Do you have fashion rules for yourself? Are there fashion rules you religiously follow? I have found over the years that I have some fashion rules that did not start out as rules. They were really just habits that I noticed that finally one day, I found myself saying, "I never wear.....". Here are some that I've noticed that I have:
1. I only wear bracelets on one arm (left). This is one I'm willing to reconsider. I see pictures of bracelets on both arms; it's just not me. But this really isn't set in stone.
2. If I wear a belt, I don't wear a statement necklace. I might wear a small sentimental necklace, but not a full necklace. It just feels too busy for me when I've tried it. Like I've got too much going on.
3. If I expose full arms or alot of upper body (I have absolutely no cleaveage so that's really not an issue), then I cover up more on bottom. If I wear something shorter on bottom, then I keep things covered more on top. I wore a short skirt a couple of summers ago, the first one I had worn in years. I tried to wear a tank top with it and felt like a complete hooch!
4. As a rule, I don't wear toe rings or anklets. Again, don't really know why, but this is a hard and fast one.
5. Generally, I don't wear heals with a short skirt. I see this look on others and it looks great. On me, I look like I'm trolling the streets......not exactly the look I'm going for.
6. I don't wear jewelry sets. Like a matching necklace and earrings. I don't do matching.
7. If I wear a statment (large) necklace, I keep my earrings small. Again, it just feels like there's too much going on.
8. My rule of thumb for an outfit is that I don't wear it if I don't feel fabulous in it. I tend to place more importance on how an outfit makes me feel than how I look in it. I'm not talking comfort. Goodness knows, I'll sacrifice comfort for a great look EVERY. DAY. OF. THE. WEEK. I want to feel pretty, or cute, or elegant or some other wonderful emotion in my clothes.
9. Last rule, when in doubt, usually it's a DON'T.
So these are my "rules". Personally, I think it's okay to have your own rules. Since their your own, you can break them anytime you want. What are yours?
This dress is vintage. I think around the 70s. I saw it one day at the thrift store and the pattern caught my eye. Sometimes I'll find myself liking something and I really can't explain why. But when I held it up, I thought, "Nah, that's just an old housewife dress". Then I went back in a few days later and saw it again. At that point, I was grabbing everything, no matter how outrageous and some things just because they were outrageous and trying them on over my clothes in front of a tri mirror. As soon as I put this on, it was LOVE BABY! I took it home (after paying for it, of course....) and washed it, hung it out to dry and then tried it with a pair of boots AND these clogs. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I even put it UNDER a white skirt and YYAAAHHHH...the fabulousness knows no bounds. I feel awesome in this dress! Bonus: Sweet Baby loves this on me!
Dress...... vintage thrifted ($1.50)
Belt......You know the deal...it's the SAME Michael Kors belt from TJ MAXX. ($At this point, this baby's priceless!?)
Clogs.......Coach(inherited from my mom)
The 30 for 30 is rotating 30 items of clothing for 30 days. http://scrapandrun.blogspot.com/2010/07/30-for-30.html
ReplyDeleteI left the message here because I wasn't sure if you subscribed to Kendi's replies or even if she'd answer.
Ha--I have learned the hard way that anything that strikes my fancy in a thrift store I had better buy NOW. Countless times I have gone back for and item and it's gone.
ReplyDeleteI do have some fashion rules, although I think mine are more attached to dressing situations. For example, I would never go bare armed to church--even in the summer time.
Terri, I can honestly say I don't think I have any situational rules. I know I basically overdress everywhere I go. But that really doesn't bother me. I dress for me. You are right about the thrift stores. Stuff can get gone quick! BTW, loved your post yesterday. Very thoughtful and well put.
ReplyDeleteSerene~all of your rules are the same guidelines I go by (of course!) I had to laugh; I am always overdressed also! I try and not be too crazy about my guidlines, because I might miss something really good or close my mind to a path I may need to go down.....
ReplyDeleteLovin the clogs, gf!
I agree with most of your rules. I can wear a watch on my left arm, but a bracelet always has to be on my right. Like you it just doesn't feel right.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my blog. Sorry it took me so long to return the favor to you. My schedule has been crazy.
No Guilt Fashion
Also I follow 3 and 7.
ReplyDeleteSince I started following fashion blogs I have stepped out of my comfort zone with some of my others "rules."
I love making my own rules up too! Such as
ReplyDelete'belts are important to cinch the waist' . .
'high heels all the way'
'big rings are mandatory'
'a touch of red lips, if possible'
'no skanky tops with mini skirts'. .
actually you're inspiring me to think about my unconscious rules! :)
Don't you just love it when you go back to a vintage shop and the item you had your eye on is still there? Cross your fingers that happens to me tomorrow! I discovered a new vintage shop today and was on the fence about a dress... and now I want it and it might not be there when I go back!
ReplyDeleteThe only rule I have is don't waer unflattering clothing (I slip up sometimes), but for the most pathis is a good guideline. Under this rule I don't wear leggings as pants... often!