Overwhelmed by the “rules” of fashion?

When it comes to clothes and style there can be so many choices to make. If you ever feel like you’re in a rut or that you are hungry to change up your look but not sure how, you’re not alone.

I don’t subscribe to “fashion rules” like you MUST have a classic trench coat in your repertoire, although I love a pretty trench! I chose to see them as guidelines that you can use for when you are shopping, cleaning out your closet or putting together a new outfit. If something works for you, great! If not, don’t stress.

Some days I feel classic, chic and on top of my business!

Other days I feel breezy, youthful and I’m going on a lunch date with a friend!

Here’s the deal, we’re all growing and changing with the months and years. Heck, even in the middle of the week I go from feeling fierce to frilly and my closet has something for every mood. Our style changes with us. The folks that seem so effortlessly stylish don’t achieve this by accident. They follow some guidelines. These “rules” help guide you while you are out shopping, editing your closet or completely changing your image. Being “effortlessly” stylish takes some discipline but it doesn’t have to take hours and empty your account.

Here are the top 3 guidelines I use for my wardrobe.

#1. Does this bring me confidence or joy?

I read “ The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and she asks you to hold objects and ask yourself “ does this bring me joy?”. At first I thought it was a silly exercise but I suspended my disbelief for a minute. I went through my closet, held up clothes and asked myself if “ this” brought me joy. Holy Smokes guys! Not only did it help me get rid of some clutter that I never wore but it also helped sharpen my style and aesthetic. I learned even more about the choices I make and felt a deeper connection to my style.

That might sound crazy. To have a connection to my style, but trust me, the book digs deep on why you own the things in your life and it’s pretty amazing!

I read “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and the author asks you to hold objects and ask yourself “does this bring me joy?”. At first I thought it was a silly exercise but I suspended my disbelief for a minute. I went through my closet, held up clothes and asked myself if “this” brought me joy. Holy Smokes guys! Not only did it help me get rid of some clutter that I never wore but it also helped sharpen my style and aesthetic. I learned even more about the choices I make and felt a deeper connection to my style.

It might sound crazy to have a feeling or connection to my style, but it’s true.  Trust me, the book digs deep on why you own the things in your life and it’s pretty amazing!

Get the book here or click on the image.

I added to that phrase from the book the word confidence because I firmly believe if your clothes don’t give you a sense of confidence they’re not doing their job.  I don’t mean crazy bravery or anything, but when you KNOW you look good, you FEEL good! If you own something that doesn’t bring joy or confidence sell it or donate it. I don’t care if you just bought it. You won’t actually wear it in the long run anyway. Let it go and be glad you are that much wiser.

#2. Have “fun” in your closet.

This rule is a little vague, but let me explain. I don’t spend big bucks on jewelry. It’s not my thing. Jewelry is my fun time where I can add some statement to my outfit and not spend hundreds if I don’t want to. I also use accessories as a way to play with colors I otherwise don’t “think” I can wear, like yellow. If I change my mind and decide I don’t like it, it’s an easy and cheap fix, unlike a dress or top I bought when I was “fantasy shopping” that cost more and have a harder time selling.

I have my staple tops, skirts, dresses and pants. They never let me down. They are usually in black, white, brown and navy. But when the sun comes out from a long rainy week or my friend asks me out to brunch unexpectedly, I want to wear something that shows how excited I am to be alive! The next time you’re in your closet take a look around and see if you have some color or unique pieces in there and get them out to play!

#3. Does it fit? REALLY REALLY FIT?

You found this AMAZING dress but it’s a little long and the arms are pretty tight but you will manage because it’s GORGEOUS.

Don’t buy it! Unless you are going to tailor it as soon as you get home it’s never going to fit well. If it doesn’t fit well it’s not going to feel right and if it doesn’t feel right it’s not going to be worn. You might wear it once to a party. Rip it off when you get home and it stays in the back of the closet waiting for consignment/donate day. Trust me! I have gone through SO MUCH money and clothes learning this one lesson.

Ill fitting coats make people sad. This image came from a woman who bought cheap from China and it didn’t work out. You can read the whole story here.

I could go on and on. In fact, I will in later videos and posts, but for now, these 3 rules have gotten me far in life with my closet and I hope they help you too. I have learned what works, what doesn’t and saved boatloads of cash and space based on just these 3 guidelines. Everyone is different but one thing is the same. How you feel as a woman should be the top priority in your closet. The beautiful thing is you can follow these rules with any budget.

Money isn’t the secret weapon to style, you are.

What is your style? Classic/modern? Boho? Pin up/vintage? Edgy? Parisian? I have all 3 in my closet depending on my mood! Comment below or in the Facebook post with your favorite style!

css.php

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This