Challenges of Social Media Fashion Inspiration

In a time that is so heavily focused on social media, we are inundated daily with amazing photos of fashion and style.

Many of our social media feeds include today’s ‘influencers’, popular social media entrepreneurs monetising their popularity by being paid to advertise the latest trends.

What do these images and influencers usually have in common?

They are all gorgeous and for the most part young!

Their appearance is their brand and their brand is a full-time job!

Let’s not even get into photoshop and filters!!!

So, how does the everyday person process these images?

In social media we typically only see young, size 6’s which in reality is an incredibly small representation of the real world!

We don’t get to see inspiring  images of average sized women in all demographics, particularly those in their 40’s + in age-appropriate styles.

The same applies for those who are younger with a fuller size figure, cut off shorts and the latest off the shoulder trend is not going to work for them either…

These images provide us with an unrealistic expectation of ourselves!

The result…

Social media can have the effect of leaving us feeling a little low in the self-esteem department.

It also means when we head to stores we don’t have a visual guide of what will look great!

How can we be what we cannot see?

It’s easy to chase the new trends in stores that look so fabulous on the young model on Instagram but how do we translate that our very own look?

Instagram, Pinterest & Facebook are full of pictures of looks we love or aspire to wear, what’s difficult is the translation into what suits us without compromising our desire of elegance over being a trend offender!

I live in the stores and I am forever trawling through fashion, it’s really a bit like walking through a minefield of what I can and cannot wear.

I know that for those who are 40+ this is a reality for you too, as it’s a common reason why many of my clients who are over 40 need my help in choosing appropriate outfits.

To me it’s personal, finding the balance of on trend vs. elegant… yet still on trend.

Above & below are just a few of the latest trends of this season that I am showcasing in the way that wear them. The way I have styled these looks is reflective of my age, body shape, body features and colour characteristics.

Firstly, is this piece age appropriate?

The amount of skin on show and the material of the garment has a huge impact on the elegance of a look.

Secondly, does it suit my body shape?

If you are unaware of your body shape, simply have a body shape analysis done by an expert!

How much is it? Will I get enough wear from this on-trend piece to justify the price tag?

Now for those that know me, I can shop in the cheapest of stores to the designer labels that fill Chadstone…..I am definitely not a label snob!

Zara is a great example of new trends, coming in thick and fast almost on a daily basis.

This is an example of being able to bring a trend into your look, not costing the earth and giving you that new edge that many of us crave……..REGULARLY.

Instagram is for me a daily dose of new inspiration from all over the world, stylists who have gone through my Academy and what they are wearing as well as our local stores and what’s coming in.

 

 

So……

Do you find social media a great platform for your style ideas?

Or

Do you find it hard working the latest trends into your look?

Or

Would you be honest enough to call yourself a trend offender?

Love to chat!!

Love Cindy x