The New Rules For 2016
January 4, 2016
By Brian Maynor
As 2015 draws to a close, it’s only natural to wave good-bye to trends, styles and habits of the past year and look for fresh and different ones to embrace for the new year ahead.
In the ever-changing world of fashion this can seem like a futile exercise, but there is one change that will stand the test of time: 2016 is the year of you.
What that means is that the big push will be to personalize, individualize and ultimately strive to focus on your authenticity and find what makes you happy. Whether that’s comfort first or practicality, budget or style, 2016 will see a rapid departure from the standard focus of forced fashion and give more power to the individual to really explore, experiment and find their own sense of self through style.
Here are a few examples of what this looks like:
1. Abandon the notion of only dressing for your shape. While I still think there are some styles that are more flattering than others based on shape, that should not deter you from wearing pieces that speak to you, or give you joy. I’ve always strived to help clients feel great in their clothes and the biggest part of that is loving what they see in the mirror, by loving what they are wearing. No matter if it fits a standard rulebook or not.
2. Confidence is sexy. The epitome of sexy this year is confidence, not skin. Gone is the conept that shorter, tighter, higher or revealing is the only way to exude sex appeal. Allusions, subtlety and ultimately confidence will turn heads and get you noticed faster than the amount of skin on display every time.
3. Push boundaries. 2016 will see a huge push towards gender and age neutral clothing. The spotlight is not going to dim on these societal issues nor is their influence on how we get dressed. A lot of the fashions coming out this year will be different and feel strange to hardline traditionalist, but you know what that say: nothing is constant but change.
4. Maintenance is key. Revolving styles are nothing new, but if you really want to keep your clothes viable through the cycles you need to take care of them. The start of the year is a great time to take stock of your wardrobe; purge any piece that no longer works, take anything that needs repairing or refitting to the tailor. Investing in alterations is always cheaper than buying something new. It’s also a good idea to read the care labels to see if you’re giving your pieces the longevity they deserve and update your laundry routine accordingly.
We often hear and use the phrase, “new year, new you” every time we draw close to the end of a year, but this year it’s not about a new you, but the true you. Make yourself the priority in everything you do, and really listen, focus and learn what makes you happy and what doesn’t. Let 2016 be the year of you.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
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