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Understated is the New Overstatement!

by MeyMey (May 7, 2007)

Yes boys and girls, this week’s article goes out to you both!  Remember these words, understated is new overstatement!  Fashion people, you know what I’m talking about.  Not so fashionable people, let me break it down for you.  Overstating =  loud and branded- t-shirts, belts, hats, status bags, shoes and more.  I will come back to this because there are a few things to be discussed here.  Understated = clothing that looks awesome, fits incredibly, is consistent with your style and pulled off brilliantly and effortlessly.  Things don’t have to match, shirts don’t have to be skin tight (men and women), and jeans do not have to be DSQUARED to look amazing on your backside (although DSQUARED makes a killer pair of denims don’t get me wrong).

What to wear? It's the perpetual question that gives no rest for fashion followers and trend setters alike. What trend is going to win sympathy for spring and summer 2007?  Well personally, I am my own fashion forecaster and I encourage you all to make your own rules.  Actually no, I take it back.  If you are aware of the fact that you have zero clue as to what it is you’re doing when you get dressed, please read up and get acquainted with the dos and don’ts.

Firstly, let’s talk designer.  Designers like Robert Rodriguez, Westwood and McQueen make absolutely stunning clothing without needing to brand every garment.  Designers that tend to fall under the cheese category like Dior, D&G Jeans, and Coach are sometimes producing garments and handbags that are so corny, I’d rather wear a pleather purse in many cases.  I would like to clarify that understated can also be found at H&M (great disposable fashion) and other wonderful stores like Banana Republic and Club Monaco.  Now ladies, I know how much you love your handbags. I am an addict myself and I can’t even count the bags in my collection, but, I hope you’re buying these bags for good reason.  We have become obsessed with the very popular “status bag” and I need to ask you does a bag appeal to you because it is beautiful in shape and size, has supple leather and looks amazing on your shoulder, or do you purchase a bag because it has Gucci monogram all over it (barf)?  To me that’s like buying a BMW with roll up windows.  Whats the point?  If you’re going to spend all that money, you might as well go to Banana Republic and get a beautiful well crafted, high-quality leather bag.  Make sense?  I think so. 

Men, some of you are too, notorious for over branding with your belts and sunglasses, scarfs and hats, jeans and tops.  It’s really quite simple, if you choose to wear a tight shirt that says VERSACE across It than you’re pretty much hopeless and I can’t help you.  I understand that we, men and women, as consumers, love the finer things.  Designer watches, bags, glasses etc., but you can do it with style.  Rock the designers you love, but try and make smart decisions in the way you put it all together.  I hope this helped.  Your Stylist Truly, Meytal.

 

About the Author

MeyMey is a professional wardrobe stylist. She has consulted for various performing artists such as Massari and Nelly Furtado.