[TOP 10 TUESDAY] Fashion Myths I've Learned to Ignore

1. Horizontal Stripes Are Not Your Friends
   I believe I was a pirate in a past life - how else would you explain my affinity for stripes? Being plus-sized, I've always heard that I should stay away from horizontal striped because they make me look shorter/thicker. I listened for a while like a good little girl until I realized that I didn't care. Horizontal stripes are so flexible, I think they can work for anyone.
2. Keep Up With the Latest Trends
   I think it goes without saying that trends are optional. However, it's hard to ignore the overall shift in style according to what's "in". It's great to see so many people interested in fashion and looking good but, at the same time, the looks get a bit repetitive. On the other hand, trends can also add a finishing touch to your outfit (like the tassel necklace I just bought).
3. {Leggings} Are Out of Style
   In case you don't know the fashion cycle, at some point a trend will fade away unless it becomes a classic. Fashion editors have been trying to get rid of the legging - they feel it's hit its peak and should be on it's wait out. A while back, I wanted to agree with them. I wanted to be cool and try something new like opaque tights. But the heat made them unbearable and the cold demands leggings under skirts and sometimes pants. The lesson is nothing ever really goes out of style. Sure the majority might be "so over it" but if it works in your outfit, then it's "in".
   
4. A Little Retail Therapy Won't Hurt
   Shopping is addictive - dangerously addictive. If you get into the mindset that buying a little make-up will soothe your nerves or a new shirt will make your date go better, soon it becomes the answer to everything and you don't even realize it. After that, you can't step into a store without "needing" something, no matter how trivial - and there goes the money for your oil change. Yes, I speak from experience. I've learned to window shop to soothe my nerves but that gets on the salespeople's nerves.
5. Dress Your Age
   This is another issue where I've had to swallow my words. A while back I called out an older lady for her dressing like she stepped out of Teen Vogue. I regret it now that my cousins and my mom's secretaries keep saying I dress "too young". People were surprised that I was turning 25. I thought maybe it was my face until my cousin pointed out my bangs and clothes are very teen. I tried changing my style for like two days and dressing "grown up" - I failed and I wasn't comfortable.
6. Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend
   If they were, Claire's wouldn't be in business. Diamonds are pretty and owning them carries a sense of pride and accomplishment, but don't place value over personal style. I went to school with a girl who opted for a pink tourmaline engagement ring rather than a diamond, and for the same price, it was huge. She wanted a stone that reflected her personality and diamonds weren't it.
7. High Heels are a Girl's Best Friend
   I didn't put on my first pair of high heels until high school - my best friend was on a mission to make me a pro by graduation lest I trip across the stage. I made it across just fine but I could not stand the heels. The post-grad dinner was spent in sandals. It's rare but I can occasionally find a pair of heels that I can wear for hours. I've come to terms with flats, kitty heels, and platforms, no longer envying the stiletto-clad Amazon. Shoes don't make you look good - you make the shoes look good.
8. Mexicans Don't Wear That
   As long as I can remember, I have been reproached by people of my own ethnicity (and family) for not seeming "Mexican". My features, skin color and accent fit the bill but my clothes don't. As long as I remember, I've never been into the urban styles that were predominant in my neighborhood. I didn't listen to the same music or watch the same TV growing up. My style icons were Cher from Clueless, the girls from the Craft, and The Crow. I understand that different cultures and races have their own styles and clothing preferences but I've never understood why dressing differently made me any less a Latina.
9. You Need a Pop of Color
   I have tried over and over again to add more color to my wardrobe but I've always loved black clothes, even before I found out they were slimming and chic. I'll admit: color can be a great picker-upper or attention-grabber. If I feel like being colorful, I will, but it's not an everyday thing for me.
10. Fashion Hurts
    When you really want something, there's normally a price to pay - that's how our socio-economy works. But when it comes to fashion and beauty, it seems that women pay hefty fines in the form of their health, well-being, financial stability, and sometimes sanity. We've moved beyond corsets but young girls are still taught that beauty is neither comfortable nor cheap. And blood is an acceptable payment. If the heels feels too high, don't wear them. If you're a size 8, don't try to squeeze into a size 6. If you're on a diet, do it smart - consult your doctor or, at the very least, a nutrition website.

Bottom line: If It Feels Good, Wear It

Pics via We Heart It, GamesGirl.ca & X-Chromosome.