Fashion Forward

Almost three years ago, my small red-headed niece, then four years old, stood in her ballet class and answered her teacher’s question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” with a single word: Beyonce. I kid you not. This was her hope and her dream. This, to her young mind, was as good as it gets, and I must say, I wholeheartedly agree. I am going to go out on a limb and say that Beyonce is one of the most amazing women in pop culture today.

And that is why Ms. Beyonce Knowles is the subject of this first fashion column of the school year. I know Fashion’s Night Out is tonight, and everyone around the world is excited for all of the festivities and giveaways, but something else momentous happened this week, something else worthy of note - it was Beyonce’s birthday, of course. Though without a doubt, I definitely will be heading out and enjoying the night Newbury Street style.

In honor of this important day, I would like to honor Beyonce in this small way. Thank you for inspiring women everywhere to make bold and strong choices, from the youngest in our societies, to the oldest. Beyonce’s style is unique, bright, and unapologetic at all times. It is this sort of confidence that the fashion sphere, and the whole world for that matter, needs to witness. Beyonce does it big despite what others say, and for that, she is a role model to many.

Beyonce has built her illustrious career on this fact. It seems she never takes a day off, and she always manages to wow, even now that she is busy being a mom to little Blue Ivy Carter. Although young Suri Cruise is often toted as the most stylish celebrity child (just check out her enviable collection of high heels!), I am sure Blue will give her a run for her money. How could she not with her mom’s closet to borrow from? She is one lucky little girl.

Beyonce’s style epitomizes a beautiful balance between masculine structure and a feminine feeling. She embraces clean lines and hard silhouettes, but can also make girly frocks look super wearable. Above all, her looks are always memorable. She is not afraid to use fashion as a means to convey a message of female empowerment that perfectly compliments her popular lyrics. Though Beyonce’s fashion choices may intimidate some, she doesn’t seem to be changing her tune for anyone. No woman does confidence on and off the stage quite like she does.

Not only can Beyonce rock pretty much anything she wears, but she is also a fashion entrepreneur in her own right. The star, along with her mother, is the mind behind the House of Dereon. The company’s tag line “Couture. Kick. Soul.” perfectly embodies Beyonce’s fashion sensibility, with an emphasis on soul. It is evident to anyone who has seen her most recent House of Dereon ad campaign that Beyonce feels passionately about the clothes on which she puts her name. She exudes confidence in each piece she models, and it is easy to imagine her wearing her own line.

One way to channel your inner Beyonce is to consider bold silhouettes, maybe seeking structured jackets with architecturally inspired shoulders. Consider one in a stunning fabric, or with an unusual twist. Derek Lam makes a strong sequined version that I would love to own, but is sadly out of my price range. Pattern is a staple in Beyonce’s wardrobe, and finding a cool jacket or blazer in a pattern you love will garner Beyonce-style attention even when you are heading to classes.

Pair a bold silhouette with a boldly hued lipstick to double the impact. Though orange ruled the summer months when it came to lipstick trends, cranberry is the “It” color for fall lips. With dozens of shade variations to choose from, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find the perfect one to complement your unique skin tone.

And to top off your Beyonce moment, shy away from conventional neutrals when it comes to the rest of your outfit. Instead, choose a more chic alternative, like this season’s wildly popular hunter green, as a backdrop for your louder pieces and busier patterns. Ditch black, grey, navy, and tan in favor of something a little different—think, “What would Beyonce do?”

This fall, I vow to take a cue from Beyonce and make confidence a main ingredient in each outfit I concoct. I will wear what I love. I will wear things that are bright and show stopping. And mainly, I will wear things I can dance in. In addition to her sparkly, fabulous wardrobe and her perfect life, I definitely want her dance moves.