Fashion Rules!

When it comes to “fashion rules,” there are more specific ones (that for the most part don’t even apply anymore) like no white after Labor Day (screw that), don’t mix black and navy (yeah, right), etc. But there are some general rules that apply to everyone and these are the types of rules that aren’t meant to be broken…

Personally, I’m all about breaking the fashion rules. However, these are the ones I live by, therefore I follow them pretty religiously. Whether you’re stuck in a style rut or you feel overwhelmed with choices (and everything in between) here’s my version of the Tom Commandments 🙂

1. Wardrobe essentials aren’t necessarily universal.

I’ve already discussed this so I won’t bore you with details again but the blogosphere and magazines fill your head with all of these things that you NEED — closet must-haves, if you will. But if you don’t work in an environment that requires business / business casual and you hate fitted things, do you NEED a pencil skirt? I think not (as this applies to me…and do I look like I’d be comfortable in a pencil skirt when I wear things like this?) We all have our own version of wardrobe essentials but it just depends on your taste and lifestyle…so that’s something you figure out on your own as you discover your personal style. Do the blogs and magazines help? Maybe. But you don’t have to listen to everything we tell you (except these ten styles rules we’re talking about today!)

2. Dress for YOU…and nobody else.

I can’t imagine dressing to impress other people or even worse, a guy. The second you dress for someone else, the whole look just feels inauthentic and it’s obvious you’re not even comfortable in said look. Do you think I’m wearing lace overalls for someone else? YOU DO YOU. It feels so good. You should try it some time.

3. Just because it’s on trend, doesn’t mean you need it.

Denim on denim, matching sets, off-the-shoulder tops…if you love these things already and are excited to just see more options out there due to their trend status THEN GO FOR IT (but make sure you don’t end up looking like #trendsontrendsontrends…one at a time, now). But if you loathe Canadian tuxedos, can’t imagine wearing the same print / color on top AND the bottom, or you really prefer to cover up those shoulders, then ignore those damn trends! Trends are nice in theory, as it offers us options, but you don’t have to take it all so literally. You don’t even have to take them at all if you don’t want! Again, YOU DO YOU.

4. Don’t be afraid to take a risk, BUT…

If you don’t feel comfortable in it, don’t wear it. I’m so down for a good fashion risk but only if you feel comfortable taking that risk. Confidence is your #1 accessory in all style situations (or any situation for that matter) so if you feel good in that geometric Junya Watanabe top and skirt situation then OWN IT. If not, find a risk that works for you.

5. Size is just a number.

Many of us freak out when we have to go up a size or two because it’s never comforting to have to admit we’re a larger size. BUT with so many designers from all over the world who create garments very differently, it is OKAY to not be the same size all around. It’s pretty much impossible to always be the same size, actually. More often than not, I have to go up a size in Proenza but you know I still love them! When it comes to most British designers, I’m up a size as well (which looks like three, just according to how UK sizing works). No one is looking at that tag but you, so choose the size that actually fits you best and not by the size you think you are / hope to be (I’m talking to you Kim Kardashain).

6. There’s a difference between fashion and style…

Fashion is what you’re presented with and style is what you make of it. Don’t confuse the two. This is why you CAN afford it.

7. It’s all about balance.

I’m sure that’s one thing you’re quite sick of me talking about at this point, as it’s something I bring up in almost every WWW post. Whether it’s casual vs. dressy elements, proportion, high / low designers, etc…I’m all about a well-balanced look. It’s sort of like putting together a composed dish — well seasoned but not overly seasoned, balance of textures, acidity vs. fat, etc. If you can’t tell, this is why I love fashion and food so much…THEY’RE BASICALLY THE SAME THING.

8. Don’t fear change.

My style is constantly evolving. I don’t even dress the same I did two or three years ago. Your style changes over time and that’s okay…most likely a good thing! I used to wear a shit ton of color, was obsessed with neon, and was really about statement pieces. Now, I wear a lot of neutrals, I play with silhouettes more than color, and I know what I like so I stick to it (although a risk is thrown in there in small doses…see #4).

9. Always make an effort, but never look like you did.

What really made me understand fashion on a not-so-materialistic level is what putting an effort really did to my confidence. I think I’ve mentioned in either a podcast episode and maybe a blog post that I sort of gave up in college — wore real sweatpants to class (not the cute ones you can wear in public), stopped wearing makeup, etc. This isn’t to say that you should be wearing a dress and heels with a full face everyday…because I don’t even do that, like ever. But putting an extra five minutes of effort into your look (whether it’s fashion, beauty or both) makes ALL the difference. And your confidence will be through the roof. Trust me on this one.

10. We have to get dressed everyday, so why not have fun with it?

Quote I’ve lived by since day one of ChiCityFashion inception. Seriously, WHY NOT?! Back to fashion and food, I think about them the same way. We have to eat everyday too, so why not have fun with that? Being able to express yourself — whether through food, fashion, art, music, WHATEVER — feels DAMN GOOD. And friends…I want you to feel DAMN GOOD.

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So those are just a few rules I like to live by when it comes to fashion and style. Do you agree? Or are you just a rule breaker at heart? Are there any style rules you live by?

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