Personal Style Rules

by Christina

After a few years of watching fashion shows and being a slave to sale stickers and clearance signs, I decided it was time to make my own set of rules to keep myself looking my best and from wasting money. There is something about a discount that makes me do stupid things.(I'm looking at YOU sale room at Anthro! And the red sticker at Target. Danger!) So after spending some time purging my closet and trying on a lot of my own things I came up with my rules. Not yours or Tim Gunn's (love you, Tim!), mine, for my body and my lifestyle.

No pants above the ankle bone- a tiny crop is good but no more.

No shorts.

No paisley, plaid or dots.

No pastel pink or peach.

No red lipstick.

When it doubt, wear a heel.

If the model or mannequin doesn't look thin in it, neither will I.

No blond highlights.

No cleavage. (date night and swimwear excluded)

More is more- layer with items and with color.

Skirts must be just above the knee, no longer, no shorter.

Colored shoes make my heart happy.

So, how about you, do you have your own set of rules? If you do, share one or two, I'd love to hear them. And, if you don't, this may be a good time to think about it. Consider what makes you feel your best, what colors make you happy, what washes you out, or what mistake you make over and over. You'll look better and spend your money on items that you'll wear more often!

Comments

[elz]

I agree (and Tim does too), no cropped pants. Ever.

I guess my rules are classic with a twist- fun accessories, classic pieces, heels, polka dots or stripes a huge Yes, skirts, and dresses often. If it looks like something Jackie or Audrey or Princess Catherine would wear, then I will enjoy wearing it too!

[Kristen]

1) no skirts
2) nothing black
3) scarves make me happy
4) flats in many colors are awesome
5) skinny jeans look great when paired with ankle boots or flats -- knee high boots look like I'm trying too hard.

That was fun. :)

[Sarah Lena]

THIS IS SO AWESOME. I love your list.

1) Black, gray, and white are always allowable purchases. I cannot own too many black sweaters.

2) Punctuate with layers and jewel tones.

3) If I can't wear it to work, I don't need to own it.

4) I would rather spend the money to have a too-big garment made to fit perfectly than struggle to get into a smaller sized garment and then tug at it all day and feel like a sausage casing.

[Rebecca (Bearca)]

I'm not sure if mine are style rules; they may be more like fashion quirks! Anyway, here goes:

1) Absolutely no floral prints. I think they can occasionally look cute on others, but they are just a no-go for me. I have a weird hang-up that somehow relates to Laura Ingalls Wilder and prairie dresses worn by sister-wives. I KNOW.

2) I avoid classic tailored button-down shirts. I find them boring and prefer knits with fun detailing.

3) You can never have too many pairs of jeans. Or white t-shirts. Or aviator sunglasses.

4) If I am going to wear color, it has to be a strong color. I don't do pastels.

[Home Sweet Sarah]

- Always wear at least some makeup (eyeliner, mascara, blush, concealer, and lip gloss are musts for me)

- Buy two of everything you love (especially jeans, black t-shirts, cheap flip-flops, etc.)

- Never buy full-price Target jewelry

- When in doubt, wear diamonds

- HEELS. Always heels

[auntie]

So...when you say "no crops", do you mean capris? Mid-calf? I'm not sure what the distinction is there.

I've always been a big fan of buying one in every color (that looks good on ME) when I find something I love. And I'm loving the rule above from @Sarah Lena of "If I can't wear it to work, I don't need to own it." Actually, most of Sarah Lena's style rules apply to me...I have eleventy billion black sweaters and just as many jewel tone and/or patterned cami's to layer underneath.

Yay for personal style rules! I need to think on this a little more because I'm sure there are a couple other things I should make as rules for myself :)