Not Always Black and White

There was a time in the not-so-distant past where I wouldn't be caught dead in white. Morning, noon, and night I could be found donning navy, gray, and of course, black. Any manner of loose, murky fabrics; so long as they were dark. Not that there's anything wrong with wearing dark colors often; it's just that I thought I had to. 

A couple of years ago when I began this little style journey of mine, I only knew what I liked on other people. You know, like 'Oh, that's so cute on her, but I could never wear that', kind of thing. I hadn't a clue what looked good on me. 

I started my journey with the rules. That's right, the dreaded rules. I read article after article, pinned charts on Pinterest, all in an attempt to try to figure out just what the hell my shape was, then how to dress it. 

Now, as much rule-bashing as I do at times, it may surprise you for me to say that beginning my journey, even in this way, changed my life. I started buying things that were supposed to be flattering to my shape. Fit and flare dresses, for example. I began to belt everything to create a waistline. I began to feel different. 

It was amazing. For a little while.

The rules got old real fast. As good as it felt to wear something that was flattering, it was tiring and boring trying to force every outfit to be flattering. I got tired of wearing dark colors to try to appear slimmer. I got really sick of belts for a while. So I thought, why not just try putting something together just because I like it? 

Long story short, the rules really can be helpful, especially if you have no idea where to even start when it comes to developing a personal style. But, and I do mean but, they are nothing more than loose guidelines and are not absolute. 

It's true that there are exceptions to every rule, and the longer I went on, the more I began to realize that when it comes to style, exceptions are the rule. When it comes to style, things are not always black and white.

Even though white is supposed to be a no-no for larger gals, you will find me wearing it proudly. I may look a little wider in lighter colors, but so what? It's not like I'm magically going to look thin in a dark color or something. As long as I like the way I look, that's truly all that matters.

Dress- Factory Connection
Boots- thrifted
Belt and bolero- Wal-Mart
Bag- Stage