I also like color and flow so the last two trends that I recommend this season are bright pants, and maxi skirts paired with bulky sweaters. Bright pants can be anything from a hot pink shown here to a deep purple or blue; anything that is a variation from the black and regular blue jean. Maxi skirts are just long skirts that typically sweep the ground and if paired with a bulky sweater can cover up any parts of you that you just want to hide (since we all know everyone has those parts of their body).
MEN
Many mens fashions are similar to women’s this season. The military look is looking good for everyone and patterns are also used quite frequently in menswear. The difference? Men’s patterns are typically being used as accessories rather than whole pieces. Also big this season are puffy vests and jackets and mens scarves.
Angela,
Every holiday season, I host a tea. This past year, however, people showed up wearing cut-offs! I want this to be a reason to dress up and have a fun time. How can I tell people that I wish they would dress fancier without hurting anyone’s feelings?
Alice, the anti-tea party crasher
Party Crasher,
When I think of a tea, I think of late 50’s, early 60’s, Breakfast at Tiffany’s/Sabrina/Audrey Hepburn look. If that is the style that you are looking for then on your invitation that you send out, I would specify the the dress as “50’s fashionable.” (If people who have weddings can specify dress code, then any other kind of party should be able to as well.) Also, on the invitation I would insert two photos of the kind of dress you would like people to dress as. This way, even if they don’t dress entirely the way you want, it opens up the discussion and allows for people to contact you to ask what would be appropriate.
Angela
My number one suggestion would be to do everything in moderation. Start off with something that just has a little bit of the trend to get started. This polka dot scarf would be a perfect example. You can pair it with anything (and I mean anything) and it would look great. Find it at Banana Republic for $39.50. Once you start really small then you can increase from there. 
You could try this henley from Anne Taylor for $59.50. Although it does have the polka dots, it is also in a neutral color which means that it could be paired with almost any color. Also because the polka dots are so small, you can also still wear any other pattern you want with it (and that pattern could be a big pattern if you wanted it to be…think bigger polka dots, retro prints, etc).
Plaid and military I would try to stick to either smaller pieces or just one piece. Clearly, the head to toe plaid is not a good look for anyone, however this season, there are also a great number of pieces that have smaller plaids in them. Regardless of whether I need a magnifying glass to see it, or if I can see that it’s plaid from 50 feet away, it’s still the pattern. Check out the Alex Marie skirt from Dillard’s for $89. The same goes for military style. Think buttons and accessories.
If you are looking to get bright pants but you feel uncomfortable with pants that are Super brights, then try a deeper, darker color. This season, it’s more about the fact that they are colors that are not typically worn on your lower half. For example, try these great hunter green trousers with contrasting waisband from Zara for 79.90. 
waistbands. Instead, go for a skirt, that has a little asymmetry like this skirt from Nordstrom’s for $59. It’s perfect because it has the fold down waist, which can control any extra junk that you may have in the trunk (or in the front, wherever) but it also helps form to your shape specifically. It can look good on everyone regardless of whether your weight is in your butt, your hips, your belly, whatever. In terms of the sweater, I suggest unbuttoned bulky cardigans with tank tops underneath them. If the maxi skirt that you are wearing is plain in color then try adding a little bit of a pattern like this striped Anthropologie cardie for $40. Angela,
Are fat ties out of style for men? Are only mid to skinny thickness ties stylish?
Professor G.
Professor G,
I do not pretend to be an expert in men’s fashion, but I do love the skinny ties on men and they seem to be continuing in style. But, since I am no expert, I looked up some info on what is in about the skinny tie. The sum of it comes down to, the width of tie depends on the person and that person’s personal style. To recap what is being said in the research that I located, there are several rules.
1. Skinny ties look best on tall, skinny men. If you have a bigger build or a larger neck, the skinniness of the tie will look out of proportion and will make you look bigger than you actually are.
2. If you are wearing a suit or some sort of jacket, skinny ties look best with lighter, (if you have $$$) Italian, fabrics that have narrow lapels and taper to fit the body.
3. Make sure to use a small knot, otherwise, it will look weird and out of place.
4. Skinny ties with any kind of pleated pant are bad. The whole point of the skinny tie is to make you look trim and streamlined. The pleated pants go to the opposite spectrum of that. (PS. One of my greatest pet peeves are pleated pants. If anyone owns them, THROW THEM AWAY IMMEDIATELY!)
If you want more details about ties or any other men’s fashion let me know and this site also has great info! Faux Pas for Skinny Ties
Angela
Have a great day and look for new things when you shop this weekend!
