Classic styles still winning

When I was asked to write the fashion column, I was, to say the least, completely shocked…. When I was asked to write the fashion column, I was, to say the least, completely shocked. My fashion knowledge is limited to the fact that I subscribe to several fashion magazines and occasionally catch an episode of “What Not to Wear” or “Look for Less.”

I manage to get dressed every day without it being a complete disaster, but to say I’m on the cutting edge of fashion is simply not true.

My fashion sense is uncomplicated. I own very few articles of clothing that aren’t solid colors. I probably own around 50 favorite Ts from the Gap. I’m not joking.

I’m big on classic staples: Ts, jeans, A-line skirts, tank tops, black dress pants, sandals, diamond earrings, a strand of pearls. I have three pairs of flats for every pair of heels. I’m very complicated in other aspects of my life — I prefer to be simple when it comes to fashion.

However, after considering my qualifications for writing this column, I decided that fashion really only boils down to one thing: Adopt the trends that work for you.

Basically, what I’m saying is that just because you can pull off the skinny jean with heels does not mean you can pull off the skinny jean with a ballet flat.

Fashion is not so much about following every trend listed in Vogue, but picking and choosing the styles that work best with your body type and own personal style.

The patent-leather, peep-toe pumps are really cute, but I don’t think I have what it takes to pull them off. After years of wearing T-shirts with jeans and flats, I’d have a heck of a time incorporating patent leather into my wardrobe.

Furthermore, the animal prints that are so in for fall are so not for me. I’d feel like a fraud wearing leopard-print pumps. I’m not Lindsay Lohan, and I’m OK with that. My lone pair of black heels suits me just fine.

However, I found that the T-shirts, tunics, tank tops and sweaters that are long in length work perfectly for me because I’m tall and rather long-torsoed. A smaller person might get lost in the long lengths, but they work for taller people.

As a college student, I was thrilled when magazines started featuring ridiculously large bags. I’ve been carrying bags large enough to comfortably house a laptop and a puppy for years. The oversized bag eliminates the need for the cumbersome messenger bag or lackluster backpack. Tossing all of the essentials in a large tote makes life easy while pulling the whole look together.

One of the biggest misconceptions about fashion is that it costs a lot of money to look fantastic. I’m not big on labels. As far as I’m concerned, a $14 tote from Old Navy is just as cute and functional as any Coach bag, but you won’t have a panic attack if you set it down in spilled coffee or your lip gloss explodes in it.

I maintain that the best thing going on in fashion right now is its diversity. Flip through any fashion magazine and you’re bound to find something that appeals to you … just don’t let everything appeal to you. Being trendy is one thing, but knowing which trends work for you is what makes a look timeless.

That being said, the one trend that I absolutely despise on most everyone is the miniskirt-and-leggings ensemble. I don’t care if you’re built like an Olsen twin — it looks completely ridiculous.

Go ahead, try and defend the miniskirt-and-leggings look. E-mail Annie at annietubbs@gmail.com.