I'm no fashion expert, but occasionally someone will ask me to help her shop for clothes. This always catches me off guard. I want to say, "You really should ask my sister. She's the one with great taste and patience for marathon shopping." But a few weeks ago when a friend asked me to help her pick out some new clothes, it occurred to me that I do have a few fashion rules. They aren't profound. They will not transform your life. But if your idea of fun casual wear is a Tigger hoodie and sweat pants then keep reading.
Rule #1 No More Than Three Accessories May Be Worn At A Time
Accessories can be any of the following: jewelry, hair clips, elaborate shoes, glasses that don't blend in, belts, etc. This is anything flashy that adds interest to an outfit. More than three and you just look cluttered or cross-dresserish. Right now I have on my wedding ring, beaded summer sandals, and a necklace. Adding a bracelet or a belt to my accessory list would put me over the limit.
Rule #2 If It Feels Like A Costume Don't Leave The House In It- Unless You're Going To A Costume Party
Confidence is beautiful. Awkwardness is not. If you like the peasant dress, but every time you put it on you feel like you should be an Italian woman living in the 1800's, then take it off and don't wear it in public! No matter how cute it is you'll just look uncomfortable.
I own a beautiful Chinese style top that I bought in China Town in San Fransisco. I've worn it once to a Chinese dinner party. I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it to the mall. It feels like a costume. So I treat it like a costume.
I do wear cowboy boots in public. Some people might feel like they were playing dress up in them, but I live in Texas and have one pair exclusively dedicated to horseback riding. I'm comfortable wearing cowboy boots to church, shopping, a fancy party, any where.
My point is, what feels like a costume to you may not to your best friend.
Rule #3 Build On A Good Foundation
It is very hard to feel confident in worn out panties! Throw them away and buy some that make you feel beautiful. If you haven't been measured for bra size, do it! Get measured where you plan to shop. When you find a style, stick with it.
Saggy, worn out looking breasts look good on no one!
And a panty line is never sexy! Ever wondered why there are so many cuts of panties? You can not buy only one cut and make it work for every outfit.
Rule #4 Know Your Age
I am 31 years old. I own jeans with lip shaped back pockets. Because I am 31 and have a far from perfect body, they fall into the costume category. They are reserved for the off chance that I get to go out dancing. That happens about once every 5 years.
I also put one of my favorite summer dresses in the donation box this year. I'm too old to wear mini halter dresses. It's just not pretty.
On the flip side, I know many people who dress too old. Getting older isn't about boring grandma clothes. If you think your clothes are too old, ask your self if your grandma would look good in them. If the answer is yes then take them to the Goodwill!
Rule #5 Take A Break
Save some of your outdated, or ugly but comfortable clothes for when you want to repaint the house or work in your yard. Take the pressure off yourself to always look good. And try to keep it in perspective. Spending an hour picking out an outfit and applying makeup just to go to Wal Mart doesn't make sense. But neither does wearing that old Six Flags t-shirt that you got your senior year of high school. Meet in the middle.
Rule #6 Realize The Purpose Of Clothes
The purpose of clothes on the most basic level is to cover our naked bodies. The purpose I'm talking about is a little deeper. Express your personality. You can tell a lot about someone by her clothes.
What works for me is taking a few minutes to pick out a functional outfit, but not trying on 10 things until I feel perfectly put together. I don't want to invest that much time. There are other things I'd rather do. And sometimes when I obsess about how I look I am over confident. Then I'm dressing to impress someone and that takes energy away from what I want to be accomplishing.
That's basically it. I hope it was helpful!
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