What is fashion, and what defines your own style? Are you a mannequin, clothes horse to the sundry, or your wardrobe boasts an `Individual’ clued in to your own sense of being, proportion, sensuality, attitude and personality. There are no rules in fashion, and certainly not in creating your own style board that is only about YOU. Take it from the pros who’ve been there, done that. Here’s why.

THE ONLY RULE TO MAKE IS YOUR OWN RULE

Rules? What are they? Dos and don’ts, likes and dislikes, what’s in and out, is for the herd. But if you’re reading this, you’re certainly not one! The only rule to follow is `Like, Love, Like’ yourself. Once you’ve got to love yourself in your own skin, you’re conquered half the world. The next half is your wardrobe. Look sharply at every garment, shoe, bag, accessory you own. What does it say about you? Are you hip, confident, a self-assured woman? Discard the old, hello new you.

REINVENT, REPEAT, REINVENT

Every self aware fashionista knows this is a life-saving mantra. From hair to make-up, infuse fresh zest into your personality and attitude, and the same will reflect on what you are wearing, how you carry an outfit, and how you look and feel in it. Stay sharp, sister!!

BE YOUR OWN TREND

Fashion weeks are great to set the season’s trend palette. But honey, what suits bae Beyonce will not be your Ms Amchi Mumbai `must have’ essentials. The only mantra to make is what you want to express. Is that dress an extension of your personality? Does it speak your voice? Does it make your spirit `feel’ awesome. Does it vibrate with femininity, grace and sexiness. If yes, keep the garment. Not everything you see on the ramp or in a fashion magazine belongs on our body. Trends come and go. You, are here to stay. Create what works for you. Be your own style statement.

TRY EVERYTHING ONCE

Alright, so you’ve fallen in love with that glitter low waist flare pants that scream Cher 1960 Studio 54. Dated!! But says who? Aren’t they saying power shoulders are corsets are out? Should that stop you from trying a smart mix and match. NOT!

HIGHER THE STILETTO, SASSY THE OOMPH 

While it’s great to be queen of the cocktail cognoscenti, you must know that firm feet on the ground ensures you stand tall head above shoulders from others. Feet matter. Great footwear helps negotiate being ahead of the curve. Be ahead of the game.

LIVE DANGEROUSLY

You live once. Live out of the box, discover your own vibe, seek your own tribe, experiment wholeheartedly with fashion. Let it evolve, unleash your energy. Let it seek your inner wild child, set free your sensuality. At all times, let fashion `enhance’ your own true person. Because truly, that’s the only call of port which reflects who you truly are. Be Unapologetically You!

Photographs courtesy: Zoomberg, Unique Vintage, Grazia Italia, Google