Saturday, August 13, 2016

Handy Dandy Fashion Tips, Dos and Don'ts

Recently I have been to two different amusement parks in the time span of two weeks. Both times, it was very hot with the sun beaming down like we were walking in the Sahara Dessert. I saw a few "questionable" outfits and I thought "Hey, why not put together a few biased tips for readers to get a sneak peek into your issue with certain amusement park attire". With that being said, I decided to put together a quick article with a few tips and ideas that I think will truly help people understand my philosophy in regards to fashion as a whole. One thing I ask of you as a reader is to remember that this is written based off of my own personal experiences and opinions. It is perfectly okay for you to disagree with anything I say. I also ask that you keep an open mind.

The fashion industry is based on preferences. Designers base their clothing on what they think the general public will purchase. Of course, consumers buy items that fulfill their desired look. A lot of what I purchase, for example, is based on a desired look that I have for myself. These preferences are important to keep in mind when talking to others about fashion. You cannot persuade someone to step outside of their comfort zone with fashion if they do not choose to do so themselves. Just because you say "I don't like your outfit" doesn't mean I'm about to go back and change for YOU. I will keep what I have on if I feel confident that I'm slaying this outfit. Now lets get started.

Tip #1: What to and what not to wear to amusement parks
My personal opinion, drag me and I'll delete you

When at an amusement park, I would think you would want to be as comfortable as possible. Of course, the level of comfort can vary for every individual, but at the same time there are certain things that just should not be worn at an amusement park. For example, I saw a young man wearing a red polo shirt, black skinny jeans and a Gucci belt. My initial reaction is "who are you trying to look cute for?". I just didn't understand why he would want to wear that expensive belt somewhere it could get ruined. I also saw a gentlemen with a full hoodie and jeans on. I remind you that it was 90 degrees and the sun was blazing down. Though the forecast did say it would rain, the rain came and went away quickly, I kid you not. So take the hoodie off sir!  

Now dresses. I personally feel that dresses should not be worn at amusement parks. Though I do not wear dresses at all based on gender roles that have been thrown down my throat since birth, I do feel that I would be very uncomfortable wearing a dress on a ride. Though they are very cute and stylish, they aren't proper amusement park attire. Once again, I believe people wear whatever they feel comfortable walking around the amusement park in as well as riding on rides. So if you feel comfortable wearing those fresh out the box $300 pair of Jordans' or  a really cute dress, go for it. But I prefer seeing really cute shorts with tank tops or t-shirts and great walking shoes. 

Tip #2: Color blocking

Color-blocking is when a garment or outfit is composed of finite blocks of color. (Corporate Fashinista). Color blocking is when an outfit is composed of finite blocks of color.  A very good friend of mine told me about this trick one day after I wore a pair of bright red joggers and a white tank top. He told me if I want to wear something bright, I should block it with something dark. Example, I have two pairs of white skinny jeans (but who doesn't by now?). One cold winter day, I decided I wanted to wear a pair. So, I grabbed a pair if black combat boots and a black sweater to make the jeans pop.
The white jeans really do pop in this specific outfit because of this technique. Color blocking does not have to only include the color black. You could easily color block white jeans, using the same example, with olive green, navy blue, and maybe a burgundy. Don't be afraid to try to color block with bright colors. If you want a really cute bomber jacket to pop, for example, color block with black (or any color of your choosing) and it will. 

Color blocking works for accessories as well. You could rock an all black or all white outfit and make a killer pair of shoes pop. Bags and jewelry as well.
This isn't the best of examples due to the simplicity of the shoes, but I'm sure you get the point. 

Color blocking is a huge thing in the fashion world. Though it can be very simplistic, you will look very nice with this technique.

Tip #3: DO NOT WEAR SUPER BRIGHT COLORS TOGETHER!!!
This is a personal opinion, do not try to drag me.

I was riding in the car one day and saw a guy, older, wearing a solid neon green t-shirt and neon green plaid shorts. That might have been acceptable in the early 2000s, but it's 2016 and its time to give it a rest. 

Just imagine the shirt in this image as bright as the shorts, unacceptable. I have a slight problem with plaid as well, but of course that is a personal preference. Leave the bright colored super outfits in the past, it's time to move on. One thing I do realize is that a lot of children wear these bright color ensembles due to their parents forcing them. Those bright ensembles are no longer "adorable" in 2016, we need to BURN them! 

Tip #4: Fashion sense vs. nonsense

We continuously judge others based on their appearances and it's gotten out of hand. This statement is about more than what they're wearing, we judge others based off of their hair, make-up and so much more. It is time to stop judging others because of their appearance.  My theory as to why we constantly see so many "yeses" and "nos" is because there is a large population of people who are stuck in the early 2000s fashion era. This leaves them FAR behind the advances in the fashion industry. Once again there's the idea of comfort. If a person doesn't feel comfortable stepping outside that comfort zone in regards to fashion, DO NOT FORCE THEM! I don't care if they're riding the hot mess express, you let them live! Should everyone look presentable? In my personal opinion I say no because why should I assert my standards based on a eurocentric idea of professionalism. Yes, I went there. 

Going back to fashion, the idea of having fashion sense is so broad. Fashion goes through so many rapid changes that it's sometimes hard to keep up. Yes, some individuals may not have a keen sense of fashion, but should we sit and judge others because of this? People may think one item is cute while others may think it is the most hideous thing they've ever seen. Lets say you're shopping and you pick out a top that you absolutely love, but then your friend looks at it and says "put that repulsive monster back on the rack". You might begin to second guess your fashion sense for a split second, but I encourage you to still get it if you want it. Rather they think it's hideous or not, you do what you feel is right! 

These are all of the tips I could think of so far. I will edit this post whenever I come up with more of my handy dandy fashion tips. It is very important to remember these key points:
  1. The fashion industry is based on preferences
  2. Dress comfortable at amusement parks, do not waste your expensive items. 
  3. Though color blocking is very simplistic, it is a very easy way to advance in the fashion world
  4. Super bright colors need to be destroyed, DO NOT WEAR TOGETHER!
  5. Just because someone doesn't match the fashion sense that you have, that does not mean you do not have a good sense of fashion.