Mom jeans, socks with sandals, the Canadian tuxedo...
Can a fashion "don't" become a fashion "do?"
My friend and very talented professional photographer, Linny Foerg tackles this very question in her below guest post*:
Fashion is a unique form of expression that combines both art and commerce seamlessly. Social media is an amazing platform for complaining about those style choices that rub us the wrong way. Our social circle is just waiting to click their like buttons in agreement.
That "Oh My God, What is she wearing?" comment that you would normally whisper quietly to your BFF while sipping your favorite Starbucks, can easily become a topic of serious discussion when it becomes a status.
Recently, a friend's status read like this:
“Leggings do not = pants."
Normally I won't like or comment on something like this because I know it's going to get a big response. However, because I've seen this status, and ones like it, written at least once a week, I felt I had to do something.
Quickly, I stood on my designer shoebox and shouted:
"I am Linny, I speak for the leggings. I speak for the legging, for the leggings have no tongues. I'm begging you at the top of my lungs. Don't judge all leggings by the ones that you see, these sad little leggings that really should be jeans. They didn't mean it. That don't want to offend or cause you stress. They're thin and little and should be worn with a dress. Yes! A dress! That's just what they need. Still some legging, yes some leggings, can be pants...indeed."
Okay, I made that up just now, but I
basically said the same thing.
Style has no
real rules. Any "don't" can become a "do", in the right setting if you believe. Does this mean that there's no wrong way to wear an item? Of course not! There are things that look good and things that do not. However, a good stylist can make any item work.
Clearly, I could go on and on about this, but let's just focus on the leggings issue for now.
To style a legging look, the wearer must think fit, fabric, and friendly frocks
(I’m trying too hard to make that F thing work).
In the photos above we see a clear right and wrong way to wearing this article of clothing. On the left, a slender woman wears the leggings. This doesn't mean that leggings are made only for slender women. Adele, a gorgeous full figured young lady, often rocks leggings and looks amazing, pretty much always. On the right, a clearly ill-fitted pair of leggings... and well, we don't have to say much more. See for yourself.
Tips:
1. Consider how the leggings fit. If you buy them to fit like sausage casings, there's no way that's going to look good, no matter your size. Leave a little room for your beautiful body to breath.
2.Next, notice the fabric being used here. The leather look is fabulous, but even a simple cotton can work as well. Just remember that thicker is better. If you want something thin, you want tights. Tights cannot be pants unless you're Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, or Beyoncé. Basically, unless you can also get away with carrying your tiny dog with you wherever you go, you can't get away with this look.
3. Now, let's talk about what to wear with your super cute new leggings. If you've followed the first
two steps, you can now pair your leggings with a long top. The top should cover your bottom.
4. If you'd like something tight on bottom with your cropped top, you're looking for skinny jeans or cigarette pants.
5. If you'd like something causal with a shorter top, you’re looking for...No! I know what you're thinking and No! Put down the yoga pants and walk away before someone gets hurt! Fancy sweats, you want fancy sweats. Save those yoga pants for, get this, yoga or laundry day.
Now that you know the guidelines, get creative! Start putting on your accessories. Style your look until you feel like the outside matches the inside (beautiful!). Push the limits and try new things. Some will work and some won't, but that's what fashion and personal style are all about.
Be you and do that don't!
Author Bio: Linny Foerg
Linny lives in Indiana with her husband, Eric, and their beautiful daughter, Willow. Aside from her very successful photography business, she enjoys online window shopping, dancing around the house with her daughter, and taking beautiful family photo stories which she posts regularly on Instagram.
For more from Linny,
check out her Facebook fan page and
follow her life through the lens on Instagram.
What do you think of these fashion tips from guest writer, Linny Foerg? Do you agree or disagree?
*This article was written by Linny Foerg and edited by me, Selena Marie.
*Linny's bio was also written by me.
or LinkedIn Connect with a message:
linkedin.com/in/selenamarienorris
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XOXO,
SELENA MARIE
