From X Factor to Wow Factor

So now we know who is going to battle it out for that prized £1,000,000 recording contract?  Will the ultimate X Factor be Danni's protege Matt Cardle, Cheryl's Rebecca Ferguson or Simon's latest boy band sensation One Direction?  They are all very different in their performing styles and also in their fashion sense!

We don't have the services of personal stylists to  advise us on what to wear to our Christmas party so perhaps we should take a few minutes to look at the individual styles of the finalists to see what tips we can pick up from their choices and use them to create our own wow factor!

One Direction were brought together rather unexpectedly by Simon Cowell and they each have their own ideas about fashion.  But they have had to experiment with what suits them in the full glare of the public eye.    They do have youth on their side which means they are willing to try new ideas and can get away with some outfits that most of us would run a mile from!

But Harry (Styles), 16, Niall (Horan), 16, Zayn (Malik), 17, Liam (Payne), 17, and Louis (Tomlinson), 18, are on first-name terms with millions of X Factor fans.  Girls love their looks - especially Harry, whose shaggy mop of hair is kept under control with L'Oreal Studio Line Hot Curl Spray.

Guys admire their casual, accessible style, which looks cool without trying too hard. It's also affordable, since it is sourced almost entirely from the high street.  Apart from a brief skirmish with some very odd "Babygro"-like hooded jumpsuits from the Norwegian brand, One Piece, which specialises in the ultimate in chill-out wear, One Direction's style channels a mood which is streetwise, savvy, and a bit cute, boy-next-door.

They are generally suited by Topman and booted by Bench, Caterpillar, Run With Scissors' Men's Mighty Worker Boots from MandM Direct, or G Star Raw, although Louis prefers the eco-friendly shoes by Toms, and Niall likes Fred Perry vintage tennis trainers or retro Nike Dunks. They put a twist on the tailoring by wearing the jackets over granddad, no-button vests, tucking the trousers into their boots, and adding long draped scarves or snoods.

Their look has been described as a mix of rock, pop and Indie.  They do wear a lot of Topman, which is chosen by the X Factor stylist. The tailoring works because it is fashion-forward, cut for a skinny-fit and a bit Mod. And the jackets work with a pair of jeans, too."

Rebecca Ferguson is known to keep her style minimalistic and add a huge chunky ring to accessorize the outfit. She also knows how to glamorize herself by adding oomph to her dresses by wearing the right shoes which completely compliment the look. The Laura Scott lilac suede cross front stiletto shoes that were designed especially for Rebecca's performance was beautiful and did everything to enhance her outfit thoroughly.

Also her bags and clutches are a matter of envy for a number of women. Rebecca Ferguson keeps her style chic, classy and elegant when required with great ease. Her prim patent handbag with the camel coat dress and the clutch worth every women's lust which she flaunted at the Harry Potter premiere in London, were to die for.

It is more of carrying or wearing loud accessories which make a statement for Rebecca Ferguson than wearing an outfit which is too flashy or eye catching. It is simply this fact that makes her style so endearing. Her simple dress with perfect accessories is what makes her a true style icon.

And finally there is Matt Cardle. At 27 years old, Matt is a former painter and decorator who comes from Essex. His voice can be described as being like the Cold Play lead singer Chris Martin, and he seems well suited to that style of music. He can also play the guitar and is well known for wearing a hat and having quite an old fashioned look. Part of his appeal is that he is a good looking young man who is attractive to women who make up a large part of his following, though his grounded roots mean that he is a contestant that many male voters can also relate to.

So there we have it!!!  Just a few short weeks ago they were just ordinary people like you and me.  If they can look and act like stars then so can YOU with just a little thought about what you wear and those all important accessories!!!!!