Style Rules for the Fashion Phobic

If fashion is your bag, then this article is not for you. You don't need to read it. You can move on. But if you're fashion phobic, new to the style world, or want to brush up on your trendiness, read on, my friend! Consider this your apparel primer. Here are some basic style rules that will help you transform yourself from style wallflower to bold and beautiful.

Start slowly. You don't an extreme makeover to start your style transformation. A piece at a time is just fine. Start with classic pieces, such as a great suit or a pencil skirt and basic white button top. Then add a trendy piece such as a cute bag, funky heels, or a great necklace. Once you've got that down, you can be a little bolder. Try a pair of skinny jeans and a tunic for the weekend instead of your basic sweats.

Take pride in your appearance. It's just as easy to pull on a pair of jeans and ballet flats as it is your sweats and sneakers. And it's also just as easy to pull on a sweet little pair of cargo pants and a flouncy top. So take a little pride in your appearance. Save the sweats for the gym and choose simple but pulled together outfits.

Only wear trends that flatter you! There are tons of trends to choose from, so you don't need to wear something just because it's trendy. Pick and choose the trendy items that truly flatter you. Leopard print isn't perfect for everyone. Neither are low rise skinny jeans and mini skirts. If you're not sure, get an honest friends opinion.

Skip the elastic pants. Elastic waistbands are not so flattering. Neither are bike shorts, corsets, and ultra low rise jeans (no one wants to see that!). Just avoid them altogether.

Wear clothes that fit right. This is so important! Clothes that are too big just look frumpy. On the other hand, clothes that are too small look pretty, well, trampy and unflattering. Your clothes should skim your body so that they are not too tight and not too loose. Make sure the pants and sleeves are long enough, too. You may have to try on several different brands of clothing like jeans, pants, or dresses to find a cut that you like. And if it doesn't fit right now, forget it. Don't waste money on clothes that will fit when you lose the next ten pounds. Invest in yourself right now, and see a tailor when you do loose those pounds. Or donate oversize clothes to charity and treat yourself to something new! If you are stuck and can't decide between two sizes, choose the larger one. Keep pant lengths on the longer side, just long enough to see the tip of your toe and the bottom half of your heel, but they should never drag on the floor.

Save some skin. Only in magazines can girls get away with low cut, tight, short, and super skin baring outfits. Cover up! You'll look more mysterious that way. Balance is key. If you wear something short, like a miniskirt, balance it with a top that keeps your top half covered. If you wear something low cut, pair it up with a modest length skirt. Midriff baring tops are totally passé. When it doubt, cover it up.

Invest in a tailor. A tailor is your closest friend when it comes to being fashionable. She can shorten those pants, let out a seam, and make your clothes fit you just right.
Don't be afraid to try a new style. Get the help of a fashion forward friend, a salesperson, or even a stylish looking passerby. Try it on, see if it fits, and wear it with confidence.

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