The Art of Being Too Much

It’s clear to everyone that I love to make a statement with my fashion moments. I am a whole lot packed into a surprisingly small person. Seriously, 5’0. I know that people think that sometimes I’m too much and you know, I probably am for them and that’s okay. Not everyone has the same taste, preferences, or personality. For today, I think I’ll keep this topic strictly about fashion, which I have always viewed as a wonderful medium to express one’s self. As a fairly intense person, I tend to have big moods that need big statements. Much like that flower ring that Samantha so coveted on Sex and the City, I self describe in similar terms. “One of a kind, filled with fire- And a little too much.”

As a style blogger, I so often hear, “Oh, I love that on you but Iiiiiiiii could never wear that” which I always find odd, because frankly, if you like it, then just try to wear it. I’ve been told that it’s not this simple for everyone. People get a little lost when trying to switch up their clothing habits. I think it’s also really easy to fall into the same staples when you don’t have any guidance on how to branch out or how to wade through a very daunting sea of clothing pieces. I’ve come to realize that there is an art to being “too much,” a certain je ne sais quoi to refining the outlandish and I am more than happy to put a pin in it and spread the gospel.  

I understand, especially with fashion that stepping outside of your comfort zone can be difficult. I also understand that fashion and style is not everyone’s cup of tea. Based on a lot of my Instagram comments, there are a lot of people who don’t know how to carve out a fashion choice or a sense of style for themselves and would really like to change. I’m here to help.

I have put together some tips to kick off your journey into statement style. Let’s call it the Art of Being Too Much:

1.     A great jumping off point for statement style is discovering and mentally bookmarking things that you like on other people. Do you like clean, architectural lines? Bright colors? Textures? Big accessories? Figure out things that you like and dislike. Get a feel for styles you might want to try. Perhaps reference what style bloggers are doing. Instagram and Pinterest are a great resource to find inspiration.

2.     The best way to dip your toes is to purchase ONE piece to try out. I recommend it being something like an extravagant pair of shoes, a bold piece of jewelry, or even something like a jacket or coat that might feel a little outside of your comfort zone. As you start to tie this single statement piece in with some of your existing outfits, you can then start to branch out. Ie. I used to wear a lot of button downs and striped shirts. I started adding large statement necklaces with these otherwise simplistic tops. It all evolved from there.

3.     Once you have figured out some of your preferences, confidence is key. If you love what you are wearing, then no one else’s opinion matters. People absolutely have a weird lack of boundaries when it comes to their opinions. As a style blogger, I have had people say very tongue in cheek things to me about outfits I have posted. “Oh, that’s a lot of look” or “Wow, someone really doesn’t care about mixing patterns, do they.” I have found that the best test of whether or not something is great is when I walk down the street and random people compliment me. Not that other people’s opinions matter that much, but it makes me feel good when other people enjoy the aesthetic that I am putting together. Confidence is the BEST accessory, because when you feel confident and look happy, it can make any ensemble suddenly shine.

4.     Ignore the “rules.” Seriously. They’re mostly outdated and who determined them? Want to mix prints? Do it! Want to wear a statement earring with a statement necklace AND God forbid a hair accessory or a hat?? Do it! Wear white after Labor Day and seersucker before Easter. The world will not end if you choose to wear a high heel with a short skirt. Bend the rules because they are immaterial.

5.      Mix it up. You are not locked into ONE look. You are not bound to ONE style. I always considered myself very preppy. Stripes, I have lost count of how many I own. I regularly used to buy out entire lines at Vineyard Vines and J.Crew. My first pair of leggings was a pair of Jack Willis anchor prints. Shifting from a small colorful blog to being a NYC fashion blogger has definitely seen a change in my wardrobe. I’ve lately been playing around with some street style influences. You are not defined or limited by one look. Play around. If you like it, wear it. (I will CAVEAT, please do not adopt any kind of cultural appropriation in the name of fashion. It’s not fashion. It’s not statement. It’s ignorance).

This particular outfit is a great example of when being too much is just right. I have long been a fan of Lirika Matoshi’s dresses. I mean, glitter embellished tulle? Could anything be more me? I took a chance and ordered the tulle star dress, and then because I clearly have zero impulse control, I also ordered the tulle star skirt and tulle star socks. Some call it overkill, I call it just enough. I literally wore the star skirt over the star socks with my favorite pair of jimmy choos and put the dress over it. It’s completely sheer, so I added this cute off the shoulder All-Saints top underneath it and VOILA. I added in a simple bow headband from J.Crew rather than one of my more elaborate vintage hats or even one of my many embellished headbands because the outfit already had so much glitter and sparkle, it needed something a little simple to tie it all together. I went all in on this glitter tulle, and I think the result was pretty spectacular. When I told people I had purchased all of the glitter star tulle pieces, they all said that it was silly. Why get the skirt when I was purchasing the dress? This is why.

Mary’s Style Tips: Don’t let anyone else dictate what your style is, and that includes your own self-doubt. If you like it, TRY it. Fashion should be fun and freeing, not something to feel self-conscious over!

Is there a style or trend or look that you’ve always wanted to try? Just do it.

 
Xoxo, Mary

Outfit Details:

Dress: Lirika Matoshi

Skirt: Lirika Matoshi

Socks: Lirika Matoshi

Top: All Saints (Older)

Shoes: Jimmy Choo (Similar)

Purse: Carolina Herrera (Older)

Headband: J.Crew (Different colors)

Necklace: Loren Hope

Photography by: Lydia Hudgens // Lighting by: Tayler Smith