In honor of the New Year, I’ve recapped some of last year’s quintessential fashion favorites. Below you’ll find some of the most important fashion rules, pieces, trends, favorites, and tips to remember. Enjoy!

Fashion rules to remember:

1) Be comfortable; following trends only work if the trend suits you. If it doesn’t, you will feel like you are in a Halloween costume.

2) You don’t have to spend a lot of money to dress like a fashionista. Essential pieces can be found Forever 21 or in a thrift store.

3) Dress for your body type. Embrace things that work for your body.

Items that can go a long way in any wardrobe:

1) LBD “Little Black Dress” – This does not have to be traditional. It should be totally modern but versatile.

2) Boyfriend Blazer – This staple offers the ability to pull together your look without looking like you tried too hard. Think effortlessly cool. You can also choose other colors here besides traditional black.

3) Crisp White Blouse – The key word here is ‘crisp’ which is ironed and very tailored. This is a great piece to pair with a black skirt and heels for a sophisticated polish.

Hot trends to come:

1) Fringe – It started this season with boots and bags but fringe takes on a whole new position in spring! From sandals, to handbags and accessories, fringe will be a staple in your wardrobe for the “it” fashionista.

2) Color Pops – From neon green, hot pink and electric blue, color is everywhere from colored denim to bright sandals. Don’t be afraid of this trend, embrace color like you never have before.

3) Preps Cool – Perfect for transitional dressing from cool stripe espadrille sandals to kelly green slipper flats, “Preppy Chic” is back.

Bona Style favorites:

1) Hair Accessory -  Emi-Jay hair ties, not only are they the cutest hair ties that you have ever seen, but they also can double as cool BFF bracelets.

2) Jacket - A leather motorcycle jacket; one thing that you could never replace. It may take years to find the perfect one. If you don’t have this in your wardrobe I suggest you put this on your list to invest in.

3) Shoes – I have been obsessed with booties for a few months now. They are so comfortable and they go with everything.

Things to fashionably keep in mind:

1) Donate your old clothing - Donate first to an organization that will actually give the items freely to families in need. While organizations that turn around and sell donated items for a profit often benefit good causes, it’s nice to think that your gently used items will go directly to those that need them most.

2) Beach Fashion is still fashion -Local beach fashion, like the best way to approach fashion in general, is about mixing brands, designers and even trends to come up with the outfit that reflects the way you feel that day.

3) Don’t splurge - Resurrect an oldie but a goodie and put a new spin on it. Take an item that maybe you have worn before and rework your accessories, change your handbag, add a necklace or jacket to make it look different.

Happy New Year!

Fashionably Yours,

Melissa