Here are some fun trends to try out this winter season and be inspired by. Don't feel the need to conquer them all (unless you are just a super fashion enthusiast) but pick the ones that best suite you. Remember, each trend can be amped up or toned down in order to compliment your personal style.
And remember, fashion is meant to be fun...so enjoy!
*for further information on any item of apparel or accessory seen in this blog post, please visit my Polyvore account and view items at the link below
Animal print has become a staple to the modern woman's wardrobe. You can see it on everything from sneakers, to handbags and scarves. The key though is to take it in small doses and not to overdue it. If it is an entire animal print dress you are wearing, (like the one pictured above) then make sure everything else you wear is a solid color, no prints. Keep the focus on the dress. If you are wearing your animal print on an accessory, then limit it to just one item. The images below will give a good example of how to do just that.
Skinny scarves are super cool and sleek looking and have almost a rock star Steven Tyler kind of vibe. Throw them on with a simple white tee and jeans or with a beautiful dress and jacket and your set! Check out the looks below.
Oh sportswear, how you've won my affection! Ha. No seriously though, how cool is it that sportswear is not only something we throw on to grocery shop, run the kids around or work out in, but now we can even step out into the world feeling super trendy and stylish. And not to mention..super comfy! To pull it off with a trendy twist, only use one or two sportwear pieces at a time together. Wear the drop crotch pants with a pair of sandals or heels, dress your crew neck sweatshirt up with some sassy boots or sport those fun bright colored sneakers with an oversized sweater and skinny jeans.
Metallics can always be a little intimidating, especially when all extra shiny. If you aren't feeling up to lighting the entire room with your sparkly gold ensemble, just try it in one statement piece instead. A shiny metallic clutch with an all black dress or gold sequined sneakers with jeans. Regardless of where you choose to sport these eye catching shades you are sure to shine! Check out the example below of how to take a gold sleeveless tank and dress it up or down depending on your mood.
Patch Jeans are some what of a blast from the past and can be super fun to wear. Personally, less is more seems to apply here, but some designers are not holding back! Help keep a more mature look in your jeans by adding simple and more classic pieces like a nice wedge or boot and a solid color blouse. This will help keep the focus on the patches and the outfit from getting to overwhelming and busy.
The A-line silhouette is one of my absolute favorite. It seems to compliment just about any body type as long as you are willing to show some leg. You can wear this style skirt or dress year round by adding the right accessories. In the hotter months it blends perfectly with a sandal or high heel shoe and in the colder months is super chic with tights and ballet flats or boots. This fall try it in a tweed or heavier fabric and some colorful leggings or tights. 
Geometric print dresses were a huge hit in the 60s and have made their way back around to the fore front of fashion several times and this winter season is no exception. Geometric prints are such a fun way to bring art and color to your outfit with minimal effort. Get inspired by some of the looks and ensembles below.
Ahhh, Sneakers. I have always been a fan of sneaker, but I mean who isn't. This comfortable foot oasis is a vacation in comparison to a 4 inch stiletto yet what was once reserved for athletic wear is now a huge part of the fashion movement. Bright colors, crazy prints, wedges, low top or high, there are very few limits in the world of sneakers. So if you're looking for comfort but don't want to look like you just came from the gym, try a colorful pair with a fun print and add a crop top sweatshirt paired with a blousy pant. Below shows some fun styles and a way you can achieve that look.
Heardgear is crucial for the fall/winter months, especially if you reside anywhere in the north USA. This year you will see the wide brimmed wool hat come back in an array of colors. I absolutely love the cobalt blue fedora below with a slight turned up brim.
Backpack, backpack. (in the infamous Dora backpack tune! ha) is always easy and so helpful. Backpacks come in any shape, size and design these days and range from low price point to a thousand dollar find, but either way it goes they are super cool.
The shiny oxford always seems to have a nostalgic tap dance vibe to it and can be hard to pull off. But when paired with the right pieces, this classic style can evolve your outfit into something super hip. Try to avoid pairing with regular blue denim jeans and team up with a crisp black pant or jean instead. Or try it them with some tights and a skirt for a dressier vibe.
The infamous poncho. Nothing says fall more than a nice warm poncho and a pair of worn in boots. These long time favorites are an easy way to stay chic and comfortable this season. Throw it on with some dark denim and a pair of boots for an easy going yet trendy vibe.
Military khaki is all the rage right now and can be found just about anywhere in a multitude of options. Try H&M for some fun trendy pieces that won't break your bank. This famous shade of green is here to stay so find your favorite items of the season and channel your inner soldier.
These Aspen sweaters take me way back to a time in life when things were much simpler and so was my wardrobe. These comfy and sweaters exude a girly innocence and can make for some fabulous looks whether dressed up or down. Try to keep this look simple with a pair of jeans and sneaker or mid-calf boot.
