Same, Same but Different

From shoulder-grazing earrings (and animal prints) as seen at Tom Ford to Alaïa’s mini bags, you can incorporate top trends with your favorite go-to’s.

(Photos courtesy brands.)

Recently, a friend posted an article on social media: “Five Reasons to Wear the Same Thing Every Day.” To be clear, we’re talking about a personal, self-assigned uniform. I’m sure it comes as no surprise my heckles were up on this one. My early school years in good old England were blighted by a hideously droll school uniform, which I hated. Luckily, I quickly moved to a school where personal choice—including what you wore—was embraced. Be still my beating, stylish heart. Even as a stylist I’ve experienced those moments where I’ve changed three times and it wasn’t even 8 a.m. and I don’t think I know one girlfriend who hasn’t had a fashion meltdown right before a big event. I can see the benefits of paring down your look. No more traipsing around the mall looking for that perfect outfit, no more impulsive buys that languish in the back of the wardrobe and no more messy wardrobes, for that matter. Just know what works and buy on repeat. Maybe a uniformed approach to daily fashion might be the thing. A standard look which works for you.

Interestingly enough, if we look at some prominent designers we find several of them embracing a monochromatic look. Michael Kors is rarely seen without a simple T-shirt, Karl Lagerfeld is known for his black suits, and then there’s Carolina Herrera and her perfectly crisp, white shirt. It works for them, so maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to judge. Although I’m pretty sure they don’t expect their clients to endear to the same philosophy. Perhaps those who choose to go down this uniformed route have an innate understanding of who they are or are they as I fear, just plain lazy.

Fashion experimentation sometimes seem to be a privilege of the young, and being interested in fashion can hold the stigma of being frivolous. But ultimately, the way we all choose to dress is always an expression of our values. There’s no reason you cannot be aware of what stylistically works for you and still experiment with fashion. This season, the fashion industry served up some delectable collections to entice. Sequins day and night, Saint Laurent dedicated a large portion of his show to the sparkly embellishment. Huge shoulder-grazing earrings as seen at Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana and Balenciaga. Victoria Beckham, Isabel Marant, Max Mara all did animal prints. Shiny fabrics, mini bags and checkered clothing graced the runway and showed us where the fun in fashion could be found. So update here and there, and incorporate a trend or two to the usual, albeit, favorite pieces already in your “uniform.”

Kim Smith has been a professional wardrobe stylist in Honolulu since 2004. Born a true Londoner, Smith had a successful career in public relations in the fashion industry in London for more than eight years before moving to Hawai‘i in 2002. Smith’s work spans a vast array of magazines, retailers and television as well as working with individual clients on their specific style needs. See her work at kimsmithstyle.com.