Dose of Prose
In the words of Pharrell…
The truth will set you free. But first, it’ll piss you off…
I hope I don’t hurt too many feelings with this post, but as always, my intention is to lift as I climb and inspire others with what inspires me. I wouldn’t consider myself the ‘fashion police,’ but style is one of the first qualities I notice in others, and I am not ashamed to admit that as many wonderful outfits I’ve seen in my lifetime…I’ve also come across just as many (if not more) absolutely atrocious outfits.
The truth is, some of y’all can’t dress…your style is trash, you look terrible…I mean, there’s really no other way to put it. Your friends or your family may not say it to your face, but I will. At the end of the day, your style introduces you before you even speak, and it’s imperative (in my opinion) to have your style on point if you want to grow your brand, network, confidence and overall executive presence.
I know what you’re thinking…style is very subjective, which is true. Who am I to tell you what you should wear? Well, you’re right, that is not my place, nor anyone else’s to tell others what to do. But if you feel that way after reading this post, then I’m afraid you’ve completely missed my point. I’m simply here to offer advice, insight, tips, tricks and inspiration to help you improve your style game. So let’s get into it…here’s 5 signs that you do not know how to dress…and how to fix it!
1) Terrible Proportions & Fit
I know that we all have our preferences when it comes to the fit of our clothes, but this should be within reason. The first sign that your style is trash is if your clothes are too baggy or too tight. You don’t want to look like you’re wearing your little brother or sisters clothes and you also don’t want to wear clothes so loose that you look frumpy and sloppy. I’m telling you folks, the proportions and fit of your clothes truly make a difference in your style!
I told you I’m keeping it raw and real in this post, so I’ll just come right out and say that if you often find yourself in the friend zone when it comes to dating…it might be your style. You could have a great personality, excelling in your career and overall doing well for yourself, but if what makes you attractive on the inside, doesn’t reflect on the outside, then that is a big indication that your style is wack. Take a look at your hygiene and maintence (hair, breath, body odor, clothes fitting properly, etc.) and you may realize that you may have the compenents of a great person, but you don’t check the box of having great style. I said what I meant and I meant what I said – poor style could negatively impact your love life!
[Solution] Make sure your clothes are tailored properly – check to see that your breaks are in the right place for your trousers/pants and that your sleeve length is on point. Overall, keep everything proportional and balanced. If you’re going to wear something fitted up top, keep it loose on the bottom and visa versa.
2) You’re a “Label Lover”
If you have to depend on high-end brand names, expensive/designer labels to make you “stylish,” I hate to break it to you, but you do not have style! Whether you’re into streetwear and own the latest Yeezy while attending every Supreme drop, or you love luxury and like sporting your Gucci slides (Gucci is cancelled by the way…but that’s another discussion for another post lol) it does not matter, if you depend on brands for your style, you are loosing the style game…period.
[Solution] I’ve said this many times before and I will say it again…you do not need money to dress well. A person with $20 can have better style than someone with $1,000,000. Style is about working with what you have , while having the ability to understand color palette, fit and overall, dress with confidence. I have nothing against designer labels, but wearing monograms from head to toe is not a good look. If you’re in a sorority, you wouldn’t wear all of your paraphernalia at once would you? Same applies here. Less is more!
3) You’re a “Trend Chaser”
This one kind of coincides with #2, but if you have to buy a new outfit every time you have an event/function that comes up…your style is trash! Do not depend on trends or the latest and greatest for your outfits. You do not need to run to the store every time something new comes out. I’m sure at some point your parents have said to you, “If Bob jumped off a cliff, would you do it too?” <—I know, bad, morbid example, but…if you’re chasing trends, that is a rookie move.
[Solution] The true style test is being able to mix and match what you already have in your closest. I’m a finance girl, so forgive my business lingo here, but investing in quality, timeless, versatile pieces that will last years is essential if you want to improve your style! Remember, “Fashion fades, but style is eternal.” Most of my outfits are pieces that I’ve had for years that I just mix and match. If you can put together an outfit for any occasion without buying something new, then you are a true style master in my opinion. Try it…your wallet will thank you.
4) You Receive Zero Compliments
Honestly, if I didn’t receive so many compliments on my style/outfits, Style Prose would not exist. I know that you cannot control the opinions of others, and you definitely should not let those opinions get to your head, but no matter how many people deny it, I will admit that I do care what people think. I always have and I always will. It’s especially important to me what my family and friends think, because I value their thoughts and take into consideration what they have to say, because I know that those within my circle want what’s best for me. So, I’m saying all that to say…if nobody ever compliments you on your style, then you don’t have good style sis (or bro…I dunno who’s reading this lol). I know that it’s not always about the physical appearance, and it’s great to receive compliments about other personal qualities…but if nobody ever asks you where you got your shirt/pants/shoes, then that’s a red flag.
[Solution] refer to solutions 1-3 😉
Alright beautiful people, I’ll get off my soapbox now. This post was more candid than my others, but I hope it helped or was at least entertaining. Leave a comment and let me know what having “great style” means to you! I want to know your thoughts. Is style a dealbreaker when it comes to friendships, relationships or business partnerships for you? Let’s discuss.
Until next time,
Kaamilah
