Things I’ve Learned So Far: Style Lessons from My Sister

It’s no secret I’m a little clueless when it comes to fashion; in fact, most days it’s all I can do to get my pants on right (True Life: I’ve Walked through the Terrace with my Fly Undone at Peak Terracing Hours). But the few tips I have picked up come from my slightly-younger-but more-than-slightly taller sister, Maddie, who somehow managed to get both the Leggy Model and Effortlessly Cool genes in the family…wait, am I bitter? No, I’m grateful to have such a genius fashion resource at my disposal.

(Bragging rights: Maddie recently placed third out of hundreds of applicants in the Cornell University Design League’s high school fashion contest, and will show her own designs in the Andy Warhol Youth Invasion Fashion Show this spring). So now I share with you all what my dear sister has shared with me: the rules of style.

1. Learn to walk in high heels. I’m still working on this one, and at 5’2”, I clearly need to start getting my Carrie Bradshaw on. But it’s true, high heels are guaranteed to make your butt look better. It’s like physics, or something.

2. Simple is stunning. Maddie has often criticized my outfits for having “too much going on.” According to her, the most important thing is to create a clean line on your body.

3. Don’t forget the little things. Fashion by definition includes hair, makeup, and “props” like your iPhone or Starbucks to-go cup. Even your nail polish can make-or-break a look (please don’t go by the chipped, purple, two-week-old manicure example I have going on right now).

4.Find that Perfect Outfit, without consideration for trends. There are a ton of different styles out there, so pick one that works for you and makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning.

5.“I hate orange.” –Maddie Jones. I agree.

6.Pick a fashion icon that has style traits you’d like to emulate. Mine’s a toss-up between Jenny Lewis and Zooey Deschanel, pending Mad’s approval, of course.

7. Make like Cher from Clueless and plan out your outfit before you start just throwing things on. Not all of us can have huge desktop computers with closet-itemizer programs installed, but still.

8. The big look for spring? Washed out denim and pale colors with one bright focus piece like a belt, purse, or shoes.

9.Style is more than what you wear; it’s how you carry yourself. This means no slouching! Confidence, ladies.

10.Double-cuffed jeans: no, no, no.

So there you have it girls, what little I know about dressing to impress. And always remember: it may be warm out, but no one wants to see your belly button outside of a beach environment.