Hey there, Nikki!

I'm 16 and blessed with 110 lbs., curvy hips and a chest. And I'm proud of my curves! Though I love fashion, I don't have the money to keep up with those expensive trends. I want to look fashionable, of course, but my budget doesn't agree. Any advice for staying fashionable on a budget?

Mina

If you have the curves, then flaunt it, sister! Finding someone who appreciates her body is always a welcome breath of fresh air. I do wish people would learn to embrace what they have - curves, imperfections and all. That said, we come to the very serious task of sorting out your budget and fashion woes. I understand the perpetual empty wallets of teens but I applaud your desire to still look good. After all, you don't need expensive clothes to look fashionable.

Here are a few trends that I think should suit your age and should work for both school and your social life. Put these looks together easily by investing in a few key trend pieces and teaming with staples you already have.

The Androygnous Look: Is she or isn't she? - I'm not asking you to cross-dress but to tap into your masculine side. Channeling the androgynous look is all about going for a sophisticated and mature look (lots of confidence is a prerequisite), but not doing it the frilly, cutesy way. Go for body-hugging basics in black and top it with a structured jacket or blazer; leather or faux leather is a good place to start. If you're afraid of going over the top, opt for dark wash or a light-rinsed pair of distressed jeans, loose fitting tops, and a boyfriend blazer.

• Get the basics: Dark- or lightly-rinsed distressed skinny jeans, loose-fit V-neck tees, leggings, miniskirts, blazer
• Buy investment pieces: A faux leather jacket, liquid leggings
• How to wear: The structured shoulder is a bit tricky to pull off on blazers. If you have a small frame, choose one that's less form-fitting to give your figure a bit of volume. Girls with a bigger bust should get a blazer that's nipped at the waist to complement a more curvy figure. Also, remember to pick light fabrics to avoid unnecessary and unwanted bulk.

Sweet and Romantic: Modern-day Juliet - From looking spiffy to looking sweet, you can pull out the stops to look truly girly. Floral patterns, lace, sheer fabrics and embellishments like pearls and jewels are hitting the catwalks. You don't have to go all pink just to announce that you're fueled by estrogen and the Y chromosome. Because this look treads a fine line between tasteful and disastrous, make sure you downplay it. Just go for details: a hint of lace trim on a top, muted lace-patterned leggings, a floral print skirt, or even a string of pearls a la Blair Waldorf.

• Get the basics: Sheer tights, leggings, white blouses, hairbands with bows or embellishments, floral prints, plain black skirts, faux pearls
• Buy investment pieces: A semi-sheer blouse, lace-trim tops
• How to wear: Don't go overboard and end up looking like you're from another era. The key is to pick only essential item from this trend - a top, skirt, or accessories - and keep the rest simple.

Girls Out Loud: The Bold and the Beautiful - For those who have the irresistible urge to stand out in the crowd, this one's for you. Loud prints override the staple earth tones of autumn and winter. Attention-grabbing prints, patterns and colors carry a retro vibe, straight out of the 60s and 80s - definitely not your era, darling. Still, who says you can't pull this off? Go for "hot" colors like bright yellow, indigo, electric blue or hot pink with minidresses, clutches, miniskirts or tights.

• Get the basics: Jet black pieces, quirky fashion jewelry; think oversized plastic hoop earrings, chunky bracelets
• Buy investment pieces: Anything in a bold color. One item is more than enough.
• How to wear: Like the "Juliet" look, too much of the same can be disastrous so exercise subtlety and restraint. Let the pop of color or bold pattern on one piece be the focal point of your entire outfit. Less is always and definitely more.

Nikki

Hi Nikki!

A friend of mine showed me your website and I have fallen in love with all of your fashion tips. I have a question of my own for you. I just turned 20, have a great job, and finishing university soon. I'm also getting married next year, and 21 is right around the corner. I've realized that I'm not the same person I was when I was a teenager, but I'm still dressing that way. During my high school years, I stayed quiet and wore clothing that would not draw attention to me.

Now that I'm no longer that timid teenager, I've been trying to embrace my edgier side. I even switched my little diamond nose stud for a ring! I was hoping you could help me make a transition before I waste even more money on bland, boring t-shirts and basic denim. I'm no longer afraid to take risks and get noticed. What sort of things should I shop for that reflects the older, more comfortable, edgier twentysomething I've become?

Samantha

Oh wow, congratulations! You definitely have a lot of good things going for you! From t-shirts and denim to bridal gowns… That's quite a jump you want to make there, darling. But never fear, Nikki is here!

First and foremost, if you want to change your look, you should have confidence. It's the same quality you mustered upwhen you said yes to that marriage proposal, right? Strength and assertiveness go hand in hand with edginess. Only when you're truly comfortable with your body - flaws, warts and all - will you be able to pull off the look you want.

Second, understand your body type. I can never emphasize this enough. Knowing how your body is shaped makes it easier to figure out which parts to emphasize, which parts to downplay. Fads are great but if you wear them the wrong way, you end up drawing attention to unwanted parts. Pay attention to what your body is telling you and hide the fashion magazines under the bed. Say it after me: "Clothes don't wear me; I wear the clothes." Rinse. Repeat.

Right now, the trends seems to vacillate between two body types: the curvy and the "boyish" type. For curvy types, think Beyonce and Scarlett Johansson, who are known for their womanly appeal.

Pull off this look with the following pieces:

1. The Dress: Christian Dior popularized the 50s silhouette with this timeless piece. His dresses emphasized an hourglass figure: wasp waists, fitted bodices, and full skirts. If you're blessed with breasts, hips and a butt, this look is ideal. Opt for shirtdresses, peplum dresses that cinch at the waist and flow outward. Fun patterns like florals or stripes, and pieces made from cotton or chiffon will avoid making it look like office wear.


2. The Pencil Skirt: Nothing hugs your hips and waist like a pencil skirt does. Pair this with a short-sleeved blouse or a simple T-shirt tucked inside. Finish it off with a pair of heels, ballet flats or leather boots.


3. The Accessory: Belts are your best friends. Those flowy, flapper styles of the 20s only need a belt to transform those shapeless shifts into a va-va-voom look.

For those who have the rail-thin, "waif" look, layering is a pinch for them since added volume works for their type. The "boyish" body has small breasts, thin limbs and barely any hips at all.

Pull off this look with the following pieces:

1. The 1920s Flapper Style: This includes shift dresses, jumper dresses and anything that skims the body. Make sure the hem hits above the knee to keep it youthful and not dowdy. Pair these delicate pieces with metallic leggings and chunky knit cardigans, especially this winter.


2. The Menswear Style: Look long and lean in skinny jeans, a classic leather or faux leather motorcycle jacket and V-neck cardigan. Fedoras, ankle boots or oxford pumps, and quilted chain bags complete the look. For patterns, go for plaid, herringbone, houndstooth and tweed.


3. The Empire Waist: Think Jane Austen - her novels' heroines loved these style of dressing. Those with slimmer silhouettes will find this look easy to pull off. Choose frocks and shirts that are ruched or embellished at the bust with pleats, or gathers on the skirt.

As for your t-shirts and jeans, don't throw them away just yet. With all the cuts and colors available, you can play around with these details to come up with a whole new look. Distressed and destroyed, various washes from light to dark to acid wash - just adding this one piece to your outfit changes everything. The look of a floral print dress on a curvy figure, teamed with slashed leather leggings goes from cute to razor-sharp in an instant. Frayed skinny jeans in gradated or ombre tones plus blouse and flats look good on those waifish bodies.

Good luck with the makeover and best wishes, sweetie!

Nikki