How To Avoid Being a Fashion Victim

Worried that your new tie-on fur collar might clash with your knee-high boots and trench coat? Here's how to look fashionable without overdosing on the trends.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

1. Decide if you're wasting too much money on fads, by assessing the last five items you've purchased.

2. If three or more are touted as the season's "must-haves," you're in danger of being a fashion victim.

3. Examine your closet to see if more than half of your wardrobe is already out of style according to your favorite fashion sources.

4. Now, ask yourself if you are buying fashion fads because you really like them or you use them like a fashion security blanket.

5. If you decided you always buy all of the fads because you really like them, you're not telling the truth so you might as well just stop here.

6. If you decide you use fads as a fashion security blanket, follow the next steps.

7. Never wear more than two trends together if possible.

8. Stop referring to your clothing by designer (the Gucci jacket, the Dior bag) and just call them by the item name.

9. Before buying your next designer item, ask yourself if you'd like the item if it didn't have the chi chi logo: if yes, then buy it.

10. Never, ever wear your sunglasses indoors.

Tips:

Remember that celebrities often overdo trends for maximum photo impact; they may not translate well for you on a day-to-day basis.
Lots of fashion victims try to adopt the It Girl "bored look" as an accessory (as perfected by Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss and Chloe Sevigny). A cheerful disposition will separate you from the dour pack.
There's nothing wrong with designer labels. Just make sure you aren't hiding behind expensive clothes to mask other insecurities.