Fashion is a world full of talent. (Duh).There are uber-talented designers who somehow think of collections of innovative clothing twice a year, every year. There are talented models, who so beautifully wear the clothes down the runways and in magazine ads and editorials. You could even say that the sales girl who convinced you to buy the extra sweater that you didn’t really need is talented. Even as consumers, we put our own talents into the fashion world. Maybe one day you’ll be the next Diane Von Furstenberg, or maybe you’ll be a mom who styles her wardrobe exquisitely. This post is for everyone’s fashion talents that are not always recognized.
Replicating
I recreated this look and became my own version of Blair, but with purple tights and a less malicious personality
I recreated this look and became my own version of Blair, but with purple tights and a less malicious personality
This is the piece of the talent umbrella which I happen to fall under. While others might say that I’m creative or original, I can never really take credit because I usually get inspiration from elsewhere. Replicators are the people who peer through a fashion magazine, find a look they love, and then recreate this look with items from their own wardrobe. You can get inspiration from anywhere: TV, magazines, websites like Pinterest or Fashionista. I’ve taken inspiration from celebrities at events and even Gossip Girl; I wore purple tights with a skirt, button down, and blazer in high school because I loved a similar look on Blair. Replication really is a talent, especially when it comes to nail designs and hair styles. Replicators are people who are good at DIY but with hair, makeup, nails, or clothing. Go thank your friends who are good at recreating different looks. You know who they are, because they’re the ones who do your hair and makeup all of the time.
Styling
Blair Eadie, whose blog is Atlantic-Pacific, is an exceptional stylist.
Some people, like two of my college roommates, have a keen eye for style. They know exactly what necklace will match your shirt and often have a load of accessories. The really good stylers are almost always put-together and look nearly perfect. These are the people you want with you when you’re getting dressed. They can easily tell you whether or not your should wear your hair up, if you should wear a statement necklace or statement earrings, and what shoes look best. I think most people have an innate sense of what looks good or bad, but there are certain people who have a gift. Their eyes can sense whether the balance is correct and they know immediately how to drastically change a look. Here’s to the girls who know when the aesthetic is correct and won’t let you leave the house looking like a hot mess.
Trend Setting
Rachel Bilson always seems to be ahead of the trends and knows exactly what to wear.
Everyone has a trendsetter friend. This is the girl who wore dark nail polish when it was still considered “goth” and wore leggings before the celebrities. Trendsetters always seem to wear a look just before it really becomes fashionable. They are the reason why different things become so popular (think feather hair extensions and dip-dyes of the summer, combat boots this winter, etc.). If you don’t have a trendsetter friend, go find one. These are the girls who are on top of their A-game and keep you on your toes. You’ll always know what the next trend will be if you hang out with a trensetter
Knowing Your Style
Each girl knows what her style is, which is why each look is completely different even though they started with the same shirt.
Knowing your own style is a talent in itself. Being able to withstand the constant media around different fads and dress the way you love to is a talent. It takes a strong person to be able to look at a magazine and not be influenced. It takes a strong person to be different than everyone else. This talent is probably the most important because by knowing what your style is, you really know yourself and that’s the most important thing.
If you already know your talent, then congratulations. But for those of you who have never really thought about it, take some time this weekend and figure out what your talent is in terms of fashion or beauty. Maybe you’re the person who knows her style. Or maybe you’re a combination of a trendsetter and a stylist. But the important thing to remember is that you have something to say and a special gift when it comes to fashion. Everyone does.
