I like to be aware and “in the know” of what is currently considered fashionable. I use this information to advise clients and make my own personal styling and shopping decisions. My personal style tends to be more classic and I use fashion trends to incorporate "on trend" style into my wardrobe. This makes the pieces that I buy last longer because I worry less about them being “out of style”.

One of the best parts about fashion today is that anything goes. If you have older pieces that belonged to your mom they are considered “vintage” and “coveted”. If you have pieces from last year that aren’t exactly on trend any longer, you can still find way to incorporate them into your wardrobe and in a year or two, they’ll even be back in style! Don’t feel like you have to jump on board every new fashion trend. You can pick and choose what you think will work best for your body type, your wallet and your current wardrobe.

Let’s look at some of the latest fashion trends being talked about for 2016 as examples.

The Jetset Diaries Pompeii Off Shoulder Dress

Off The Shoulder Tops: This will not work for every body type. Figure out what necklines work best for you and exploit those to the fullest. Don’t buy an off the shoulder top just because the latest fashion magazine issue told you to. Keep in mind that off the shoulder tops can also have a wide variety of interpretations. This can work with a body con dress or a cropped peasant top. Figure out which version of the trend will work best for you.

Slip on Shoes: (Otherwise known as mules) I’ve personally never been a big fan of this trend. If you choose to embrace it or incorporate it into your wardrobe, my advice is to be mindful of how you wear it. The rest of the outfit will matter just as much. Slip on shoes with joggers and a T shirt could be cute. Slip on shoes with a jumper or a sundress could work also. Slip on shoes with a pencil skirt and blouse….probably a little harder to pull off. Try to match the trend to the appropriate occasion.

Pleats: We’re not necessarily talking about your old plaid school uniform type pleats. Pleats have been making a comeback for a few months now in a much more stylish manner. And you see them on more than just skirts. They are appearing in dresses, tops, even jackets and blazers. This is an easy trend to incorporate. Find the type that you think will work the best for you and you might be able to incorporate it into your wardrobe in more than one place.

Lace: This trend has been on for the last couple of seasons and it appears to be sticking around. Lace is currently available in a number of different styles. Whether an item is all lace or just pieces incorporate for detail, you can find multiple ways to add it to your wardrobe from casual to workwear to evening out. A simple lace tee can go a long way in your closet.

Paperbag Waist: This is a trend we saw a few years ago. I actually still have a skirt in this style which it looks like I’ll be pulling back out soon. You’ll be most likely to find this in skirts and dresses but it could also be available in pants or shorts. This can be a tough trend to jump on. The paperbag waist requires you to wear either a crop top or a tapered, tucked in top. These types of items are not always readily available in your current wardrobe. So for example, if you’re interested in the paperbag waist but you never jumped on the crop top wagon, you could always purchase a simple tapered tee to make your outfit. But just keep in mind this trend may require you to purchase the whole outfit as opposed to just one piece.

Here's to the future 2016 trends! Start your year out on your most fashionable foot!