Dare To Be Different

With more colours, styles, shapes, textures, ranges, brands, ways to buy and places to buy from, there’s no excuse for being bland! It’s time to inject some individuality into you wardrobe. Take a chance on a new direction, dare to be different . . .

At no other time in the course of fashion history has the consumer had so much choice (and avenues of advice), yet many of us remain stuck in a fashion “rut”, never daring to deviate away from a trusted style or store. A few years ago I worked with a lady who refused to shop anywhere other than Next, and whilst I know Next have some great items at affordable prices, there’s more to fashion than flicking through the pages of the Next Directory as if it were the holy grail of style.

Playing it safe with your wardrobe is all well and good, but fashion should be fun, and to some degree, an extension of your personality. I’m not suggesting we all turn into fashion victims and start wearing leggings and platform pumps, but I do think that many people could benefit from opening their minds to new possibilities and being just a little bolder in their sartorial choices. By making just small changes to your wardrobe such as adding a brightly colored pair of shoes, some well placed pieces of jewelry, a trendy belt or skinny scarf, its possible to completely overhaul an otherwise lackluster outfit - then all you will have to do is sit back and revel in the compliments bestowed upon you by your friends, family and work colleagues!

Main picture, Betsey's Heart Satchel by Betsey Johnson Handbags, $238.95 www.zappos.com, Black Patent Leather Extreme Babouche Hole Pump by Louis Vuitton, $640.00 www.eluxury.com.

Below, left to right, Blue Felt Delby Hat by Dune, £30.00 www.dune.co.uk, Lemon Snap Happy Boots by Anthropologie, $428.000 www.anthropologie.com, Stretch Snake Belt by Bebe, $119.00 www.bebe.com, Multi-Colour Criss-Cross Knot Beret by Missoni, £65.00 www.net-a-porter.com.

Liz Southall - Fashion Editor