Make Your Style Your Own With Accessories

BY MEGAN SIMONS

Most of us are spending more time at home in the last several months and that aff ects our lifestyle, our mood and our fashions. The truth is the biggest fashion changes are not only the result of inventive design houses, but social disruptions also create new fashion.

When you think about wars, revolutions, they simplified the way of getting dressed for the time -- just to boom away with free expression and new, fresh, trendy styles afterwards.

The French Revolution, for instance, eliminated all the over-the-top hair powder, hoop petticoats, lace, many extravagant elements associated with royals and aristocratic decadence.

Fashion became more simplistic and naturalistic for a period, but that change did not last long. Cravings for self-expression, for unique looks started to evolve, eventually transforming into new, feminine, empire silhouettes.

Fashion from Pippa Pelure/ Photos by Clareese Littles / Hair & makeup by Kelli Otis

Comparably, deeply reactionary processes happened throughout the history of fashion. Post-World War II new fashion desires established some of the greatest names in the industry. Christian Dior opened a couture house in 1946 and his fi rst line in 1947 encouraged women to be luxurious and beautiful.

My belief is that we are going to see a renaissance in individual approaches to style as people are looking forward to having a reason to go outside again. The absence of thematic trends like ’60s mod, ’80s disco and ’90s grunge, creates room for personalized style.

You are a complex individual, made of many interesting qualities that make your personality unlike anyone else. You do possess the power to construct a unique style that is a complete reflection of who you are. Know your body, know your colors, and know that accessories always elevate personal style.

We are starting to see fashion trends emerging for Fall and Winter 2020 with jewel tones gradually appearing on the runways and setting a magical mood. Animal prints are adopting new members of the animal kingdom to the fashion world: zebra stripes, giraffe spots, snake prints, all are embraced in a variety of colors and for both genders.

A sleek pair of sandals will always be in demand and in style, this time choosing square toe and funky heel on strappy sandals or a pair of hip mules.

When choosing jewelry go for bold -- everything looks better with a little bling! Big hoop and hip earrings will make a great statement, oversized chains are not going anywhere.

The art of accessorizing is in ever-so trendy layering. Use your pearls with vintage medallions, gold with silver, crystals with horns, ultra-long with chokers, mix and match to improve your look.

Always in trend is functional, stylish, our all-time friend - the tote. If you love handbags, your heart may skip a beat on this one: neoprene is today’s winner. It’s practical and water resistant (happy to go with you on a boat, the beach or poolside) and holds your laptop like a champ. It will be happy to go on any trip and it is washable.

Whatever you do, remember, retail therapy is a real thing, get yourself in a great mood.

Megan Simons is the owner of Pippa Pelure, a fine fashion boutique in downtown St. Pete. Contact her at pippapelure@tampabay.rr.com