4 Unspoken Fashion Myths: You’re probably following at least one.

You’ve heard of “Fashion Myths,” right? You know, the ones that say, “Don’t wear white after Labor Day,” or “Don’t mix navy and black,” or “Don’t wear silver and gold jewelry together,” etc., etc. Those myths have been debunked over the years (Really. Google “fashion myths” and you’ll see the same ones debunked over and over again in various articles) so much that in my opinion they are no longer myths for very many, so I won’t waste your time by repeating any of them, and telling you why you shouldn’t follow them.

I’m here to share with you some real fashion myths that are worth talking about. These myths dive a little bit deeper into your style. In my experience, they’re unspoken myths that I see women follow over and over again, and they aren’t even aware that they’re heeding them.

Intrigued?

I hope so because I’m here to shed light on these so that you can be aware of them, and more importantly, see if you’re doing any of them. I confess, although I’ve been in the fashion world my entire working life, I too have fallen for a few of these so don’t feel bad. I’m here to help you through. 

Ok here we go…

Myth #1 – You must follow the trends to look fashionable and up to date.

This was a biggie for me in my younger years. This is a trick that the retail stores love to play on you. 

By making you feel that unless you are constantly buying the current trends, you are not fashionable. NOT SO!

When you’re dressing in styles that compliment your Body-Type and work for your Lifestyle…when you’re authentic to your Personality, (classic, casual, feminine, etc.) and the colors you pick flatter your beautiful face (Personal Coloring {PC}), i.e. the “4 elements of style**,” your soul sings and you feel amazing! **

What if a trend doesn’t do that for you? Don’t buy it. 

Being fashionable doesn’t mean you have to jump in on all the latest trends! Oh, how stressful and exhausting that would be season after season chasing the never ending new list of trends!

YOU are ALWAYS going to be your most fashionable by **uniting the “4 elements of style” that create your unique style. Of course this doesn’t mean dressing in an 80’s look from head to toe – we all need to toss in something up to date, if we want to look current and not out of date. 

Know the “4 elements of your style,” and if the trend doesn’t fit nicely into your style, please don’t buy it. (I know I’ve said this quite a few times now but I want to drill it in your pretty head so that you don’t make a bad purchase.) There are plenty of trends that will show up that do. 

My final word of advice on this: Honor your style, filter the trends ruthlessly, and you will always look stylish. 

Myth #2: If you’re trying to hide a part of your body that you don’t like, add pretty or interesting details to that particular area.

I’m all about details! Whether it’s a ruffle, or studs, find pieces that play to your Personality but don’t use the details to cover up anything. 

Why? 

Because adding pretty or interesting details only draws the eye to that area. If you don’t want to feature your wider-than-you-would-like hips, don’t wear a blouse that has ruffles at the hem in an attempt to hide those hips under rows of ruffles! The ruffles will grab the viewer’s attention, and add more width to an area that you already feel is wide enough. 

Instead, wear darker bottoms with clean lines that smoothes and thins your hips. If your shoulders are narrower than your hips, add width to your shoulders by wearing a blouse or jacket with shoulder pads, puffed sleeves or epaulettes, etc. This will create more balance between your shoulders and hips.  The result will create an illusion of an hourglass figure which is the most balanced Body-Type of the 4 basic Body-Types. 

My final word of advice on this: After you have gotten dressed, look at yourself in a full length mirror and “see” what your outfit is doing for your figure. Make sure that it is pleasing to you. Check to ensure that you are showing off the parts that you want to feature and downplaying the ones that you don’t. Simple, right? Trust yourself. You can do it. 

Myth #3: You should have at least one LBD (Little Black Dress) in your wardrobe.

Black is not necessarily the best color on everyone. Although many people think black can be worn by anyone, it isn’t always true. Sometimes a dark navy or coffee ground brown* looks better with your PC. 

There are also different shades of black as well as different finishes and densities in black fabric. It may seem that all black is the same, but in reality if you look at the color black you will notice that many are different. 

I’m sure you’ve had the experience of trying to match your blacks in an outfit only to discover that they don’t match. Black ranges from cool blue/black shades to warm brown/black shades. Know which black shade is best for your PC.

Black fabric can range from having a matte look to a shiny finish, and range from heavy and thick to sheer and thin, which can also have an affect on your PC. Look and see how the different finishes and densities play against your PC.   

My final word of advice on this: 1) Don’t assume black is just black. 2) *If black is not your best color, look for an alternative like I suggested above. 3) If you absolutely must wear an LBD because the event you’re attending calls for it, try to find a color, finish and density that compliments your PC. And if all else fails, drape an eye-enhancing necklace or scarf** around your neck to better compliment your PC. 

(**This necklace or scarf would look best if your eye or the complimentary color of your eye color is present in your accessory.)

 

Myth #4: Wearing looser clothing will hide those extra pounds that you’ve put on.

Yes, I know looser clothing can be very comfortable and I know how important comfort is for many of you. However, when clothing is too loose or oversized, it can add weight making you look heavier than you actually are. Now, I know that if you’ve put on a few pounds you don’t want to look heavier, but that’s exactly what many women do. 

Many times women who put on weight all of a sudden stop wearing anything that remotely shows their figure. It’s as if they’re ashamed of themselves, and hiding their bodies under swaths of fabric is going to distract anyone from noticing the weight gain. Yes, it may do that but the trade-off for hiding yourself is a self-conscious attitude and a deep dive in your confidence level. It’s not worth it. 

My final word of advice on this: Walk tall and be proud of and embrace your Body-Type no matter what your weight and size, and wear styles that compliment it. Women are beautiful in all sizes and shapes so don’t try to hide underneath layers of fabric. You’re tricking the eye of no one but you.

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below.

If you have a question also post it in the comment section below.  I check it daily. Since the topic is always about fashion or style no question that you ask will be “off Topic.” 

That means as far as I’m concerned, when you ask a question that is the topic. Everyone else who’s reading it can follow up on my answer. There will be no questions that you ask that will be too far off topic because your question will be the current topic. So…ask away!

Oh…and your email address is not “required” even though it says so. 🙂 Don’t even ask.

Blog me.

Love,

~Michelle