The Celebrity Fashion Phenomenon

Who is your favorite movie star or television star? Have you ever wondered what their personal life was like? If you have, you're definitely not alone. It seems millions of us are interested in knowing the latest news or gossip about today's most popular stars. In addition to who is dating who, a lot of attention is also placed on celebrity fashions. Many people, particularly teenagers, wish that they could dress and look like one of their favorite celebrities. While this feeling is quite common, it also leaves many others questioning why.

When it comes to explaining the celebrity fashion phenomenon it is difficult to come up with a single answer as to why it is so popular. Different individuals like to look and dress like celebrities for different reasons. In essence though, there is a sense of idealism about celebrities, that they are living a life the rest of us could only dream of. Celebrities are like our alter-ego; we wish we could be just as beautiful and popular and it seems if we have what they have, we are closer to achieving our dream.

There is a downside to being so popular and well-known though. Many celebrities cannot leave their homes with out being recognised or followed by paparazzi everywhere they go. This seems to be the price of fame. However, there are many "everyday" individuals who wish that they had their own fan following or were as popular as their favourite star. Although dressing a certain way or carrying a certain handbag isn't necessarily guaranteed to make you more popular, some people, both men and women, will go to great lengths to be seen in the latest celebrity fashion trends.

In recent years, celebrities have become very well-known for their fashion choices. Indeed some celebrities seem to be famous for not much more than that! Award shows have become all about the fashion and every star who walks the red carpet is asked "Who are you wearing?" It is considered a major coup to have your designs worn by today's hottest star. And amazingly, cheap copies of the gowns worn at these shows are available to buy within 24 hours of the show being aired.

Finding celebrity gossip and information is becoming easier and easier. You can flip on the television and watch the latest celebrity news program or glance at the cover of a gossip magazine. But by far the biggest source of celebrity news and gossip is the internet and there are thousands of sites dedicated to exactly that purpose.

Although some might view the celebrity fashion phenomenon as an unhealthy obsession, there is actually really nothing wrong with keeping up with the latest in celebrity fashions. What you need to remember though is that just because it looks good on a celebrity, it doesn't necessarily mean that the same thing will look good on you. While as a teenager you can get away with wearing practically anything, if you are in your 20s, 30s and beyond and still blindly following the latest fashion trend regardless of whether it suits your body shape, you might want to reconsider your fashion habits.

Also, do you really want to be seen wearing something that is instantly recognisable as being a certain brand and that a lot of other people will also be wearing? Having 'style' is about far more than just your clothes and it is important to dress in a way that truly suits not only your body but also your lifestyle and career.

Price is another issue. Many celebrities have unlimited financial resources so the cost of clothing and fashion accessories isn't an issue for them, but it may for you. Of course you can dress like a celebrity if you want to, but you need to remember that celebrity fashions change regularly. There is point going broke trying to afford the "hottest" trend that may only last for a few weeks.

In short, while the celebrity fashion phenomenon won't be over anytime soon, you should approach with caution. Fame and fortune don't necessarily equal good taste, so always choose clothes and accessories that are flattering for your body and appropriate for your lifestyle.

Susan Lockhart is a qualified Image Consultant in Brisbane, Australia and owner of Synergy Image Consulting. Learn how to make the most of your appearance and dress for success, no matter what size, age or shape you are. Discover the most comprehensive personal styling program available online! You could have your own personal style portfolio in just minutes by visiting