in and out in '08: Part 1

Here's the question I get asked constantly: "How do I know if what I'm wearing is outdated?" Because some people would rather be naked in public than wear an outdated trend, everyone wants to know which clothing items to keep in regular wardrobe rotation and which to pack away. 

My general rule is this: if something is available in stores RIGHT NOW, it's probably "In." If you are wearing an outfit that you could literally go out tomorrow and buy again (or at least, something like it), then you can probably rest easy.

Now, predicting trends is a little harder. You can keep tabs on all the celebs (involving WAY too much information about their dating lives and trips to rehab),  study your InStyle cover to cover, and spend LOTS of time/money shopping. You also have to be willing to proudly sport the "hits" and the "misses." 

You can drive yourself crazy trying to stay one step ahead of Mischa Barton, or you can forget about "in" vs. "out" and only buy clothes that fit you well, look good and make you feel hot. Something that fit you well and looked good last month will probably still fit you well and look good in 6 moths. You'll find that if you have a closet full of clothes that make you feel good, you won't care as much about staying ahead of the trends. And that kind of confidence never goes out of style!