Do you have any 'Style Rules'?

[WilburIsSomePig]

These days I generally believe that you should wear what the hell you like but I can clearly remember thinks from my youth that were an absolute no no.

My mum was horrified when I went out in a coat with my skirt hanging down a couple of inches from the bottom. (This was the 80's).

I would never have worn red and green together, whereas now I have a pair of bottle green trousers that I like with a dark red jumper and hope that I don't look too much like an extra from Elf.

Do you have any particular 'rules' that you stick to?

*Oh, no animal prints too. Others can look chic
They can look many things, but chic is not one of them.

I'm not against people wearing them, but I wouldn't call them chic.*

Oh I think they can look chic if worn properly and not in a Pat Butcher-esqe way. . I think this is really lovely and V chic.

Red tights make all legs look like saveloy sausages

I don't wear black. I don't even own anything black.

I don't really suit animal prints. Or any print, tbh. Unless the print has really clear and strong lines (in muted colours)... which doesn't happen often.

Or else print seems to infantilise me (not in a cute way. More in a way of... why are you wearing this? You look like you're trying to look 16 again and failing terribly) or makes me look frumpy, like a teacher in a Steinerschule. I unfortunately can't pull off cute. (Grumbles)

So, I tend to stick to dark fabrics (dark blue, slate blue, grey, dark green, black and white) and button ups. suits, basically...
Or just highwaisted jeans, leather jackets and button ups for a more casual look. A lot of boots, loafers, etc... And really structured sundresses in summer.
My ex used to say it makes me look scary? Idk.

It's really great to live in the U.K. With such a moderate climate. I don't have to bundle up in winter because it doesn't get cold and I don't sweat because it isn't really hot in summer either! It really improved my personal style. I don't have to worry so much about functionality anymore.

anyhow, what my long rant was meant to say is that imo people have to find what works for them and makes them feel attractive and comfortable in their own skin. I know, it sounds stupid, but that's just the most important thing Imo.

When I was younger I really wanted to be able to pull off frills, or blouses with bows and 'cute' colours and these 'adorable' girly sundresses. And it just wasn't 'me'.

WilburIsSomePig

Still, no.

It doesn't look bad from a distance, but then, up and close, not really.

If it doesn't coordinate with items I already own I won't buy it.
If something was fashionable in my youth (wide flared trousers, dungarees, crop tops) I won't wear it again - I tend to not want to repeat myself. They might have looked passable when I was a teen but they'd look ridiculous on me now.
I try to make sure my hair looks good.
If I can't walk in it I won't bother - this means long hemlines which would get tangled round my ankles as well as high heels.

No tights ever - I hate them. Cotton leggings with a shortish dress or tunic over are my go to. I wear a smartish all black variation of this for work.

Preferably V or scoop neck (being large of nork anything else tends to make my boobs look like a shelf).

Lots of black (or at a pinch navy or dark brown). No florals, stripes or bright colours - I've tried them and just look as if I am playing dress up.

Natural fabrics - I don't like the feel or sweatiness of synthetics and sorry, love linen!

Heels only if they are wedges or platforms.

No tunics.
No VPLs heaven forbid
No "boxy" style jumpers or dresses.
No shapeless A-cut dresses.
Fitted and skimming, not tight - big difference.
No turtle necks (even with small boobs).
No sleeveless coats, they look weird. Also, what is the purpose?
Animal prints limited to small accessories - chic, understated and more subtle.
Black, navy and beige for winter.
Pastel colours for summer. Bright happy colours for beach holidays. White only if it's on tanned skin.
Fabric: wooly coats and suits, silky tops or blouses, cotton and linen for summer, leather goods and accessories.

No "wrap" dresses or tops for me, like those by DVF. I'd spend all day adjusting the wrap, very uncomfortable.
No "balcony" bras.

Nothing dirty, nothing that I can't bend in, nothing tight, nothing too warm as I'm always roasting, no animal prints as I'm not a fan and nothing clingy. I don't own a skirt, I own a pair of jean shorts but that's about it and they hardly ever get worn! I got stretch marks on the back of my legs as a teenager, they've faded now but I just feel uncomfortable wearing anything that makes them visible.

sea

I have them as well.

And then a few years ago I saw an incredibly pretty (willowy and tall) and v fashionable friend of mine wear a short skirt despite very obvious Stretch marks at the back of her knees (actually more obvious than mine).

Idk, I just decided to not give a shit about them after that. Not sure if that makes sense ;)!

ClaryIsTheBest I wish I had your attitude, I just can't seem to shift how self conscious I feel in them.

Lots of black
Camel coats
Tote bags
Pointed flats
Merino wool
Uniqlo
Black crepe
Artist jewellery - necklaces - silver and stones and design but NOT mahoosive "statement necklaces"
No cluttery rings except wedding one.
Less is more
Natural fabrics
Some Zara

No animal prints.

Opaque black tights - always M&S... the best

To not let the modern idea of beauty' as a social construct (and consequently the pressure to look a certain way) affect my clothing choices.
Slightly loose and comfortable wins over tight
Tight body con dresses stick to the shape of your body, slightly loose fluid shapes create movement and shape in which ever way I choose

No flip-flops. Can't stand anything between my toes.

No flip-flops. Can't stand anything between my toes.

Eek. They are an essential cornerstone of my summer wardrobe.

I'm American, too, and I live in Florida. Still, no flip-flops. But on the bright side, I haven't worn pantyhose tights since 1995.

I also live in a hot country.
NO flip flops but the beach. Nobody does here.

Wrap dresses will not 'create a waist' if you have a torso like a butter churn (learned the hard way).
Fleece = no
Plastic bra straps are not invisible

Wrap dresses work for me if they're sleeveless (which is hard to find). But the 'standard' wrap dress just doesn't rwork for me at all.

I look better in really structured dresses or bodycon dresses. It's weird... also because bodycon dresses can be very... revealing.

Which I personally am not a huge fan of. I'm not saying that liking or wearing revealing clothes is bad, btw.

But idk. For me personally revealing stuff is ok on the beach, a bar, when exercising or the bedroom.

I love flip flops. Have sweaty trotters, so like being able to take them off easily. I have leather ones from gap. My tan pair are my favourite. They don't come out till it is very warm though.

I am another one who thinks you should wear whatever you like but I think we all have our own rules.
Its important to revisit them every so often though. Something can start/stop suiting you if you cut/grow hair, lose/put on weight. get older, get a tan etc.

I love animal print but only on certain items and only when worn in a punk/rock way OR ultra formal. So I would wear a pair of leopard jeans with biker boots or a very smart pencil skirt with shirt but not a nondescript top or trousers.

I will never understand why anyone would wear a cut out/low back dress/top with greying bra that is clearly visible. I have got over my horror of any bit of bra showing (that used to be a total no no) and will happily show a brightly coloured shoulder strap.

One of my firm rules is that clothes must be suitable for the weather if you are going to stand any chance of looking stylish. If you are freezing or boiling you won't look chic.