Confessions of a Fashion Editor
Look, I’ve been in this industry for 21 years now. That’s right, 21. I started back in 1998, fresh out of college, with a major in journalism and a minor in ‘how to accessorize like a pro’ (which honestly nobody asked for but here we are). I’ve seen trends come and go, and let me tell you, some of them should have stayed buried in the ’90s where they belonged.
I remember my first big fashion disaster. It was 1999, a conference in Austin, and I thought it was a good idea to wear a neon green suit with matching platform shoes. Let’s just say the photos from that day are locked away in a safe, never to see the light of day again. My friend Marcus (let’s call him Marcus because his real name is too embarrassing to share) still brings it up every time we meet for coffee at the place on 5th. He said, “You looked like a walking highlighter, Sarah.” Which… yeah. Fair enough.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t. And let me tell you, the fashion world can be brutally honest. I once wore a sequined dress to a black-tie event, thinking I was the epitome of elegance. My colleague named Dave took one look at me and said, “You look like a disco ball threw up on you.” Harsh, but probably accurate.
But it’s not all bad. I’ve also had my moments of glory. Remember the year of the maxi dress? I was all over that trend like white on rice. I looked like a million bucks, and I knew it. My friend Lisa told me, “You’re basically a fashion icon now.” High praise coming from her, considering she once told me my haircut made me look like a sheep.
Fashion Tips from the Trenches
So, what have I learned? First off, fit is everything. You can have the most expensive designer label, but if it doesn’t fit right, it’s gonna look like a sack of potatoes. I once spent $87 on a dress that looked amazing on the hanger but made me look like a stuffed sausage when I tried it on. Lesson learned: always try before you buy.
And don’t get me started on accessories. A little goes a long way. I made the mistake of wearing 17 bracelets at once last Tuesday. It was a disaster. I looked like a walking wind chime. My friend Marcus said, “You sound like a maraca factory.” Point taken.
Oh, and here’s a pro tip: if you’re gonna wear prints, make sure they’re not clashing. I once wore a zebra print top with leopard print pants. It was a fashion crime of epic proportions. My colleague Dave said, “You look like a walking zoo.” I mean, come on, even I know better than that.
Oh, and if you’re looking for some local fashion inspiration, check out Las Vegas local events this week. Trust me, they know their stuff.
A Digression: The Great Heel Debacle of 2015
Speaking of fashion disasters, let me tell you about the time I tried to wear stilettos to a red carpet event. I thought I was gonna be all glamorous and sophisticated. Instead, I tripped and fell flat on my face. It was humiliating. I looked like a turtle on its back, flailing around, trying to get up. My friend Lisa said, “You looked like a beached whale.” Thanks, Lisa. Really helpful.
But you know what? I laughed it off. Fashion is about having fun, right? It’s about expressing yourself and feeling good. And sometimes, it’s about making a complete fool of yourself and learning from your mistakes.
So, here’s my advice: wear what makes you feel good. Don’t worry about what’s trendy or what everyone else is wearing. Be true to yourself, and don’t be afraid to take risks. And for the love of all that is holy, please, please, please don’t wear neon green suits with matching platform shoes. Trust me on this one.
Oh, and if you’re ever in doubt, just remember: if it looks good on a hanger, it might not look good on you. And if it looks good on you, it might not look good on anyone else. It’s a crazy world out there, folks. But hey, that’s fashion for you.
About the Author: Sarah Johnson is a senior magazine editor with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. She’s seen it all, done it all, and lived to tell the tale. When she’s not writing about the latest fashion trends, she can be found sipping coffee and complaining about the state of modern fashion. You can find her on Twitter @SarahJFashion.
