Recently I was watching the new season of American Idol.  I love singing (other people’s. I’m practically tone deaf) and I love a dream. Idol delivers. But what really raised my well groomed ‘brows was Jennifer Lopez’s ensemble; long sleeved denim midriff shirt, slouchy boyfriend jeans, and white heels.  I did a double take and asked the obvious question… Where did she get her time travel machine from? I’d also like to make a cameo appearance in 1985 on the set of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

The same weekend I viewed this get up – because let’s keep it real, that wasn’t an outfit. It was a get up.  I was at a charming afternoon soiree where talk turned inevitably towards fashion. Specifically tricky trends. Like the 1980’s reboot which is happening in store right now. And on American Idol.

First up? Neon. To keep it Idol themed. I vote yes. In moderation. Here’s the maths:

One neon pink silk cami + one pair white jeans = two piece fabulous ensemble.

One neon pink silk cami + one pair neon orange jeans = two toned glow stick.

Next agenda time? Plether shorts. You know how I feel about pretend leather. Might as well wear a plastic garbage bag. It gives you the same result. Sweat. So that’s a no from me.

Moving onto double denim. With a midriff twist.

Let’s break down the 2 x denim first. Yes vote from me. But treat this tricky trend with a light tread. Don’t work the same hue. The result?  Prison-esque. Totally fine if you are in fact locked up in the big house. But not so much if you’re free range. I pair my denim shirt (Anthropolgie on sale. Bargain. Diesel does a cool version also.) with skinnies. Black, white, or grey.

As for the midriff? I vote no. Why? Visible muffin top at 8am on a Tuesday? No, thank you. There is however, one notable exception… If you have J Lo’s abs. In which case, ignore a top altogether and do underwear as outerwear. Specifically, just wear a bra/bikini top. Out. All the time. Why have a washboard if you can’t showcase?

Finally, print knits. These are back in a big way. I hear what you’re saying. I’m seeing the cringe. And… I agree… The subtext on Mark Darcy’s (played by Colin Firth) red nose reindeer knit in Bridget Jones Diary? Ugly print knitwear will burn all your fashion street cred and people’s eyes if worn.

Until I realised print knits can look completely fab if you choose the right one… My pick? A grey Seed knit with a neon pink tiger face on it. It goes excellently with Katy Perry’s song ‘Roar’.  Rock n’ roll validation? Tick.

Plus not only is this cool looking, it’s also super efficient. It covers two tricky trends in one – neon and print knit.

Still not convinced? I’ve had so many peops ask me where I got it, I’ve taken to leaving the label hanging out. I point. They purchase.