The 411 Magazine issue 3 | Page 45

FASHION COLOUR This is one of the most important tenets of being a fashion citizen. Colour is a great way to evoke power, subtlety, grace or fire. Use colour just like you would an accessory. If you wake up feeling powerful and ready to take on the world, select a strong colour like a red or cobalt blue. Pair that colour with neutrals or black or if you’re feeling especially daring, go for a monochromatic (all one colour) look. Some may have jobs where they can’t wear as much colour as they’d like and I’ve got a remedy: socks! A pair of funky socks is a great way to keep things interesting and fun in your wardrobe while still keeping a polished, corporate look. TEXTURE Leather, tweed, lace and the like are also ways to show off who you are and to change up your look based on what you want the world to see that day. You can pair a lace blouse with a leather jacket for a sweet but tough look, or gents, you can wear a tweed blazer and a denim shirt for a bit of upgraded casual. One of the best things to do with texture is wear that monochromatic look we talked about earlier and have the pieces be different textures. For instance, a grey silk blouse, a grey wool skirt and dappled grey reptile print pumps. It saves you from blending in…after all, being a fashion citizen is all about standing out. VINTAGE/THRIFT Now, I know many people have reservations about thrifting or secondhand. I’ve heard some of the craziest notions about thrifted clothes and they’re pretty much all untrue. A good washing or dry cleaning and they’re good as new. The reason why I suggest vintage or thrifted pieces is because they’re always different from anything available in the mass market. That jacket, that dress, those pumps are probably a few seasons old or decades old. You’re bringing new life to that 70’s leather jacket or that clutch bag from the 50’s by wearing it your own way. That t-shirt that has a faded cartoon character on it paired with your favourite jeans and a motorcycle jacket is a perfect weekend look and, most times, it costs you a fraction of what a brand-new tee would. www.fashioncitizen.com Search social: @fashioncitizen Colour, texture and vintage/thrift finds are just three ways that anyone can jump in on the Fashion Citizen movement. It’s all about you! How do you feel today? What’s the mood you’re going for? Don’t be afraid to try a new look or incorporate a new colour into your everyday look. Yes, you may have some mistakes and some looks you won’t wear again. That’s the fun in this, discovering more about yourself through your style. You’re a fashion citizen and I can’t wait to see how you show that to the world. 45