Do you follow style rules?

[Amrapaali]

Or even fashion rules for that matter? I'm pretty sure they are two different things.

On Friday I wore an outfit to work I thought was alright as casual-Friday outfits go...black long-sleeved polo neck with a black faux leather T shirt on top...Light blue wash jeans. Open toe thin sandals with probably a 3inch heel.

My manager and more person did a double take and the receptionist pursed her lips and gave me a long cool stare. What cardinal fashion rules did I break? I am at a loss I've never had that reaction from people before. And this is a tech environment where the developers rock up to work daily in shorts and smelly T shirts.

Please tell me I looked jaw-droppingly awesome hence the reactions

But seriously do you have any self imposed looking-good rules you follow at work? Would be good to know (so I can go ahead and break some rules of good taste)

I think to be honest it sounds like an outfit my 15 & 20 year old would wear minus the heels and look cool in.. But they're size 6&8. Not a size 14 with j boobs . It would be perceived as a hook up outfit maybe?
Before you react in indignation I am a size 14 and wear things that are regularly construed as being too young for me 😁
Or at least that's what my mum tells me ( I ignore her because what does she know?).

@shinynewapple well duh!! Of course I want people to tell me I'm stunning 😎😂

Which reminds me: where is your paean of adoration? I am keeping an Excel spreadsheet be warned

@teta J cups and a size 14 means EVERY outfit looks like a hook up outfit. Mildly pornographic even. ..but there's nothing I can do about it.

AND I refuse to wear shapeless sacks. Am just owning my look now sistah!!

Thanks @Chapellass what decade do you think my outfit would be from? And what do techies in London wear on dress down days?

(Please please don't say white trainers and denim culottes)

It's not the whole outfit that is out of step for office wear / dress down it's the sandals. Unless you are Meghan Markle in Suits. I think boots wd work fine with what you had on

Aah fair enough- seems to be a resounding NO to the sandals on this thread. Something to remember...

But lovely MNerz can I just add: those sandals were one of my best finds/bargains! cost just a fiver from New Look and so comfy 😍😍

Wear them out partying!

They were just jealous of your awesomeness. I bet they looked really boring. Wear whatever you want, life is too short to conform to other people's fashion "rules"

@Amrapaali I need to know more about your layering that makes you look slimmer and taller, and large norks more in proportion!! (I need help with this, teach me!!!)

@Dizzywizz Very simple rule of thumb: introduce a long layer in between your top and bottom.

By top and bottom I mean any combo really: jumper/jeans or blouse/skirt etc. Insert a layer like a longline vest or even a basic mini dress. This ensures the top half flows seamlessly into the bottom half. It is like a sartorial conjunction

Which means your boobs aren't the sole focus point. The eye is drawn to a single sweeping line which is your whole body. The key is to ensure your middle layer skims your hips and finishes just below your bum. Even longer is also fine.

You need to experiment with the lengths. You are aiming to create an hourglass figure. Or at least the illusion of one. Thw hourglass shape will balance out your top half

I preferred boxy loose tops to hide my big boobs but found they just made me look broad all over. The secret was to introduce the body flattering layer first and then make your top/shirt as generous as you want so you feel comfortable with your boobs

Yikes sorry for the essay. I'm a bit evangelical about layering

You don't even need layers: just longish outfits that make you look tall and willowy. Remember nothing that cuts right across the middle of your body but just creates one sweeping line...

I’m struggling to picture the layering rule and I want to know... I’m 5’6, size 16/18 with K cups

Photos please!

Some examples. Outfits may not be to your taste but this is the layering principle I swear by. Have fun trying out layers more suited to your style

@FriedasCarLoad see above pics ☝️

Now just imagine both outfits without the middle layer. They just look blah and frumpy. Would you agree?

Well if that's really you and you work in a bog-standard office environment then you probably look very different to the average office worker. You wore a leather t-shirt and high heeled sandals! Combined with your your lovely looks and figure I guess you stood out from the crowd- they probably eye-rolled because they thought 'typical', 'here she comes miss glamour puss, loves herself, what else would she wear?'

I also think it might be the shoes. Some people HATE feet and might think they're safe in autumn.

Or else, it was a double take because you looked so amazing. Definitely. The oursed lips were envy / awe / begrudging approval and admiration.

*pursed

I suspect you got looks because you broke too many of the rules for dress down offices. You could get away with breaking some but not so many in one outfit.

😄 I think I would like you if i met you.

@Fresta @Feck off You two know me so well! I WAS amazing definitely. And yes my colleagues were being envious toads...

Yes yes I know I know I'm channelling my inner Samantha Brick but it's Sunday night so do indulge me a bit...

Are you Spanish? You'd fit right in here

Awww @elquinto you're a champion! Nah am not Spanish but cheers for the sangria babe 😘

Probably @Olga that outfit may have been a major mind fuck for a suburban business estate. Provincial peasants the lot of them

OP how old are you?

In my forties @North. Why do you ask?