To some, the phrase "Kansas Couture" may seem like an oxymoron. Some may say that Midwesterners' glamour goes as far as cowboy boots, but it's much more than that. Contrary to popular belief, not all people living in Kansas run around in ten gallon hats and plaid shirts. Our style here is much more than that.. It's Kansas Couture.
However, not all the trends I see on the runways seem to be the most wearable to me. The sporty trend? I don't know about you, but I'd rather keep the gym clothes seperate from the couture. What I'm doing here is simply providing you with a guide to wearing the craziest fads while still looking presentable even in Kansas. It's still couture.. It's just Kansas Couture.

Colored Denim

Colored denim in Teen Vogue June/July

For many people, the idea of wearing bright or statement shorts seems a little scary. However, if these neon cutoffs are paired with something more neutral, the outfit becomes more practical and age appropriate. Try a gray tank top or other solid to tone down the brightness of the shorts. 

From crossroadstrainingco.com

For example, in this picture the hot pink shorts are toned down with a more neutral graphic t-shirt. If these shorts would have been paired with a brighter alternative, the outfit would be overkill and risking the possibility of looking like a toddler. So to conclude, neon shorts are a stylish alternative to blue jeans as long as the rest of the outfit is neutral.

Peplum Dresses

From whowhatwear.com

One trend that seems to be popping up everywhere is the peplum dress. This dress appear to be a normal dress, besides the excess of fabric around the waistline. What is it that people find attractive in this style? To me, it looks like the designer had some extra fabric and didn't know what else to do with it. Besides, who really wants to make the butt look bigger anyways?
However, some people buy into the peplum look because it makes your waist appear smaller and your hips appear larger. You don't have to wear excess fabric around your hips to achieve this. You could simply wear a wide belt around the smallest part of your waist.

This will create the same illusion of a smaller waist and fuller hips, while still looking attractive. High waisted pants will also give you the same effect, and plus they make your legs look longer.
Maybe it's because Kansans aren't always on top of the trends, but I do not think I will be buying a peplum dress anytime soon.

Colored Denim Shorts

Colored Denim Shorts by maddyfoster featuring vintage tortoise shell sunglasses

Chaser LA cropped shirt, $44
Black cotton shorts, $33
Oasis flat leather sandals, $38
Vintage tortoise shell sunglasses, $32