Aspirational Cycles – Capitalize On Your Natural Propensity For Change

By Brian Maynor

 

Having just celebrated a birthday I found a recent article both poignant and relatable, because it captured this moment in my life exactly.

In ‘You’re More Likely to Pursue Your Goals After a Birthday or the First of the Month’ Andrew O’Connell looked at a recent study out of The Wharton School studying the connection between aspirational behavior and temporal landmarks.  Not surprisingly, the people studied were more likely to exercise after a birthday, beginning of the week, month, year and semester because, “temporal landmarks create ‘mental accounting periods’ that make it easier to distance us from previous imperfections.”  In other words we are all inspired by new beginnings.

While you probably don’t need a study to tell you that, it’s nice to know there is supporting research.  The changing seasons are major landmarks and opportunities for giving your wardrobe a new beginning.  Have you thought about what goals you want your professional wardrobe to achieve for the fall?

Here are a few of the hottest Fall/Winter trends that should get your brain churning:

 

1.  The ‘Normcore’ Debate.  This concept stirred up firestorm across the fashion industry a few months ago during fashion week with people falling on all sides.  The crux of the concept is about fitting in to the masses instead of standing out.

K-Hole, the consulting group that coined the phrase, said the idea wasn’t a comment on fashion, but rather society where people are yearning for a connection on a mass level.   After reading articles, commentary and posts on the topic one idea stood out to me, and that was the focus on quality for both the clothing and the person.  When everything looks similar you can spot quality a whole lot easier.

 

2.   Black and Grey.  Whether you choose to stand out or fit in, you can’t go wrong with these neutrals in any fabric, piece or style.  Mixed together, or used individually these palettes dominated the runways.  Always a staple for grounding, this season we saw all-black outfits featured prominently in the men’s shows and all-grey ones in the women’s shows.

 

3.   Speaking of Head-to-Toe Looks.  While mixing prints and patterns will never completely go out of style, the fall collections focused more on matching outfits.  From the monochromatic palettes in all colors, not just black and grey, to uniform prints, the looks were more about blending the pieces together than complementing and accenting.

 

4.   Depth of Feel.  If you’re going to go with a monochromatic, head-to-toe look there has to be some dimension to it and that comes in through texture.  Shearling, leather, quilted coats, and fur are all coming back this season.  They were heavily featured last year, so if you snagged them then great, you can still feel confident wearing them this year.  If you didn’t, be sure to pick them up this year.

 

New beginnings and aspirational thinking are great, but they are only beneficial if you put them into action.  With the new season rapidly approaching embrace the opportunity to make it look anyway you want.

 

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 some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges.  Please send your comments and questions to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

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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.