The world of fashion has its dos and don’ts. Not knowing basic fashion rules can cause a big runaway failure. But on the other hand, knowing them gives you some power.
Not everyone needs to be a fashionista, but everyone can use basic fashion rules. To look and feel better and maybe impress a friend or two.
So, today I’ll present you the secret code to fashion which will allow you to pick the right clothes and style them properly. I promise you many “Aha” moments along the way!
What Are Basic Fashion Rules?
There are two main categories of fashion – runaways and magazines fashion and the daily, casual one. We will stick to the last one because from this one, my dear reader, we all can benefit the most.
For sure you’ve heard from your mum and grandma that black and white create an elegant combination, formal church shoes should not be worn at home, and showing too much skin is not appropriate.
Well, guess what – there is way more to these rules nowadays. Basic fashion rules are the rules that – no matter the outfit – make you look gorgeous.
Ready to get to know them?
Basic Fashion Rules #1 – Check Your Outfit Before You Go Out
Stains, wrinkles, or dents can cheapen the best outfit. Not checking if your outfit is presentable before going out is the first fashion mistake one can commit.
I am not saying you need to look perfect – but not putting a minimum effort to present yourself cleanly and neatly for your friends, coworkers or even Aliexpress courier is not nice.
Also, dog hair on your button-shirt can lower your appearance as well. Been there, and done that as a dog owner. The thing that saves my outfit every time is… the cleaning roller. Such a small gadget and can add up +10% to neatness.
Get the magical rollers and never again run out with a kilogram of dog hair on your shirt.
#2 Mind Your Fit
Now before you tell me how fashionable oversized clothes are, let’s start from the other extreme. Too tight fit – a big no.
If your underwear lines are visible under the fabric and your gorgeous body is squeezed in the garment like it is a piece of Thanksgiving ham… well, not fun.
I have nothing against oversized clothes, but maximally two sizes up is perfect enough. Too baggy clothes make you lose your proportions.
Whenever you buy an item online, make sure you pick the right size. In such situations, proper measuring tape comes in handy.
#3 It’s Better to Be Overdressed Than Underdressed
Dress codes and occasions are confusing sometimes – you’ve been invited to a party, but you are not sure if a fancy dress and heels would be welcomed.
As long as a dress code for a swimming pool is relatively easy, it is hard to know what to wear for each occasion. Especially in modern times when freedom is embraced so much, you can put a lot of effort into looking fashionable and professional, then you arrive at the office, and… your colleague comes in a hoodie and a pair of leggings with ketchup stains here and there.
Whenever you have a moment of doubt, follow one of the basic fashion rules and dress up nicely. Overdressed is better than underdress. This way you show respect to the host – when it’s an event – to your friends – when it’s a meeting – and to your boss and coworkers – when it’s business-related.
#4 Proportions Matter
If you put on an expensive dress but it will make your body lose its proportions, all is in vain. It seems like a hard skill, but in reality, it is not.
Common, I’ll share a secret with you. If you pay attention to this one thing, everything else will be fine.
So. Expose the waist.
Yes, so simple, yet so powerful. Make sure to show your waist with a belt or anything else and choose the designs that expose it. If you hide the waist (and btw, you do not have to have a thin one!), then you start looking like a geometric shape.
Not always, of course. But better to be safe than sorry – so show this waist to the world!
#5 Quality Over Quantity
A bunch of cheap T-shirts that last a month will not compare to one decent button shirt. And no, you don’t need to spend a bunch of money on clothes (PS I don’t either!). It is just enough to select better quality items.
You do not need to always aim at silk and cashmere – polyester is fine. But as you have probably noticed, some categories of polyester look cheap and horrible while others look stunning.
So always make sure that your clothes look expensive, even when buying cheap.
#6 Use Accessories That Match And Don’t Clatch
Using accessories well is another of the basic fashion rules. Don’t mix gold and silver – easy. Don’t over-accessorize – tempting, but manageable. Wear jewelry that matches your beauty type – well, how do you do this?
I’m coming to rescue you! I have a whole e-book for each beauty type that contains a guide for jewelry for your beauty type. Find out which metals look best on you and shine with them.
When it comes to jewelry, it is better to have less than to overdo it. Be mindful of that whenever you are tempted to add just another bracelet to your outfit.
#7 Combine Colors Mindfully
Combining colors is not that easy. You can get crazy here, but make sure there is a cohesive element to your outfit.
For example, shades are the same (pastels, vibrant colors, early shades, etc.), the vibe is the same (muted, happy, elegant) or there is a pattern that tights it all together.
Play around but remember your outfit is a piece of art. Make it a stunning one.
Basic Fashion Rules And You
The basic fashion rules you learned in this article may not save the world, but they can certainly save your outfit.
Fashion is the area in which the small details matter the most. But hey, now you know where to start your fashion journey.
Make sure to bookmark this page to come back to it later!
Oh and out of curiosity – which of the basic fashion rules was new to you? Let me know!