As I've grown older and paid more and more attention to how I dress and why I dress the way I do, I have come to notice that my style, although not dictated by any initial rules, inherently follows several unwritten, unintentional guidelines. Through deliberate introspection, I have isolated twenty of these, and outlined them below to give you, reader, a better sense of what sort of fashionista I am. *Just remember, style is individual-- you don't have to follow any "rules" unless you so desire. Keep in mind, too, that there are always exceptions to every "rule."*
Now, without further ado...CTS's 20 Clothing Commandments:
1. Pair a loose article with something tight, not loose and loose or tight and tight.
2. Wear neutrals and add one taste of an accent color.
3. No white pants. (They're too bright and therefore too loud.)
4. Base outfits in the default color black, not white. Build up from a foundation of black.
5. Wear jewelry/accessories only if they contribute to an outfit’s overall completeness. Be as minimalist as possible, or you may look as though you are trying too hard. I only add a simple necklace if it is something the outfit needs.
6. Be simple, but choose minimalist pieces which are unique and fashion-forward. Why buy three pairs of ordinary jeans when you can buy one pair of cool but simple navy culottes? Your unique basic pieces are what will set you apart from the crowd.
7. Don’t buy anything in any material you don’t enjoy feeling on your body. Don't buy something unless you'll be excited to put it on in the morning and then to wear it all day. Fashion should make you happy, or else it you are doing it wrong.
8. Don’t buy/wear anything which required large alterations (for modesty, for example). An application: shrug sweaters are tacky, nine times out of ten. Just wear something else. Don't buy something unless it is absolutely ready to wear, as is, or will be after only minimal work. If you want a project, go for it, but don't try to force a square peg into a round hole.
9. Too much skin is not cute. Moderation in fashion is so important, in order to introduce and preserve class. Really great stylists and fashion icons recognize the happy medium, when it looks good to show a bit of leg or arm. (Related to tip no. 1.)
10. Balance is key. (See no. 1 and 9.)
11. Don’t mix patterns. That creates an outfit that is too busy, too loud, too confusing, too distracting...
12. Don’t mix colors unless all but one is a neutral. Maintain subtlety.
13. Don’t mix varying shades.
14. No denim on denim. I don't care what ASOS wants to sell you; only the greatest of talents can make it work.
15. Don’t shop when you’re feeling rushed or stressed. Not good for the creative juices, nor for your wallet, nor your closet.
16. Make trends work for you, not the other way around. Pick and choose, rather than miserably fitting yourself into the mold. My fashion journey began as a way to fit in-- I picked trends that were the most popular, even when they made me miserable. For example, jeans in cold weather irritate my skin horribly, but everyone at school was wearing skinnies in December. What did I do? I wore leggings under skinny jeans and was horrifically uncomfortable all through high school. Then, I changed my mind. Now, I follow trends only so far as they are serving me, not the other way around. If you are a slave to trends, you're doing it wrong. Fashion and style should enlarge you, complete you, magnify you and your happiness, bring you absolute joy...not make you shrink down into a cramped mold.
17. Always add a special touch that is all your own. Plain, average outfit? Add a dash of the unexpected, a signature flare. Interesting socks poking out of your shoes, a silk scarf, a vest...the possibilities, as I like to say so often, are endless.
18. Always dress a little nicer rather than a little more casual. Sets you apart from the masses, and gives you a safety net for social situations. An easy way to eliminate the worry of accidentally dressing down.
19. Don’t go outside unless you feel confident in your outfit. A good presentation means one less thing to worry about during the day and can really help you to have a positive experience in whatever you do. As a girl with anxiety, this philosophy goes a long way for me.
20. Turn a problem into a fashion statement. Approach everything with the mindset of meeting a creative and artistic challenge. Hitting some limits or wardrobe constrictions? Let those issues stimulate your imagination and do something truly fantastic.
Of course, my cardinal rule is: dress for you, not for anyone else. Happy creating, artists!
Got any "rules" or philosophies of your own? What unwritten beliefs guide your style? We'd love to know! Share in the comments.