Style Lessons from the “Mean Girls”

Style lessons from the Mean Girls or how to dress like a teenager, not that some of you need this advice. Still there are some fascinating takeaways from this smart, sassy and snarky comedy that describes how female high school social cliques operate and the effect they can have on girls. Of course what drives my interest is that early-2000s wardrobe of flippy mini-skirts, couture tracksuits and pointy-toed pumps.

Now Lindsey Lohan (this was probably her best starring role) is not exactly my favorite actress, but any film produced by Saturday Night Live (SNL) with a screenplay by Tina Fey will keep you laughing … see this preview of the film. In an interview about the film, Tina Fey noted, “Adults find it funny. They are the ones who are laughing. Young people watch it like a reality show. It’s much too close to their real experiences so they are not exactly guffawing.”

Now you may find the ridiculous fashion rules — pink on Wednesdays, ponytails once a week, jeans restricted to Fridays just a bit silly but there are a handful of notable fashion lessons we’ve taken away from the movie.

When in doubt, go monochromatic.

Fact: Styled right, a bold color worn from head to toe almost always looks good, whether it’s basic black, winter white — or pink on Wednesday.

Use makeup to bring out your best features — just not all at once.

The conventional wisdom is that if you’re highlighting your eyes, you should leave your lips relatively bare — and vice versa. We think that accenting both can work if done correctly — say, a smoky eye and classic red lip — but don’t then pile on the shimmer powder, brush on the bronzer and add a ton of lip gloss.

Dress your attitude, not your age.

Think you can’t get away with short skirts, long hair, bright colors or skinny denim past the age of 40? Guess again. When it comes to the rules of “age appropriate” dressing, there are few hard-and-fast laws — if you feel confident wearing a certain trend, you should go for it. In fact, the older you get, the more you learn what works for you and develop your own sense of personal style. And if you don’t believe that, then check out the Advanced Style blog. However: do not blindly copy those styles in the teenager magazines, instead go here.

Pick personalized jewelry.

Initial pendants and nameplate necklaces (hello, Sex and the City!) may have enjoyed a major moment back in the early aughts, but they’re now back and better than ever. For a 2014-appropriate update, try a bold pair of dangling earrings, a stacking ring or a statement necklace.

Unsure about a potential wardrobe purchase? Ask a friend!

In the immortal words of Gretchen Weiners: “I mean, you wouldn’t buy a skirt without asking your friends first if it looks good on you!” Not always possible for many of us, but seek the advice of a knowledgeable saleslady. They are there to help. And you’d be surprised how often other customers will venture an opinion when asked. Think about it … women love to give advice. Of course if you have a well dressed girlfriend with you, then there’s your help. And it’s not that I’m stuck back into the ’50s, but a full circle skirt looks good on EVERYONE. Trust me on this.

Shop according to what fits, not what the size label says.

Every brand and designer sizes its merchandise differently. While you may find yourself fitting into 8s at J.Crew, don’t panic if you’ve got to size up to a 10 or 12 in Alexander Wang! And don’t get me started on denim — most women I know own jeans in at least four different sizes. Remember, once the garment’s on, nobody will be able to see the label — but if you try to squeeze yourself into something that’s obviously too small, you’ll be fidgeting and generally feeling uncomfortable all day long.

Don’t buy (or wear!) shoes if you can’t walk in them.

Sure, those five-inch python pumps look stunning when you’re sitting — but if you can’t actually walk in them, you’ll feel ouchy and look like a total fool. And probably wind up upside-down in a trash can, too. Even real girls need to learn to walk in their stilettos

Make sure your wardrobe’s weather-appropriate.

If there’s one thing we (love to) hate, it’s seeing fashion people looking dangerously underdressed during NYFW in February, stepping out mid-blizzard in open-toed heels and sheer lace dresses. Don’t be a ridiculous dresser — if temperatures are in the teens, layer up and wear a coat, or else enjoy that frostbite. If there’s a 30 percent chance that it’s already raining, for goodness sakes, put on some wellies or at least a pair of sturdy moto boots.

Don’t blindly follow a trend if you think it’s ridiculous.

Chances are, just like Regina George’s “peekaboobs,” it probably is. Just as I love to watch the runway models from Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Paris, and Milan, it takes some major redoing to make them street-wearable. There are probably 20-25 new (not really) trends every season. Only a few may be you.

Above all, own your style.

With the right amount of confidence, you can make even the most outlandish or unconventional outfit look amazing. Just look at Susie Bubble, who routinely piles on clashing colors with abandon, or Anna Dello Russo, who regularly steps out dressed like a disco ball. Or the Plastics, whose mega-miniskirts, slogan tees and pointy pumps aren’t exactly regulation North Shore High attire.

The original article from Lucky Magazine has been adapted for the transgender girl. For more ideas on how to dress stylishly, check our Pinterest page.

Tags: ask friends for help, dress your attitude, featured, mean girls, personalized jewelry, shop what fits, style lessons, use of makeup

Category: Style, Transgender Fashion