Fashion Police (Sort of)

[retsuko]

In preparation for the all-terrible, all-shallow Job Hunt, I've been trying to spruce up my wardrobe. Even with the teaching job in the recent past, I still feel like my closet is mired in what I would choose to identify as "college casual". My biggest source of annoyance is the navy cloth hobo bag I'm using as my purse on a day-to-day basis. I was taught that you weren't supposed to mix black and navy, and invariably, when I come out to grab my purse, I've got black somewhere in my outfit. (I despise switching handbags to suit my outfit--too fussy!) And I started thinking, is this an outmoded fashion rule? And do other people ignore certain fashion rules that I've pretty much written off?

[Poll #1158279]

I don't understand the no-white-shoes-after-Labor-Day rule. Maybe it's because I'm a relaxed Californian who wears bright colors all year 'round, but why put away your snazzy white sandals just because summer's over?

Comments

From Lisa

[(Anonymous)]

The best advice I can give is to know your likes and dislikes, know your styles, pick your colors, pick your priorities, and stay with them. 80-95% of the time. That way 80-95% of your wardrobe matches. Then with the other 5-20%, be daring.

For me, I mostly stick to the colors of black, white, grey/silver, gold/beige, red, turquoise, and purple. Certain motiffs and styles.

One thing I've had fun with lately is clashing color blocking: two different reds...clash. Three, four, five, eight, different reds, with threads of gold and purple, are quite resplendant.

On bags, I've found it's good to have the "base bag" that goes with everything. Mine is the purple faux suede faux Tods slouch. Then, I have a few "second tier" ones that I keep out on rotation, for different occasions: varying by size, color, design scheme.

I know that most people's work range is much narrower than mine. (Lucky youse.) But, that kind of precision also allows a luxury of refinement. I think it would be great fun to fill a closet with power suits - but the grass is always greener!