HAS a friend ever suggested a particular item of clothing to you that just made you go: “Ugh, I wouldn’t wear that in million years, not if you paid me, not if my life depended on it!”?

Over the years, there have been fashion trends that have made me cringe. However, I’ve recently become more accepting of some of the more “out there” trends.

Sometimes, you just have to be open-minded and go with what’s in. After all, it might be here to stay!

Here are a few trendy fashion items I wouldn’t have touched with a 10-metre pole three years ago, but are now hanging in my closet among my list of favourites.

The BF shirt

My clothes have always been tighter than tight, so wearing anything loose that remotely resembled something a man would wear was out of the question.

Lately, however, this trend has become unavoidable – just walk into a boutique and you’re immediately hit by rows and rows of loose-fitting, man’s-shirt-inspired trends.

These shirts look awesome when paired with jeans, leggings, and if done correctly, chic office skirts.

High-waisted pants

High-waisted pants are all the rage now.

That’s so 1980s, you say. True, but they’ve made a comeback and are burning up store racks and closets worldwide.

Remember the awful “muffin tops”, seen on people who were not super skinny enough to wear the once-fashionable low-waisted and hipsters jeans?

In contrast, looking great in high-waisted pants is almost guaranteed.
With pants like these, depending on whether they are heavily detailed (buckles, buttons etc), you can throw on serious-looking blouses, or even fun, ruffled/beaded tops.

For example, if you work in a corporate environment but don’t want to look too official for after-dinner drinks, just bring along a nice top to pair with the pants for the evening and throw on a few accessories.

Chunky/large rings

As I type on this keyboard, I can feel the weight of my huge ring weighing my left hand down but it’s alright, because it looks fabulous!

Chunky rings are awesome! Well, don't wear them all at once, though.

Rings were never my thing, but those large-stoned, quirkily styled ones from Diva, Forever 21 and Aldo are simply irresistable.

Sometimes all you need to look a little more dressy than usual is one great ring. If you work in an environment that frowns upon dangly earrings and jingly bangles, one way to look fashionable but still chic and professional is to wear a stylish ring. Avoid ones that look too cutesy with ribbons and cartoon characters on them and go for stones and faux jewels.

Asymmetrical tops and dresses

Many of us need to feel “balanced” in our lives – whether it is something serious like our diet and lifestyle, or frivolous like having pockets on both sides of our shirts and matching earrings. Usually, most of us are reluctant to try anything that may look too lopsided.

Such was my issue with one-shoulder tops/dresses, or tops with sleeves that weren’t the same length. However, (thanks to my fabulous BFF, as well as Kim Kardashian), I’ve begun to accept that this trend is great for just about everyone.

Kim Kardashian rocking an asymmetrical dress.

There’s the sex appeal of the outfit without being overly revealing, while making you stand out at a party.

Having heaps of detailing (beads, embellishments, ruffles, bows) on just one shoulder draw the right amount of attention – be sure to wear your hair in an up-do or if your hair is down, make sure you flip it back oh-so-occasionally to show off that lovely shoulder.