According to me the term “fashion” when it comes to apparels and lifestyle is a very transparent and fluid subject- it can either bring out the best in you or make you look your worst. Whether you are fashion aficionado or someone who has their moments once in a while, it is important to understand what works for you, and it begins, like everything in life, with understanding yourself (another new philosophy, eh ;)).
I’ve compiled a short list of pointers you should understand before you go on your next shopping spree, and also to remind you that it’s not just clothes that make you look your best self. Okay! Enough talking. Let’s get into it, shall we?
KNOW YOUR BODY
Knowing your body type is the first step to wearing something that brings out the best in you – ‘effortless’ is the look we are trying to achieve here! So, let me just get straight into it:
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If you are skinny, avoid regular fit and low rise pants (specifically jeans). Slim fit or skinny fit should be your go to. One tip: If you are buying skinny fit, go for a waistline one size above your usual, and you can thank me later ;). Avoid heavy detailing or big pockets at the back.
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If you are a gym rat or anyone with broad calves, I suggest mid rise pants to compensate your enthusiasm for the skinny variety, for a more preppy look. But if you are just out and about with peers, low rise jeans would be really comfortable. Gym rats, most pants will suit you, but avoid skinny pants for most occasions.
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If you are on the heavy, or skinny side avoid huge logos or prints on tees or shirts, avoid narrow round necks. Gym rats, clothes are meant to be worn not ripped, so wear shirts that won’t make people cringe – at least outside the gym ;).
KNOW THE TYPE OF WEAR
There are so many types of styles when it comes to clothes- Grunge, Classics, Minimalist etc., but I will be talking about only 3 types of wear, which I believe will be familiar to everyone – Formal, Casual and Streetwear. Often a time we confuse and mix match different types of wear and, at the cost of sounding superficial, it does come off as tacky and unappealing. So here is your lesson:
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Formal wear includes anything that is minimal in tone but rich in cuts. Examples: White, Grey, light stripes and check (shirts) etc. Pants with pleats, and any light fabric pants. Leather shoes in basic black, brown and tan etc. And you can never mix match formals with street wear like hoodies etc. Try to keep formals alone.
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Casuals are your basic jeans and shirts and of course you can blend formal with it for a smart casual look, provided you know how to – A white formal shirt with jeans and good leather shoes is the classic example. Sneakers with formals can work but I’ve seen more fails than successes in pulling it off, so I wouldn’t recommend it. Big and bright logo t-shirts with formal jackets should also be avoided.
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High Street wear is the new it thing, but like formals this style should be left alone on most occasions. The safest mix match would be with casual plain t-shirts and jeans and nothing more just for your own safety ;). Examples: Camouflage, ripped apparels, oversize bomber jackets, joggers and heavy detail shoes.
SOLE IS EVERYTHING
Yes! Sole is very crucial when it comes to footwear, especially shoes, but before going any further, understanding the type of footwear that works the best for you would be wise. Click this link to familiarize yourself with types of footwear http://happenings.lpu.in/2016/08/27/how-strong-is-your-shoe-game/.
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If you’ve a scrawny foot, patted insole shoes are not your best friends unless you find the right size – which is very rare, based on my experience. The insole might deceive you as a perfect fit, but try putting your index and middle finger behind when you try them and you’ll know what I am talking about. Patted insoles makes your foot look even scrawnier, so it’s best you switch to other options.
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Talking about the outer sole, if you are an average height avoid soles that look sturdy. The same goes for people on the heavier side as well as people with broad calves.
NEVER TRY TOO HARD
Don’t try too hard to wear something – stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t mean you should try something you know will never suit you. When it comes to clothes, everything looks good if you are comfortable with what you wear. Let me give my personal example: Loafers are trendy, but out of my comfort zone because I know they don’t work with my body type, so why wear it? The same goes for haircuts, stick to what suits you.
HYGIENE
I don’t think I need to elaborate much on this, so I’ll just get straight into it.
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Clean socks! If you’ve a busy schedule keep multiple pairs or wash them after single use (takes just 2 minutes). We all know the odour of beat up socks (LOL).
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Winter is here! So keep your shoes out in the open once in a while to get rid of fungus infestation.
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Clip your nails. We all love aloo gobi, dal, and kadhai chicken, but we don’t have to carry their remains.
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I know it’s cold, but that doesn’t give you an excuse to skip showers.
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Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you won’t sweat, and no one fancies the sight of sweat on the underarms, so wear a light undershirt tee instead of a vest. If the extra laundry bothers you – use a deo stick.
Remember, confidence is key where looking your best is concerned. Good clothes are just accessories to a good attitude. Keep my pointers in mind, and go, charm the world.
