New Style in the New Year

2011 has just begun and what better time to switch up your style, even a little bit? Stores are still offering their post-Christmas clearance prices and new spring stuff is just arriving. If you've always wanted to try something new with your wardrobe, why not start right now?

• GIRLY: Never been the type to like delicate pieces? Why not try to incorporate a few into your closet. Spring is one of the best seasons for all things feminine--floral shirts, flouncy skirts and the cutest accessories abound. American Eagle has some great new things you can add in with your winter stuff now, or wait a few months to wear. Try the AE Layered Floral Cami ($34.50) or the AE Skinny Leather Belt ($19.50).
• EDGY: Ready for a little more 'rough & tumble'? You don't need a tough girl attitude to pull this style off (though it doesn't hurt!) Try the new AE Slouchy Jean ($39.95, in navy cloud) and the AE Jeweled T-Strap Sandal ($29.50)--they'll look extra-edgy together!
• SPORTY: Shying away from the 'jockette' look? Don't be--it can be totally fierce if you do it right. Start off with a bright jacket, like Hollister's Fountain Valley ($79.50, in red), put on a contrasting swimsuit underneath (Warner Springs, $39, in coral) and you'll be ready for some beach volleyball!
• CLASSIC: Don't mistake this for boring--it's actually preppy and professional. A&F has some great ways to try this out...like the Marisa button-down ($58)--it's the basic striped blouse with a colorful twist--or the Addison pants ($40.60)--twill pants go with everything and the cuffs are unexpected.

Make a fashion resolution in the new year...resolve to try something new and a little out of your comfort zone--you'll never know unless you try!

Fashion Mythbusters

If you've ever wondered "Can I actually wear two patterns together?" or "Is it really so bad to wear white after Labor Day?", then you've come to the right place! Thanks to the fabulous TLC show What Not to Wear, find out what you actually can wear that you may have thought was style taboo.

1. Black & Blue: Yes, they are very similar but that doesn't mean they're off-limits. Try pairing a bolder or lighter shade of blue with black to stand out, or accessorize with some hints of red or pink.
2. Gold & Silver: Most people prefer one over the other when it comes to jewelry, but if you see a gold necklace you just gotta have, will it totally clash with your silver bangles? No way! A better way to wear the two metals together is to wear necklaces or bracelets that combine the two in one, for a more cohesive look.
3. Horizontal Stripes Add Weight: Even though it sorta makes sense that horizontal lines would make you look wider, most people don't actually see this difference in others. But if you are self-conscious about a certain area of your body, skip the stripes there or minimize them by wearing a jacket or blazer.
4. If You're Tall, Skip The Heels: Heels elongate your legs and make even a simple outfit look classy. So maybe you're tall and have a long torso but shorter legs--wear heels! Or you want to add some edge to a simple tee and jeans--wear heels! But don't slouch, that just makes you look sloppy.
5. NEVER Mix Prints: This is an old rule that's gone out of fashion. In fact, mixing and matching prints has an accidental-chic look to it that's becoming very popular as vintage clothing is coming back into vogue. If you try this though, make sure to color-coordinate, pick one small print and one large (so they don't overwhelm each other and you) and be confident in your outfit choice. If you like the way you look, chances are others will, too!
6. Sparkle Is A Nighttime Thing: For this one, you've gotta be realistic about where you're headed during the day. If you've got a big meeting, don't wear a sparkly miniskirt with a blazer, hoping the niceness of the blazer will distract everyone from the bling-age. For work, stick to simple pieces with just a hint of sparkle or beading...even some sequined flats are appropriate. If you've got a great night planned with friends, you can be a little more bold but stay casual so you don't look trashy.
7. If You're Short, You Can't Wear Long Dresses: Just because you're on the small side doesn't mean you have to pass over that cute maxidress! You still want to make yourself look longer, though, so wear some wedge heels and pick a dress that's not too bold so it doesn't overwhelm your frame. And stand up straight!
8. Two Bolds Are Too Bold: Vibrant hues don't necessarily clash if you know how to wear them right. Bright accessories are a great way to bring in some color, and if you want to wear a lime green top with some orange shoes, go for it, but make sure your bottoms are more neutral to tone down the look.
9. Never Wear White After Labor Day (Or Before Memorial Day): Why has white been relegated to summer-only status? True, you should steer clear of white linen pants and anything else lightweight, but why not try more weather-appropriate forms of white such as boots, bags and coats?

There you have it--a list of many fashion-don'ts that are actually fashion-do's. So go out there and have fun with your outfits and don't be afraid to not play by the rules--as long as you look chic and have confidence, you'll look fabulous!