my fashion rules
Sharing my personal fashion philosophy
Getting dressed doesn’t need to be overcomplicated or expensive, it just needs to be studied. With my background in fashion, specifically styling and merchandising, I’ve learned that the secret to great style is often hidden in the rules. And those rules, at least the ones I live by, are what makes fashion feel easy. Paying attention to detail, understanding your body, and knowing how clothes actually work together makes getting dressed simpler and more stylish.
My Fashion Secret: Stop Copying, Start Observing
Instead of copying an outfit straight from Pinterest or following the newest trend of the season, I focus on the why. Why am I drawn to this outfit? Is it the cut or length of the pant? The way it’s styled? Or the shoes that tie everything together? Honestly, it’s the details we miss at first glance.
When you start observing instead of copying, you realize you already own pieces that could work. Maybe you don’t need to buy new wide-leg pants, you just need to style your old boyfriend jeans differently. Maybe it was the belt, the shoe, or the proportion that made the pants stand out. Why can’t your pants do the same? Thinking this way makes style feel more intuitive and less overwhelming.
Style for Your Body and Proportions
Understanding your body type and proportions makes a huge difference. Clothes should work for you, not against you. If you have shorter legs and a longer torso, high-rise pants help, but pairing them with a cropped top and pointed heels creates the length and balance you’re looking for.
The first step is defining your body type— is it triangle, rectangle, or hourglass? Once you understand that foundation, shopping becomes easier and the outfits you choose start making sense.
Styling hacks can make a huge difference. One of my favorites is adding structure where it’s needed like using subtle clips or pins at the back of a blouse or top to create shape and definition. It instantly gives more figure, improves fit, and makes a simple outfit feel intentional without permanently altering the garment.
Fabric Knowledge Changes Everything
Fabric is one of the most overlooked parts of personal style. It’s easy to think, it’s just a red top, what does it matter if it’s cotton or elastane? But it makes a major difference. How a fabric drapes, stretches, and lays on your body can completely change how an outfit looks.
If you’re curvier, fabrics with stretch like cotton blends with spandex tend to hug the body in a much more flattering way. Understanding fabric composition also helps clothes last longer and look stay the same as you first bought it over time. This was crucial and valuable knowledge for me when studying fabric analysis in college. The fabric defines the garment.
I personally try to avoid polyester as much as possible. I understand it’s often the most affordable option, but in my experience it doesn’t breathe well, wears poorly, and can cheapen the look of an outfit. It’s manmade and not naturally of the earth. From a sustainability and even spiritual standpoint, I invest in natural fabrics like cashmere, wool, linen, and cotton. These materials elevate any outfit instantly, it feels better on the body, and requires far less effort to look intentional. Fabric knowledge also helps with seasonal dressing: wool and cashmere for warmth and structure, linen and cotton for breathability and lightness.
Always Feel the Need to Dress Up
I strongly believe the way you get dressed affects how you move through the world and how you set yourself up for success. Even the simplest outfit feels elevated when it’s styled thoughtfully. Looking put together isn’t about doing the most, it’s about self-respect.
When I take the time to dress with intention, I show up differently. Every day doesn’t need to be a special occasion, but I dress like it could be one. The attention and attraction I want often reveals itself in how I present myself.
Build From the Bottom Up
I always style outfits from the bottom up: pants, shoes, top, outerwear, then hair and accessories. That’s my cheat code. Starting with pants and shoes sets the tone and keeps proportions balanced. Once that foundation is right, everything else layers naturally.
My go-to formula for colder seasons is simple and reliable: bootcut pants, pointed heels, a basic top, and a statement coat. For warmer seasons: a black midi skirt or jeans, flats, a basic top, a tote, then jewelry. This approach removes any indecision in the morning and makes styling feel effortless.
Pants and Shoes Matter More Than You Think
One styling rule I don’t think gets enough appreciation and one I consider a fashion miss when done incorrectly, is pairing the wrong pant with the wrong shoe. The combination between your pants and shoes determines the entire proportion of an outfit.
A great shoe can be lost in the translation if it’s styled with the wrong hem length or pant style. This is something I’ve written about in depth before. If you want to go deeper, I break it all down in The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Pants With Shoes, where I explain what works, what doesn’t, and why it matters.
Use the Sandwich Method
Color repetition is one of the easiest ways to look stylish without trying too hard. Matching your top to your shoe color creates cohesion and visual balance. Or keeping an all-black or neutral outfit and adding a standout color shoe with a matching bag is 10/10. It’s subtle, but it instantly makes an outfit feel intentional and fashionable, even when the pieces themselves are simple.
Athleisure and Loungewear Can Still Look Chic
Comfortable outfits don’t have to look thoughtless. Even on off days, I keep things clean and intentional. Neutral palettes, simple silhouettes, and good proportions go a long way. Black leggings with a double-lined top and cropped hoodie, or wide-leg sweatpants with a white tee and platform sneakers—these looks feel easy but still put together. Minimal styling or knowing your color combos is what makes casual outfits feel chic.
Keep It Simple, But Intentional
When an outfit isn’t working, I simplify. I focus on fit, quality, and balance instead of adding more. Throwing every stylish piece you own or loud designer logos into one look rarely works. The goal is ease. Think quiet luxury. It’s the visual language of having good taste.
Don’t think of these as rigid fashion rules, but as helpful tools. Fashion is ultimately yours. Once you understand it, getting dressed becomes easier, more personal, and far more confident. Style should support your life, not complicate it.
-NF
