Style Guide: The Key Rules Every Fashionista Should Follow

Achieving fashionista status can take some major work, but almost as equally challenging is defining one's personal style. I believe the late designer, Oscar de la Renta, said it best: "Fashion is a trend. Style lives within a person." 

We should embrace the fact that we all have different tastes and ways of dressing to make ourselves feel beautiful. How boring would the world be if we all walked around dressed alike?! But while we should be grateful for these nuances, I believe there are certain "rules" every true fashionista should follow!

RESPECT BALANCE

The golden rule of style comes from none other than Coco Chanel: before leaving the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory. This ensures your outfit won't be overstyled. Less is always more, so take off that third ring!

The key to balancing your jewelry is to make sure the pieces blend with the rest of your look. Alicia's choice of accessories perfectly accentuates her all-white without going overboard. 

PHOTO CREDIT: CHEETAH IS THE NEW BLACK

@ALICIAMLUND

 

WEAR CLOTHES THAT FIT YOU 

The most stylish women know that just because crop top duos are "in" right now, doesn't mean they are meant for everyone. You should always modify trends to fit your body shape and stay away from looks that feel forced. Christina's outfit is a great example of a modified trend. She rocks a crop top that isn't overly tight and only exposes a sliver of skin. 

PHOTO CREDIT: FASHION AND FRILLS

@FASHIONANDFRILLS

1. THOM Cropped Trousers 2. ASTRAET Cropped Top 3. BAUBLEBAR Ear Crawlers 4. KAREN WALKER Sunglasses 5. BURBERRY Bracelet Watch 6. MONICA VINADER Ring 7. STEVE MADDEN Sandals 8. MEL BOTERI Rose Quartz Pink, Pebbled Leather Watson Tote

 

RECOGNIZE THE POWER OF ACCESSORIES

Well-chosen accessories can save even the most haphazard of last-minute outfits - a lesson every stylish woman should know and utilize! What I love the most about this secret is that you can instantly change your look with a simple swap. Replace Alex's heels for flats, then add a blazer and her date night attire turns into a workweek favorite. 

PHOTO CREDIT: THE FASHION BRIEF

@THE FASHION BRIEF

1. OPENING CEREMONY Striped Dress 2. BONY LEVY Twist Ring 3. BONY LEVY Midi Ring 4. GIVENCHY Cuff 5. DANIEL WELLINGTON Watch 6. RAY-BAN Retro Sunglasses 7. BONY LEVY Ring 8. NORDSTROM Earrings 9. MALONE SOULIERS Leather Mules 10. BONY LEVY Bar Ring 11. MEL BOTERI Black Saffiano Leather Watson Mini Cross-Body Clutch

 

NEVER FOLLOW TRENDS BLINDLY

I touched a little on this earlier, but it is a point worth emphasizing.  A confident woman isn't dressed according to the latest trends. Instead, she remains true to her own fashion personality and always has her staples on hand. Anna Wintour is among the most fashionable of style icons, but if you notice she has been wearing the same classic dress (and haircut) for years.

Jenna is a current blogger fave of mine because her wardrobe is filled with timeless pieces that will carry on from season to season! 

PHOTO CREDIT: VISIONS OF VOGUE

@JENNA COLGROVE

1. ALLUDE Knitted Dress 2. KENDRA SCOTT Tassel Necklace 3. BP Stacking Rings 4. KAREN WALKER Sunglasses 5. ME TO WE Bar Bracelet 6. MONICA VINADER Chain Bracelet 7. MEL BOTERI Tan Suede Leather Fringed Taylea Handbag 8. MOCIUN Cluster Ring 9. IVANKA TRUMP Sandals

I believe everyone can be their own version of a fashionista, especially after following these few key style tips! ;)

Be sure to join me next week for a complete list of the most elegant tops you should have in your closet now. And in the meantime, please leave your comments below or email us directly at fashionadvisor@melboteri.com if you have any specific style questions and/or ideas for topics you would like for us to cover.