How to Be a Fashion Expert

Co-authored by Tavia Sharp

Last Updated: January 20, 2023

Being a a fashion expert requires dedication and time. Becoming a fashion expert can be helpful for your fashion-oriented career, be it in writing, modeling, clothes making or running a business.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Learning More About Fashion

1
Learn about the history of fashion. There is no point not knowing why your clothes look like what they do and how fashion changed throughout time. Coco Chanel changed how women dress, so it's worth renting the Lifetime movie about her.
2
Learn 'fashion lingo'. This is worth researching, as after all, you want to know what you're talking about. Don't go overboard using words no one's ever heard of. Find a fashion vocabulary online, or from another expert. Make sure you're using the words right though.

Advertisement
3
Read fashion magazines. Vogue should be your bible. Read Teen Vogue if appropriate or the Vogue published in your country. Read English or American Vogue if you there isn't a specific edition where you look live.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Keeping Up with Trends

1
Keep up on some of the cutest and latest trends. If you're not keeping up on at least some trends, to fellow fashion experts you'll seem, well, clueless. Read Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle to hear what's in. It's important to know which trends work and which don't though; for example, skinny jeans might flatter you whereas harem pants are just plain ugly. It is important to be a trendsetter, but Anna Wintour's words are worth respecting.^{[2]
X
Research source}
2
Check out fashion weeks around the world online and in the news. This way, you'll know what's going to be in style next season, as well as this season.^{[3]
X
Research source}
3
Get yourself a reputation as a trendsetter. Shop at the local designer stores; even if you're not that rich, there must be something in there you afford (example: a pair of gloves, sunglasses). Be a devoted client to these boutiques and you will get noticed for your style.
4
Check out current, popular celebrities' Instagram pics. These will show you what's in fashion right now and the individual quirks of the celebrities.^{[4]
X
Research source}
5
Check out the mall at least once or twice each two weeks. Look at online stores too.
6
Follow fashion trends in music videos, art and literature.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Developing Your Own Style

1
Search through your own closet first. In order to be a fashion expert, you must know who you are and what your style is. Take a good look inside of your own closet. You may have outfits that can be totally revamped and look the pinnacle of fashionable. A good tailor would be key in this situation to have things refitted for the new style you are trying to achieve. What you are looking for could be right under your nose!^{[5]
X
Research source}
2
Create your own fashion journal. Cut out clothes or styles that you like and paste them into your fashion journal. Write down a couple of your favorite outfits and say how you feel in them. Draw outfits on people, for different body sizes and shapes. What suits people.^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
Invest in classics. It's important to splurge on basics, because if you're going to wear something all the time, it better be high-quality and fit well. A cashmere cardigan, trench coat, string of pearls, pant suit, and little black dress will take you from season to season year to year. You could always find something very similar to it for less money, but it might tear or be itchy and uncomfortable.
4
Create a totally cool outfit that looks and feels great. Use matching colors and patterns. When you buy your clothes make sure they fit. You don't want them too tight or too baggy. Also make sure they feel good. Don't buy them if they make you itchy or very uncomfortable. Make sure that you feel confident in the clothes. If all the requirements are good then buy it!^{[7]
X
Research source}
5
Wear an outfit totally different then anybody else would. Mix match patterns and colors or maybe try leggings and a long shirt. Whatever it is make sure people would want to follow that trend. But don't make them.
6
Add accessories. From beads to earrings or rings to bracelets. You can add color and spunk to any outfit with accessories. Make sure that they match and they don't feel uncomfortable.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I identify matching designs?

Community Answer

You have to look at the two designs as a whole. Sometimes floral might work well with stripes; other times the same combo will look horrible because of the clothing or color. Try it on and see if it works. If you're not confident about it, don't wear it.
Question

What if my mom doesn't like what I like?

Community Answer

Talk to her about your tastes, listen to her concerns and try to find a compromise.
Question

How do I shop when my brother gets on the way?

Community Answer

Buy him a special treat to eat and then make him sit in a place. You can give your brother your phone so he can be occupied while you shop.

Warnings

Being yourself may require defensive and witty responses at times.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 35 Not Helpful 0
Avoid explaining where you got your clothing and how much it costs.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 116 Not Helpful 11
Never throw out fashion ideas, creations, etc.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 99 Not Helpful 10
Don't be too full of yourself.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 97 Not Helpful 16