Must haves It's the catch-phrase of the magazines, the stores, the seasons. "The new poncho is this season's must-have," "You MUST have the green croc purse," "Stock up on all of fall's must-haves!" etc etc. Every season, a magical list emerges of things any mildly fashionable person cannot and should not do without, at the risk of ostracism from the civilized world.
DON'T FALL FOR THE HYPE! Just think about it. Who creates these lists? Oh, perhaps a few designers in Paris, Milan, and New York, but really it's the big department stores, the harvesters of fine mink, the purloiners of all things wearable. They know they can get you to buy yet another handbag in a subtly different shade of pink (you already own fuschia, magenta and deep rose, so why not a hot pink purse?), a skirt with a mild extra flair, a shoe with a slightly rounder toe. A minor change in clothing fashion can take over the world. And force you to buy something you didn't even know you needed!
Oh, no, I don't mean to say there isn't a fabulous delight in a perfectly shaped supple shoe or a delicious glimmering thing hanging from your wrist. These are the occasional (repeat, occasional) indulgences of the fashionable person.
But you're smarter. You know not to scoop up all twenty must-haves in the most trendy of colors every season. If you did, you'd be (1) broke (unless you're already a millionaire) and (2) buying everything all over again next season. Most trends that make it to the general retail stores (and ads and tv) are long past trendiness in places where trendy people hang out, so you're just wasting you money.
So, be smart and judicious in your choice of clothes. One seasonal item that takes on ONE trend (one that suits you and is likely to last more than just one season) is plenty. Do you need a pink tweed suit with a rose and three brooches on the lapel and fur trim all in one? No. Pick one trend you like.
Next, redefine MUST-HAVE. If everyone wore all the same must-haves, we'd be clones. Find things that suit you, and pair them with classics you know look good on you. A black dress that fits you well and makes you look great is a must have, but you won't find it on the seasonal shopping list. Make your own must-have list. What are the things you love? What would you wear if no one was looking? What are the things you would want to wear now and ten years from now? Look over your list lovingly. Pick it up when those MUST-HAVE headlines hit you. Let it console you when you reach for the rhinestone studded bathing suit.
Finally, remember, it may be designers who design, and stores who sell, and models who strut, but real people wear clothes, and real people set trends. So, before you fall for someone else's line about what you must have, think for yourself. You know what your own must-haves are already.