I haven't found an official guide to fashion, but I can say in my process of getting dressed every day, I have found there are three things that contribute to my outfit choice, which I feel give the outfit what it needs to be perfect: price, pop and poise. Depending on your individual style as well as the occasion, I guarantee the three P’s will be useful in your decision-making process as well.
Price
Unless you are someone who must wear big-name designer items (which I am not), price should take precedence in the clothes you buy. You don’t have to spend a fortune to look great, and you can be sure you will find the most unique things at consignment shops. Some of my most celebrated items have been less than $5. I'm talking about blazers, tops and, of course, accessories. The coolest part is these items can seldom be found anywhere else, and who doesn't want the satisfaction of knowing they are the only one with that piece of treasure? But if you aren’t fond of hand-me-downs, places like H&M, Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters have really affordable pieces that will keep your wardrobe current. Think about it — the less you spend on each item, the more you can buy.Pop
On any given day, there should be at least one piece of your outfit that makes it stand out in a crowd. The pop factor draws attention to your clothing, and it is even more essential on days when you want to keep it simple. It could come from jewelry, for example. An oversized statement necklace with layers and beads, a patterned scarf or even a funky headband could give the outfit an edge. If you find a cool pair of shoes, don't hesitate to throw them on. Sometimes, I let my shoes tell the story and I let my feet do the walking and talking. The pop in any outfit can really transform the entire look, and all it takes is one item.Poise
The comfort level of your outfit is what makes it either a yay or a nay. If you are confident in what you’re wearing, there’s a higher believability factor. When trying to look and feel comfortable, you have to know which types of clothes look best on your body type. If you are uncomfortable, the rest of the world will be able to see it. If you are constantly readjusting your clothes, it will be obvious to others you aren’t comfortable or confident in your outfit.The clothes you wear say a lot about you and your personality, so why not dress the way you want? If you want to challenge yourself one day, that's completely fine. Actually, Elon, I dare you to. But most importantly, be sure of yourself, especially if you can do so without breaking the bank. Feel great about what you're wearing, and the rest of the world will, too. Trust me. I do it all the time.