What style rules do you go by??

[happytobemrsg]

For example, I was reading a thread the other day about what coverup to wear with a tea dress. Quite a few posters said you should balance a feminine dress with a more masculine leather jacket to stop it looking too twee. I hadn’t thought about that before but now I get it.

I don’t have any rules but looking for more inspiration here!

Keep it simple. Usually chinos, jeans or leggings with a plain fitted vest or T shirt, longer with the leggings to give a sleek look.

One piece of jewellery.

A good handbag. A selection of good jackets, Chanel is my go to, but also Farhi/Hobbs - mine are vintage now, had them so long.

Co-ordinate colours, only ever one pattern at a time but mostly plain.

Flat or very low heels, only comfortable tried and tested footwear, hobbling or staggering is not a good look.

With skirts, check the length of the coat you are going to wear, bag lady is also not a good look.

Cardigans rather than sweaters, easy to wear open over a top or buttoned as a jumper. Easy to slip off when hot.

Always check back view, so many people either don't bother, don't think of it or don't have a mirror.

I also like a boho look when wearing skirts or dresses but still simple.

Layers always.

Legs or breasts, never both.

Eyes or lips, never both (so heavy eye make up means more muted lips and vice versa).

Never wear matching necklace and earrings.

Squeeze fabric in shop - if it creases instantly, don't buy. Will look terrible 10 minutes after you've put it on.

I only wear and buy black clothes.

Uh I always wear bright colours with black! Jackie Collins said you find your outfit then repeat - hers was black base layer and a blazer style jacket (she favoured leopard). So I do that: black base layer and a long line cardi in a brighter colour in winter and an over sized shirt in summer. For more formal occasions the base layer is a long black dress with a chiffon jacket for summer or velvet for winter.
Another rule is always look well groomed - hair brushed, earrings and make up (which may just be a pat of powder and mascara). My mother never left the house without lipstick.
I don’t paint my nails but peeling nail polish is really off putting.
I don’t like the athleisure wear trend - it’s seems an excuse to slob out, fine at home but some people need to make more of an effort!

Rarely wear skirts or dresses but if I do they must be at least long enough to cover my knees and not floaty/voluminous/puffy skirted.

Arms must be covered to at least just above my elbow, no low necklines or cleavage on display.

No uncomfortable/badly fitting footwear (which rules a heck of a lot out but no point buying things I can’t walk in or keep on my feet).

Leggings must be thick, non-see through material and all tops worn with leggings, jeggings or skinny jeans must cover my bum.

Never buy anything with yellow undertones as it makes me look ill.

To never, ever say 'I know what suits me now'. Times change, life changes, your looks change.

That there is nothing scientific about the concept of 'flattering', and that in 10 or 15 years time there's every chance you'll look back at whatever you're wearing today, no matter how stylish, and wonder what in hell you were thinking. And that in another 10 years time it'll probably start looking good again.

If in doubt, give it a go.

Wear what suits me, not what’s in fashion

Boobs or legs

Gold or silver jewellery (never both)

Never wear matching underwear (serial killers only murder women with matching underwear)

Tight fitting too with baggy bottom or vice versa

V neck (I have big boobs)

If all else fails, black and white always looks classy, as does jeans and a decent white T-shirt it shirt

One thing though, silver and gold jewellery together is now a thing.

I thought it was a thing a few years ago (a.l.a. Tessa Metcalfe) but was over now. I don't like it unless it's actually a specific piece with both metals (i.e. some thought has been put into it) rather than people just not thinking about it. I'm very tired of seeing shell jewellery but that's another story. But I guess it's the same for a lot of style rules. Some people can break them and look fabulous. Most people can't.

I don’t mix silver and gold - not just jewellery but anywhere else eg wouldn’t wear silver sandals with a handbag that had gold metalwork
Legs or bust
Polished shoes, no worn heels
No polyester, acrylics etc
I mainly buy non iron things but if not then wouldn’t wear if needed ironing

Jackets must be longer than the top underneath.

I don't wear black.

No beige. Ever.

I only ever wear dresses: nice pattern, usually bright colours, v neck, some sort of sleeve, a line
I only wear jewellery - gold makes me look ill
Comfortable flat/ low heeled shoes
Always wear make up when leaving the house though I prefer a natural look, with only a few products
Only buy things I love and don't worry about following certain trends

"If they do it in navy, buy it in navy."

Interesting. Is navy flattering do you think?
My issue with navy is that my cardigans, coats, shoes are black, which clashes with navy doesn't it?

No beige, lemon, yellow, peach, pale pink or orange.
No polyester.
No dry clean or handwash only.
Nothing made out of linen.
Nothing with 3/4 length sleeves.
Nothing with unnecessary bows, buttons, diamantes, frills, random missing bits.

Re jewellery it's mixed metals on individual pieces or mixing silver and gold up. The insta so called "influencers" are all on it and they all copy each other. I don't find them influential however as they just all buy and wear the same thing. Individuality is a lovely thing. I will often go up to someone to ask where their outfit is from.

Re jewellery it's mixed metals on individual pieces or mixing silver and gold up. The insta so called "influencers" are all on it and they all copy each other. I don't find them influential however as they just all buy and wear the same thing.

I totally agree about the "influencers". So many of them are paid to wear certain items or get given them for free as long as they post about them that I don't think their judgement can be trusted at all. They're just advertisers pretending not to be advertisers!

*If they do it in navy, buy it in navy."

Interesting. Is navy flattering do you think?
My issue with navy is that my cardigans, coats, shoes are black, which clashes with navy doesn't it*

Well because of my rule, my cardigans, coats and shoes are all navy too! Actually shoes also in taupe or white.

I find it flattering, and I imagine myself to be chic wearing it

I like navy and black, it’s very chic, despite what my mum told me.

Don't show too much skin.
Wear shoes I can walk in.
Balance proportions - with huge norks, it's unlikely that empire line will make me look anything but 7 months pregnant.
No neon.
I always show my wrists as they're my skinniest part!

I wear navy and black together too and think it looks ok - or ok enough for me anyway and doesn’t break any of my rules

Another one of mine is nothing that needs definitely needs dry cleaning or extensive ironing, I will buy stuff that I’m prepared to risk in the delicates cycle of the washing machine or things I can hang up and steam but that’s as far as I’ll go.

I rarely wear jewellery anymore but when I do it has to be silver, gold has the same effect on me as yellow - not good.

If I look in the mirror and think 'yessss' then that is good enough for me, I don't care what anybody else says.

Always tuck top into trousers or skirt!

Sunglasses every single day!

Lipstick and white teeth - mandatory!

Ladies. Your first thought should be as to what colours suit your skintone. It makes a heck of a difference especially near your face. Read up on 'colours and skin tone' or get your colours done with a professional.

No high neck round neck tops or jumpers

No slogans, embellishments, beads, sequins, ribbons

No holes in jeans that don't look like they came from actual wear. None that my fat bulges out of when I sit down!

No bare midriff, I constantly will worry at it and pull it down.,

I never wear black shoes

I have recently switched To non-wired bras and I vow never to go wired again.

I love to wear: good quality well fitting basics that show off my nice arms and legs but hide my stomach.
Either midi or short, never knee length or long- for skirts, dresses
Slim fitting trousers, often cropped to the ankle

I'm terribly boring. If something fits me perfectly I wear it to death and then mourn it forever.