I've been told quite often that I have a fun style and people often say they wish they could "pull off" something similar themselves, or they want me to go shopping with them and pick out their wardrobe for them. To be totally honest, I'm not really sure why people think they can't wear what I'm wearing. I just wear what I like and what makes me feel good. That's really the secret: Confidence.
Here's the thing. It all boils down to "owning" your look. Act confident and you'll look confident. If you like something, wear it. I don't care if NO ONE ELSE is wearing it, it's "outdated", it breaks a cardinal "fashion rule", or whatever. If I like it, I wear it (and I apply the same theory to my hairstyle, fyi).
However, with that being said, I do have a few guidelines for myself that I always keep in mind when putting outfits together. These are highly specific to me in particular (my body-type, shape, size, style or color preferences) and may not necessarily work for you. But maybe they'll help you fine tune your own style.
1. Black and white are ALWAYS good colors. ALWAYS. A plain black or white tee can balance bright pants or accessories, or vice-versa. White gives the illusion of tan skin. Black is slimming and forgiving (just make sure your blacks or whites match each other if you go monochromatic!) And of course, black and white go stellar together - in fact it's my favorite combo, like EVER. (seriously, did you see my wedding? Haha)
2. Another way I balance my outfits is by wearing only one tight or form-fitting piece, and the other less so. Examples: Skinny jeans with a billowy blouse, or a fitted tee with flare leg pants or a full skirt. If top and bottom are both loose-fitting, you'll look sloppy and big. If top and bottom are both tight-fitting, you'll look (and feel) like a stuffed sausage.
3. WEAR YOUR TRUE SIZE. Don't squeeze into pants that cut into you and cause muffin top just because you can't bear the thought of wearing one or two sizes bigger than you used to wear. Don't continue wearing large pieces that hang off of you after you've lost weight. I aim for my silhouette to look smooth regardless of what the tag says, not lumpy or lost in a circus tent.
4. Don't be afraid of thrift stores. Just plan to search a little harder and longer, and always wash your finds before wearing them.
5. Always cover your underwear. Sometimes when you bend over or twist, a bra strap, panty, or garment briefly becomes visible and that's just life. But your underwear (no matter what kind! I'm looking at you thong-wearers...) should NEVER show when doing normal things like standing, walking, sitting, etc. It's trashy.
6. When wearing (non-gym) leggings, I always cover my hips/bum with either a long tunic-style shirt, dress/skirt, or a long sweater.
7. NEVER WEAR TALL SOCKS WITH CAPRI PANTS. Personally, I only wear shoes that do not require socks with capris as I believe capris are meant for summer, and therefore, summer shoes, but if you must wear shoes that require socks with your capris, then for the love of all that is holy, wear ankle socks that cannot be seen above your shoe. I cannot think of a single thing uglier, more stupid, or more tacky that tall socks with capri pants.
8. It's ok to sacrifice comfort for style sometimes. Do you want to be fabulous or sloppy? If you wanted to be sloppy, you wouldn't be reading this blog post. THROW OUT those heinous crocs and get some platform stilettos already!
9. If you wear any type of sandal whatsoever, lotion your feet and trim your toe nails at the very least. Better yet: heal cracked heels, file callouses, and paint nails. Take care of your feet, don't be gross. People see them, TRUST ME.
10. Always dress according to the weather and the activity. If you're not sure, or you think it could change, bring a jacket or sweater and maybe even a change of shoes. Nothing worse that being stuck in a snow storm wearing sandals, or walking around the zoo for 3 hours in high heels.
Bonus tip: NEVER wear flip flops, athletic shoes, or dirty work boots (unless you're in the military) to church, weddings, funerals, or any other formal occasion. Grow up.
I hope this helps inspire you to create a unique style of your own. Questions? Comment below! 💃💅👠💄ðŸ’
