Why is rocking a new trend second nature for some, yet challenging for others? The reasons vary, really. Some people are simply too busy to cull ideas from Pinterest boards, fashion mags, and the like. Others find it tricky to step out of their comfort zone or don’t trust their own palate—and that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with recruiting the help of a good stylist. That’s where image consultants like Shannon Belsito come in. She works at the JC Studio (164 West 5th Avenue), a Parisian-style clothing salon that local designer Rozemerie Cuevas uses to design, showcase, and sell her sophisticated European-inspired line Jacqueline Conoir as well as her edgier, younger label, JAC.

In her time there, Belsito has come across her share of fad-weary shoppers reluctantly trying on a contemporary outfit—quite often with a little prodding from her.

“Once they get it on, they usually want to get it off right away,” says Belsito during a recent tour of Cuevas’s studio/boutique. “But I usually say, ‘Give it five minutes—just wear it for five minutes.’ And it ends up growing on them.”

For that they are most grateful, as Belsito’s regulars frequently like to report back on their bold new purchase.

“The most common comment I get from my clients is, ‘Thank you so much—that’s my favourite piece, and it’s the piece I get the most compliments on.’”

According to Belsito, one of the hottest (and sometimes hardest) looks to pull off for some of her trend-shy customers is colour blocking.

“The reason I say that is people are a little bit nervous in Vancouver about colour,” says Belsito. “But blocks of colour can be extremely flattering on the body if the blocking is in the right place.”

Her foolproof solution for newbies? Simple. Just buy a dress that’s done all the mixing and matching for you like the Jacqueline Conoir Shift Dress with Colour Blocking ($305). This super-stretchy, super-sexy backless number has a bright teal band right under the bust between the plum top and bordeaux skirt. The effect draws in the waist and accentuates the chest—very flattering indeed.

When it comes to pants, one of Belsito’s biggest challenges is convincing fashion’s faint of heart that there’s more to life than skinnies. That’s why this season, she’s all about introducing people to the idea of ’70s-inspired wide legs, which are currently all the rage in Europe. Belsito’s summer pick is the JAC full-leg pant in super-lightweight, faded blue chambray ($250). She suggests pairing these bell-bottomed beauties with a billowy tunic tucked in and either platforms or flat strappy sandals. But whichever shoe you choose, just make sure, the leg isn’t too short.

“I like my pants really long,” she says, noting, “the trend is to have them almost dusting the ground.”

Another brave bottom option is the pleated, high-waisted, baggy drop pant, an ’80s comeback kid if there ever was one. For those feeling self-conscious about how pleats might make their midsection look, Belsito suggests pairing off these pants with an untucked voluminous sheer blouse over a tank top. That way you still get a nice fitted silhouette underneath, but at the same time you have a little distraction coverage around the tummy area.

Now if drop pants sound a little too ’80s for your sensibilities, hold onto your hats. There’s more retro-inspired risk-taking where that came from.

“Big shoulder pads are coming in the fall,” says Belsito with a smile, before adding: “You’ve been forewarned.”