Fashion

We all have that friend. You know the guy who everyone else notices and who always looks perfectly put together. It's no lie; some people just have that flair -- the ability to spot trends and even start some of their own.

Believe it or not, there's a trendsetter in you too -- you just have to find him. Staying aware of the latest styles is not an innate thing, rather something that anyone can develop. So whether you want to always look stylish or be ahead of the style curb, your chance is right here. Come right in. 

Spot the trend

What exactly is a trendsetter anyway? He is the one who follows his personal style yet manages to pull off a look others find admirable. And even if others don't approve of his taste, he still wears what he likes. Whether or not he follows the norm, he looks great and inspires others to dress just like him. 

It might seem like only fashion designers or those in the industry have the ability to spot trends early on. The trick is not to focus on how you can actually set trends -- simply start off by knowing how to identify trends and take them to a whole other level. 

Research, research

You can't expect to become a trendsetter overnight by simply sleeping on your girlfriend's Burberry scarf and Ralph Lauren bed sheets. You have to delve into the fashion world by reading magazines that feature European fashion if you're in North America (Europe is up to a year ahead of the game). 

Buy the magazines or read them at a coffee shop near you -- whatever the case, just get into the habit of flipping through them and taking mental notes of what everyone will be wearing next. 

In addition to magazines, tune into fashion television programs that feature the latest up-and-coming trends (believe me, you can do this without losing your masculinity; OK, just don't tell anybody). Even movies, music videos and TV shows feature glimpses of current trends, you just need to know how to apply them to your own style.

Become a tailor

Once you know the trends that people are donning, you'll need to know how to adapt them to your own style. The trick is to avoid becoming a virtual mannequin of retro chic, or whatever your style of choice. So if a fashion insider tells you that military style is the inspiration for next fall's men's wear, this is not your chance to get your army fatigues, dog tags and combat boots. All that's needed is a canvas khaki green belt, or even a jacket with patch pockets. The golf look is back? Forget your plaid pants and wear a polo T-shirt with shorts or chinos. 

Find one piece or detail that is currently fashionable or on the way, and tailor it to match your personal style and attire. 

Use accessories

While you don't necessarily want to be trendy from head to toe, you can use any extremity -- from your hair to your shoes -- to ooze style. This can mean becoming inspired by a cool hairstyle you saw in a movie, sunglasses you saw in a music video, or even shoes you saw in a magazine. One little detail or accessory can give you that edge you're aiming for. 

Understand the fashion cycle

You'll be a big step closer if you know one of the fashion industry's rules of thumb: Fashion revolves and evolves in cycles. In other words, every noteworthy style and trend is recycled and revived years or decades later. 

It's always a good idea to get rid of your clothing every now and then while doing a cleanup, but don't get rid of garments or accessories that are still in great condition just because they're "so last year." And yes, even the '80s (acid wash and mullet) came back, so anything is possible. You might just have the chance to wear your saddleshoes and plaid tie sooner than you thought. 

A trendsetter can also see the potential in every single piece or detail, from a fisherman's hat to zippers on a sweater. Once you get used to it and read up on fashion trends, you too will know how to see that trench coat or those dirty wash jeans for more than they are. 

Let's be realistic though; it also helps if you're immersed in a trendy crowd that is hip to the latest trends. If you're dining at the "it" place to be where the more exclusive crowd of your city hangs out, you'll get a glimpse of what others are wearing and how they're wearing it. If you frequent a club scene that hasn't quite yet made it to the commercial masses, chances are you'll see certain styles early on, before they're on sale at every Bloomingdale's and Target in your area. 

Wear it with confidence

You can be wearing the coolest jeans and the hottest new jacket, and your hair can be styled to make you look like nothing short of a movie star, but if you don't have the confidence to feel good in what you're wearing, you'll never give off the vibes of a trendsetter. 

In order to be noticed and maintain that suave appeal, you must have the air and self-esteem to go along with it. You might be wearing your jeans in your own personal way and your shirt cuffs folded differently, but if you need the reassurance of what everyone else is wearing, you'll never be noticed for your ability to be a fashion maven. So get your self-esteem in gear, and whether you're wearing what is being toted as "the absolute must-have" or your own creation, wear it with your head up high. 

being chic

You don't have to be a fashion connoisseur to become a trendsetter -- it becomes an acquired skill and one that you'll eventually get used to. So pick up the latest international men's fashion magazine, take notice while watching the latest Brad Pitt or George Clooney movie, and always keep your eye out for interesting trends on others or on the store racks. Once you know how to observe just enough and pick out the potential in different garments and accessories, all eyes will be on you

Read more: http://uk.askmen.com/fashion/trends/53b_fashion_men.html#ixzz1zjsAdHji


Read more: http://uk.askmen.com/fashion/trends/53_fashion_men.html#ixzz1zjrrtrAE