If you have been reading my blogs, you already know I abhor blanket 'rules', especially those that obviously should not apply to a large population of women. Having said that, I do believe in every aspiring stylinista creating for herself a flexibly constructed personal set of styling guidelines. Guidelines, as opposed to rules, are generalities, and compatible to (and with) fashion trends, whose "rules" change from year to year, and sometimes, season to season. Significant guidelines would be based on personal body types,(triangle, inverted triangle, oval, rectangle, hour-glass) preferred fashion preferences (dramatic, sophisticated, romantic, sporty, country, boho, etc.), and to a great extent the various roles in one's life.(career gal, retiree, at home Mom, etc.) Fortunately, by the time a woman reaches 40, she knows who she is and what her clothing needs and preferences are. In other words, before a woman can create her 'rules', she must become totally familiar with herself and her unique fashion style. She must also take a personal inventory of self every few seasons to check her assumptions.
Most women know what clothing they like when they see it on a model. However, although they often recognize garments that will flatter their body when they wear them, frequently they do not recognize why the certain garment is flattering (or is not). A common problem is a misconception between a garment whose design is attractive on the hanger or model but whose design elements are not aligned with ones own body type. Another obstacle is a garment which looks wonderful on her body, but is not in a flattering color for her skin tone.
In any event, all the evaluations mentioned above are determined by the stylist (YOU); not her best friend, her mother, or her "fashion advisor". Frankly, opinions as to what looks "good" on a woman is strictly in the eye of the beholder. The woman who wears the garment is who must feel great about what she is wearing; if you feel great, are true to yourself in your choices, and let your mirror (or photographs) be your guide, you will get plenty of spontaneous reassurance from others (if you want or need that assurance). This is one of the reasons fashion has been following "street style", rather than the traditional market following the whims of designers.
In any event, all the evaluations mentioned above are determined by the stylist (YOU); not her best friend, her mother, or her "fashion advisor". Frankly, opinions as to what looks "good" on a woman is strictly in the eye of the beholder. The woman who wears the garment is who must feel great about what she is wearing; if you feel great, are true to yourself in your choices, and let your mirror (or photographs) be your guide, you will get plenty of spontaneous reassurance from others (if you want or need that assurance). This is one of the reasons fashion has been following "street style", rather than the traditional market following the whims of designers.
When a woman really knows herself, the way she wants to present herself to the world, and the garments that work for her, make her look the way SHE wants to look, etc., she has developed her "personal style". Now, she can develop her own personal set of rules for her wardrobe choices. She need only update her fashion looks based on what fits her individual style, and not be afraid to experiment with new choices, designs, etc. to keep her look from becoming "dated".
The clothing and accessories and the way they are combined and worn define a woman's personal style. It is how she expresses her own individuality and personality and to a great extent how she values the opinion of the world around her. This is true for every woman on earth.
The way we dress sends a message on who we are, how we see ourselves, and how we want to be seen. Each of my readers know the "Rock My Age motto: if you feel you look good, you will feel good, and be more confident about who you are. I simply cannot stress this concept strongly enough, especially to the mature age group. We are the ones who are most often affected by major life changes.
Today, virtually any woman can become her own talented stylist; once she knows what to look for and to avoid in clothing choices for her body type, her challenge areas and her personally defined physical assets. She can now choose the fashion styles that she prefers, and she can create perfect outfits that she will love to wear. She can do this no matter her age, body type, physical attributes, and whatever her budget.
Every outfit a woman wears should be a bit about the way a fashion adds to her own uniqueness and the personal message she chooses to deliver to the world. If she already is experienced, or if she has just learned how to choose the right design elements to flatter the "me", she knows the right garment silhouettes that might work the best for her body type. She also knows the various roles she needs to play for her lifestyle and what she wants and needs to wear. Now she becomes the costume designer and stylist for her personal stage production.
The way we dress sends a message on who we are, how we see ourselves, and how we want to be seen. Each of my readers know the "Rock My Age motto: if you feel you look good, you will feel good, and be more confident about who you are. I simply cannot stress this concept strongly enough, especially to the mature age group. We are the ones who are most often affected by major life changes.
Today, virtually any woman can become her own talented stylist; once she knows what to look for and to avoid in clothing choices for her body type, her challenge areas and her personally defined physical assets. She can now choose the fashion styles that she prefers, and she can create perfect outfits that she will love to wear. She can do this no matter her age, body type, physical attributes, and whatever her budget.
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