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10 Fashion Commandments for 2009

Thursday Jan 1, 2009 – By Clutch

Alright ladies and gents, it’s that time again – the New Year. Oh, how it brings hope for change and infinite new possibilities to come! Now most of you have probably begun to compile your list of resolutions, from losing weight and saving more money, to getting more organized and cutting back on the cigarettes. We commend you on making that first step, and wish you the best of luck in achieving your goals. But one thing we don’t ever want you to forget about is the power of a great wardrobe. That’s right, we said it. During these times of political change, economic hardship, and uncertainty about what’s next to come, fashion will set you free. This year, starting now, resolve to be FLY!

To get you all headed on the path to becoming the most stylish Cluchettes you can be, we’ve compiled a list of do’s/don’ts related to fashion and style – “The Fashion Commandments.” I’m sure we’ve all slipped up a couple times and stepped out the house looking, well, let’s just say “not our very best.” But it’s our hope that by following these few simple tips, you’ll be just a step closer to becoming the most classy, budget-savvy, unique, and confident fashionistas out there! Are you up for the challenge?

Now while we’ve already got a list of ten started, it definitely doesn’t stop here. Why is that, you ask? Well, because we still want to hear your input of course! Leave a comment, letting us know what rules/tips you think should be added to the list. Maybe we’ll end up with fifteen commandments, instead. Perhaps even twenty, if you’ve witnessed half the fashion sins we’ve seen this past year… Go ahead, and send them all in. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Commandment #1 Thou shalt not wear leggings as pants, baring your backsides for the whole world to see! Instead, pair leggings with casual dresses, or tunic-length shirts and sweaters. Enjoy the trend, but tastefully and in moderation.

Commandment #2 Thou shalt not show panty line, thongs, bra straps, or any other undergarments for that matter. Be a lady, and keep such personal information to yourself.

Commandment #3 Thou shalt not buy clothing that is too small, under the pretense of losing weight to fit into it. Money spent today should be able to be used today. Besides, it’s not about the number or size on the garment, but rather the way it fits your body and makes you feel. A comfy 14 beats a too-tight 10 any day!

Commandment #4 Thou shalt not spend beyond your fashionable means. Purchasing the hottest new “it” bag means nothing if you can’t afford to go out and be seen in it, or if it will make the rent or car note past due. A Birkin bag may be fly, but you sure can’t live in it!

Commandment #5 Thou shalt experiment fearlessly with bright colors and bold accessories. Spice up a simple black ensemble with a pair of turquoise flats, for example, or a stack of beaded bangles.

Commandment #6 Thou shalt not fall victim to the trends, allowing the magazines and designers to dictate everything you wear and every piece you buy. Be yourself and wear what makes you feel most comfortable. Embrace your individuality!

Commandment #7 Thou shalt not wear shoes and boots with leaned heels. Walking sideways is not sexy!

Commandment #8 Thou shalt not assume that we all are “Sasha Fierce.” Yes we all have fierce alter egos within us, but that doesn’t mean that we should show up at the club in a leotard or one piece with some pumps on!

Commandment #9 Thou shalt understand the importance of appearance and how everything from your hair, makeup and the wrong accessories can destroy a great look. Make sure everything ties together PLEASE!

Commandment #10 Thou shalt always take one good look at themselves in the mirror from head to toe before heading out the door. Whether it’s off to work, a date with a boobie, the club, school, etc., for the next 365 days make sure it’s a look that isn’t going to garner you those side-eye stares. The goal is to be you!

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28 Comments – Add Yours

  1. vetteb vetteb says:

    AMEN to them all!

  2. Lish Lish says:

    i follow all of those already!!! im good standing all ready :0)

  3. Rashana Rashana says:

    Great Commandments! Especially #7..I shake my head everytime I see this!!

    Commandment #7 Thou shalt not wear shoes and boots with leaned heels. Walking sideways is not sexy!

  4. Icecrima Icecrima says:

    This is a Great Post! However, I disagree with some of what #2 says! SJP as Carrie in SATC wore many things that showed her bra straps and she was still fab! I say those who can, do!

  5. Shelly Shelly says:

    Love the commandments, however I think that commandment 1 can work for some. it can be pretty stylish to rock a pair of leggings, a simple black turtleneck and a blazer that hits at the hips! I totally agree with the other nine commandments. Of course, one must consider their size before choosing to rock leggings with a top that hits the waist.

  6. OMG! I’m dieing with laughter at number 7!

  7. Ms. Jay Ms. Jay says:

    Can someone post a link to a picture of leaned heels? I’m not sure what I’m thinking about it what you are referring to.

  8. Sweety P Sweety P says:

    This is a wonderful list! Its time for us to be ladies!

  9. urbnsoph urbnsoph says:

    As an add on to number 7…thou shalt use the services of the shoe repair shop. Please keep those shoes shined, and heels & soles repaired in the 09 and beyond. That loud tapping sound is terrible ladies.

    Also, the SATC Carrie character was just that – a character. Keep those bra straps under wraps ladies. Why put that much effort into an outfit to just look lazy?

  10. chichi chichi says:

    love the tips, cant wait to explore my style to the max!

  11. Let the church say AMEN… I really hate to see leggings worn as pants and I hope this trend is done away with ASAP. This is a great list. I follow them all religiously everyday = )

  12. Vv Vv says:

    Great list I shall respaect all of them! :)Number 8 is sooo very true!

    And ladies let’s not forget make-up… Dramatic or natural, be sure it suits YOU!

  13. ACcountabluE ACcountabluE says:

    Zay- Man! Zay-Man! Embrace yourself while keeping it ClaZZY! Thank You. Clutch!

  14. Dnelly Dnelly says:

    I agree with everyone Especially Commandment #8! Lawd! I done seen sooo many of the bootleg Sasha Fierce’s That it’s a damn shame! Please Leave Sasha at home with ya Man!

  15. Tyra D. Tyra D. says:

    I swear, if everybody followed #10, we wouldn’t even need 1-9 :-).

  16. Tifani Tifani says:

    I agree with this list 100%!!!!!! I say amen to it all!

  17. Great job, Clutch Magazine. True, yet very entertaining.

    I wanted to add to the list.

    Commandment #11: Thou shalt not wear pants that are too long. You should not have 2-3 inches of extra fabric at your heels. Thou shalt not wear pants that are too short. Wearing pants that are ”in the water” is not a good look for anyone.

    Commandment #12: Thou shalt not splurge on trendy items. Don’t spend a car note or mortgage payment on items that will only last one season. Instead, invest your money in classic pieces that will enhance your wardrode.

    So it is written, so it shall be done.

  18. Commandment #1 is sooooo on point! I thought I was the only one tired of seeing girls rocking leggings where you can see through them and see their panties. that’s not cool.

  19. Marie Denee Marie Denee says:

    I am giving you a standing OVATION!

    Girl, you are soooo on point with all of your commandments. If you could add one that states that if we can see your name, your address, your mommas name … we are seeing too much, that would be fabulous!

    Whether you are Stylish.Sassy.Slim or Curvy.Confident.Chic. like me, these commandments translate across age, curves, and race!

    Keeping it Curvy!
    Marie Denee

  20. MSGOTOO MSGOTOO says:

    For the ladies who wear weaves (don’t get me wrong its all good), please keep it looking tight, when you can see your hair and the weave, it means it’s not well blended. Let’s keep it blended it looks nicer, at least I think so. When my hair is done, the rest falls into place.

  21. niky3step niky3step says:

    The Commandments are great but I think you also shalt not wear everything what superstars are wearing.Just becaus they are famous doesn´t mean they´re alwys stylish.

  22. [...] Thanks so much to Ayanna for sharing this article from Clutch Magazine, “10 Fashion Commandments for 2009.” [...]

  23. Here, here!

    It seems that the same basic things keep occurring over and over. People should know to buy clothes in their size. =(

    And a serious AMEN to #4!

  24. Shang Shang says:

    I absolutely love them all. I will follow them all! #7 and #8 are Funny:)

  25. ELATION ELATION says:

    I CONCUR!!!! GREAT LIST…NOW WE JUST NEED LADIES TO ABIDE BY THIS!!!

  26. Miss Concrete Jungle Miss Concrete Jungle says:

    Lol good way to laugh while keeping your fashions on point. However I do agree that leggings can be worn tastefully, such as the model in the picture, but wearing opaque tights as pants is another matter altogether. Ladies please know there’s a difference between the two and even when you wear the thickest black tights, we and you both know we can STILL see your panties! And I do vow to use a shoe repair shop this year, I admit I have a beloved pair of boots that could use some shoe shop TLC!

  27. Kat Kat says:

    Amen to # 2. That look is skanky.

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