Say Goodbye to Fashion Confusion: How Style Guidelines Simplify Your Choices

Are you stuck on style rules?

Do you follow style rules closely or do not believe in style rules at all, that everyone can wear anything they want?

Both of these are more extreme views, and I believe that your best personal style sits somewhere in the middle.

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Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by style rules and unsure of what works for you? Do you want to feel confident and comfortable in your outfits?

Let’s explore the idea of style guidelines as a helpful tool rather than restrictive rules. By understanding and experimenting with these suggestions, you can develop your unique sense of style that reflects your personality, lifestyle, and body harmony.

1. From Rules to Guidelines

You get to be in charge as it means your style aligns with your personality, your lifestyle, your colouring and your unique body.

Many people seek a set of style rules to follow, while others reject any form of restrictions.
Rather than viewing style as a rigid set of rules, think of them as guidelines or suggestions.
Style guidelines provide a gentle framework to explore what works for you personally.
If you don’t know what does work, it’s hard to figure out from all the choices possible, what you should try.
Embrace the happy medium between strict rules and complete freedom.

2. Body Harmony Over Figure Flattery

What does figure flattery mean to you? For some people it feels restrictive, that they can’t express their personality when they are stuck trying to make themselves look “slimmer” and they feel it’s oppressive. This is why I prefer to think of dressing your body in a way that is harmonious with its unique features. You are the boss and get to choose if you want to highlight or draw attention away from an area of your body.

I’ve noticed that when I’m wearing clothes that harmonise with my body and colouring, that I feel I look better. If I try and wear styles that are for an opposite body shape, that I just don’t love the outfits and garments on me and it doesn’t give me the same boost in confidence.

Style should be about feeling good and expressing your uniqueness, not solely about looking slim.
Understand that different aspects matter to different people, and body harmony goes beyond figure flattery.
Addressing body concerns can positively impact how you feel, and providing answers to style questions can be empowering.

3. Handrails, Not Handcuffs

Everything I suggest should be seen as a handrail, to help you get to where you want to go. Not handcuffs that keep you boxed in or feeling like you don’t have any choice.

Style guidelines are here to help, and I do believe that when you understand your style guidelines this actually gives you wings to make your style soar.
When you know what works for you, you then can figure out how to “break” them in a way that still creates body harmony.
They offer suggestions to try out, helping you make informed decisions about what you like and what works for you.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule; it all depends on individual factors such as body shape, proportions, and personal preferences.

Here’s an example of an outfit where I’m breaking the H shape – no tucking – style guideline – but make it work as the top is voluminous and lightweight and I’ve bloused it over my trousers so that it’s not drawing attention to my lack of waist, and then I’ve added a jacket over the top which shortens an otherwise wide horizontal line created by the waistband of the pants.

4. Choosing What Works for You

According to research, our brains can’t cope with too many choices, it’s too easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why knowing what you’re really looking for and having your own guidelines is so imperative to making great choices when shopping.

With countless fashion options, having style guidelines helps you narrow down choices.
Rather than randomly picking items, guidelines assist you in selecting pieces that align with your style and preferences.
Guidelines give structure to your decision-making process, making shopping and outfit selection easier.

The reality is, that there is no such thing as the perfect outfit, so it’s time to stop searching for it as it just doesn’t exist. Instead there are a myriad of fantastic outfits for you that will make you feel great when you’re wearing them!

5. The Power of Colour

When you have a cohesive palette of colours that all work together, it’s really easy to build a wardrobe that’s versatile, where you need fewer clothes to make more outfits.

Colours play a significant role in your overall appearance, and wearing harmonious colours can make a huge difference.
Discovering the colours that work for you is a crucial starting point in developing your style.
Experimenting with colour harmonies and contrasts will help you determine what truly complements your complexion and enhances your look.
Discover your own value and colour contrasts with my 3 step process here.

6. Finding Your Style Balance

What does balance mean to you?

The reason why I really don’t believe in any sort of “must have” lists or “what everyone should have in their wardrobe” lists is because I know that you are a unique person who has their own personal preference, you may prefer cardigans over jackets, or pants over skirts and never wear a dress, or maybe you like to wear dresses all the time. There is no one right way of building a wardrobe or creating your style.

What you love and your style should reflect your personality, lifestyle and needs
What do you need in your wardrobe? How do you spend your time? What activities do you do regularly? Think about what a balanced wardrobe means for you.
Consider the styles of clothes that truly align with your body and personality, rather than merely following trends.

7. Style Evolution and Adaptation

Your style will change over time, just as fashion trends change. There may be a through line through your style, but you’re unlikely to be wearing the same thing decade after decade. Your tastes can change as well as your lifestyle as you change jobs, have kids, retire etc. as all these things influence what you wear and your style choices.

Update your wardrobe as your style evolves, and let go of what is no longer relevant to your current life and body.
Don’t get stuck on fixed rules; instead, embrace the freedom to evolve and experiment.
As you gain experience, you’ll discover what works best for you and develop your unique version of style.

8. Guidelines as Tools, not Constraints

Style guidelines are suggestions rooted in the science behind style.
They offer wisdom and knowledge to help you make informed choices.
Embrace the guidelines that resonate with you, and don’t be afraid to break or adapt them to express your unique personality.

In your style journey, start with guidelines that resonate with you. They provide a foundation for your exploration and decision-making, saving you time, energy, and money. Remember, style is personal and should reflect your authenticity. While style rules may have their place, the freedom to experiment and express your uniqueness is equally important. Discover your own version of style, guided by suggestions that empower you. Embrace the journey, and let your style evolve with you.

If you’d like to get a solid style foundation, to have a handrail that you can use to assist you to uplevel your style, then I’d love to have you in my 7 Steps to Style program which will give you the style education you never got at school. You’ll discover your best colours, how to create harmony with your body using clothing styles and expressing your personality as well. That way you feel both comfortable and confident in your style and will have the courage to do whatever it is that you want to do with your life.

I can’t wait to be your style guide!