Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Samantha,

The way you figure out what looks best on you is by research -- and that means, suprisingly enough, simply going shopping! And like anything else, the more you do of it, the more you'll know what looks good on you and what doesn't. It's a little bit of a trial and error process, I'm afraid. You've gotta be willing to take a lot of stuff into the dressing room and try it on even if you think it might not look very good on you. You never know what will look good, especially in the beginning when you're just getting to know your own style, or first investigating a new trend that's coming in. You might even want to try different sizes of the same garment to see which one fits you the best. Get yourself to the biggest mall you have access to, and start there. Finding your own style and what looks best on you is a matter of looking around to see what there is available to buy and choosing what you want to wear from what is available.

Approach shopping with an open mind, not a closed one. Be experimental! Take suggestions from the salespeople. Try and find a good "shopping buddy" who won't just tell you what you want to hear but will tell you the ugly truth -- someone who'll give it to you straight. Promise that you will do the same for her. If you're lucky, perhaps you have a friend who's such an experienced shopper that she can help you choose your wardrobe!

Use the three-way mirror. Contrary to popular belief, the mirror is ALWAYS your friend. It will be honest with you when no one else will be. Use it!

A big hint that will make things a lot easier is to wear a skirt and flip-flops for easy-off, easy-on access, because you'll be changing a zillion times. Also, be careful to hang everything up neatly, since you're going to be doing more trying than buying -- be nice to the salespeople!

When you've gone over the mall one time, it's time to start making some buying decisions. Go back and make a few purchases, and try to buy things that go together so your wardrobe will be coordinated and not a jumble of random colors and styles.

Good luck finding your own personal look! Remember, take your time, look around and try things on. The more time you spend, the more you will learn about yourself and about fashion.

Sincerely, Fashion Girl