Do’s and Don’ts: Fashion and Style

Happy Hump Day, dear readers! It’s Do’s and Don’ts Wednesday again and while we’ve covered various beauty and fashion trends, I thought today would be a good day to cover the basics. The basics? Yes, the basics — of fashion & style. We know how to do and not do color-blocking, as well as the faux-pas’ of vintage fashion and statement jewelry, but let’s rewind a little and get the important stuff down. So, without further ado, I give you the do’s & don’ts of fashion and style…

DO: Express yourself through fashion. While clothes serve the primary purpose of keeping you warm, it’s fashion that helps you make a statement. You can dress as bold or understated as you want; wear what makes you comfortable. Remember: You are the canvas and your wardrobe the paint. Go on and make a masterpiece!

DON’T: Be trendy for the sake of being. Trends come and go each season and it’s nearly impossible to keep up with all of them. Instead, find what suits your personality and own it — even if it was a trend from last season. In the words of Yves Saint Laurent, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.”

DO: Play with the unexpected. It can be easy to fall into a style slump; sometimes that slump lasts a lifetime. Whenever you start to feel like you’re missing something in the style department, switch things up with the unexpected. For instance, don’t be afraid to try bold colors if you normally wear all black. This could be the experiment that will help define the next phase of your style book.

DON’T: Hide beneath your clothes. The purpose of fashion is to accentuate the way you look — not hide it. Wearing oversized clothes not only looks sloppy, but also adds heft (visually) to your appearance. Instead, look for clothes that flatter your figure and best features. Similarly, don’t wear clothes that are too tight and constricting. That is never a good look.

DO: Keep your look balanced. From makeup to hair, clothes to accessories, the key to great style is balance. These elements should all mesh well and offset each other where necessary. For instance, if you go for a dramatic makeup look, keep your outfit understated. Similarly, if your outfit is bold and elaborate, keep your accessories minimal. Let the boldest element of your look (whether it’s makeup, hair or clothes) take center stage.

Are you a trend-setter or a follower? What do you think makes great style? Share your thoughts with us!