winter months, you’ll be lucky if you can take your coat off long enough for anyone to see what you’re wearing underneath, so it makes better sense to invest in a trendy coat than a slew of fashionable separates. Even better, many online shops and discount retailers frequently sell coats for under 50 dollars. Brightly-colored classics, military-inspired outerwear and wide lapel colors are big for 2012.
Eye-Catching Shoes
Especially in the winter months when you’re bundled up, your shoes make a big statement. They can turn a basic black dress into a fashion-forward statement. Flat riding boots in dark brown are big for 2012, along with platform heels. For a true statement piece, try multicolored shoes or shoes with designs embroidered or appliqued onto them.
Statement Hosiery
Tights have been a popular fashion for nearly a decade now, and show no signs of fading. Invest in a few pairs of trendy tights for a seasonally appropriate look. This season, brightly colored tights, patterned tights and printed tights are popular choices.
Attention-Stealing Accessories
One of the great wonders of accessories is that they can be bought at a fraction of the price of clothing and shoes. Mall stores frequently offer multiple pairs of earrings for under ten dollars, and websites like Etsy offer independent designers offering a variety of styles and price points. Cluster earrings, vintage-inspired crystals and rhinestones and tiny resin flower post earrings are all must-haves for 2012. The woodland theme of previous seasons continues, along with steampunk influences such as pocket watches and robots.