‘Elegant’ Styles Rules I Like To Break As An Etiquette Consultant

Here are ‘elegant’ style rules I am going against for the sake of my lifestyle changes, embracing trends, and a personal evolution. I had to leave everything I owned behind in another state and start my life over which meant only packing 5 outfits to start fresh. They were predominantly work ensembles that are versatile enough to pass for dressed up weekendwear, but I still needed to reposition myself with appropriate attire for all occasions in my move back to Los Angeles. This meant showing more skin to adjust to the climate, activewear, and eveningwear.

Let me know if there are certain styles you absolutely love wearing that are unpopular in the comments below. I love getting to know your individual takes. This post is sponsored by Dixon Etiquette. Join The Finishing School for the ultimate guide to all things etiquette and social graces you can access anywhere and everywhere.

Platform Heels 

A lot of people might not like platforms, because they are too sexy or gaudy. It is imperative to find some that are well made, high quality. They are absolutely fun and flattering. I am really short standing at 5’2.5” and am proportionate. The only thing that is not proportionate are my arms and shoulders. My arms are short. When I wear platforms, they make my legs look like they go forever. I have an entire video coming soon dedicated to this, so subscribe! 

The platform is for comfort because of its support, and the silhouette is fun. Also, I noticed everyone has a positive double take reaction when I wear them, so I know I am doing something right. Do not get me wrong. I still love single sole heels. These are simply more flattering and more comfortable considering the support they have on my metatarsals. 

Aside 

Elegance is all the rage. I stopped posting quite a bit about elegant style and etiquette for many reasons. One of the debilitating factors for me is that there are so many ‘elegance’ coaches teaching you to dress the same, act the same, and be copy + paste cookie cutter rather than polishing your own personality. 

Low Rise Bottoms 

I love this style and have been wearing it since I grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s. Wearing low rise is one of the more flattering cuts on my figure, because I have zero booty. I know a lot of people detest it, but for me it is the perfect metric for making sure I still fit in my clothes the way I want to. To remind myself that I am working out or need to be more consistent with taking care of my body. 

In my culture and my sweetheart’s, it is not rude to say someone looks overweight. It is genuinely a concern for one’s health. It could be a sign that someone is going through something. It’s not a Put the cupcake down. It’s more of an Are you stress eating? Everything ok? For example, in my video of my micro mini skirts and skorts haul linked below, you can see my belly is hanging over the low cut skorts, because I had back surgery. I can’t move properly. Can’t workout. 

Follow me on Instagram @LaGiaGarcia for regular updates. All my socials are linked below. 

I really do not like high rise.They look inappropriate in the front. That abysmal cut gives everything away and does not and does not familiarise people with a sense of mystery. Camel toe is not your friend. 

Clear Strap Heels 

I took a poll a few months ago on whether they are elegant or not and it was a perfect 50/50 split. Reiterated, I am short. I have these in a stiletto mule sandal style from Schutz. I will have them linked below along with my review of them. They do not cut off your foot and make your legs look like they go for miles. 

Also, if you have a pretty pedicure, it makes your feet look gorgeous. I get tons of compliments. People pay attention to you rather than the shoes. The only thing is to make sure to keep them clean with a good spray and wipe after you wear them. 

Recently I had to start my entire life over, leaving every material item I had behind in another state. I only brought 5 outfits with me and I will create a separate video for that, so subscribe! These were the first going out shoes I bought when I first landed back home, here, in Hollywood Hills California.

The first rule in etiquette when dressing up is: There is always a time and place to wear something. In other words, dress appropriately for the occasion. These shoes suit my lifestyle perfectly. 

Capri Leggings/Trousers?! 

Who am I right now? There is a way to style these. I do not believe in wearing athleisure at all. These to me were never athleisure. I looked at movie stars from the 50s and 60s. It all depends on the cut and material. However, I do not think you can go wrong with capris in any shape or form. This is the only time I will wear leggings as trousers standalone. They are obviously casual, and I will only wear them when running errands in the daytime. 

For a sustainable wardrobe, you can get them Made in Los Angeles for $30 or less at Los Angeles Apparel. I will have a link below. They have some colours on sale. I have my eye on all the cool tones.

Jeans 

Working class denim? There is a way to wear denim. There truly is. Individuals might attribute denim to be marketed by the fabulous Levi Strauss to the miners of the gold rush here in California. And farmers all around the USA for something sturdy to wear when working on land. The material itself originated in Nimes, France and was dubbed serge de nimes. 

Today we wear it as a fashion as one wears camouflage and does not technically have to be in the military. I hardly wear denim, but when I do I typically don polo whites, indigo, or black. If I am feeling interesting, grey. Avoid holes, sandblasting, and any type of wash. Washed jeans waste a lot of water in the design. Holes look inanely tacky. To me, denim is still meant for yard work. They are not a comfortable style for me at all. If I want to be comfortable and stylish, I tend to wear cotton trousers. 

Short Cuts 

I love micro mini skirts and skorts, because I am really short and they make me look proportionate. If I wear regular sized mini skirts, they make me look unbalanced, because they simply look like I am wearing something oversized. 

Mini skirts are something I wear day to day in Spring and Summer. However, short shorts are something I only wear at the beach or by the seaside. When I am wearing shorts, I typically lean towards wearing a bit of a longer cotton linen cut, because I might be wearing them for utility. Not simply for staying cool in the heat. It usually is because I might be doing something outdoors and need to protect myself. 

Check out how I style my micro mini outfits here.

Break the rules. Embrace your style.

At the end of the day, I am going to wear what I love, reach for what works in my lifestyle, and look great while doing it. Style – not fashion – is about expressing yourself and celebrating your individuality. Whether you are enjoying the look of platform heels, low-rise jeans, clear-strapped heels, or daring micro-minis, there is no one-size-fits-all rulebook for elegance or style. Break the “rules,” and create your own signature looks that reflect your personality and lifestyle.

If you love experimenting with unconventional styles or have a favourite “controversial” trend, I would love to learn about it in the comments below. Do not forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more sumptuous self care and style. Sharing this with your style-loving friends.

Follow me on Instagram and LTK @LaGiaGarcia for behind-the-scenes updates, style inspiration, and sneak peeks of upcoming content. Sign up to my free newsletter to get outfit ideas, monthly moodboards, and wellness guides. Remember, dressing up is meant to be fun, empowering, and unapologetically, respectfully you.

This post is sponsored by Dixon Etiquette. Join The Finishing School for the ultimate guide to all things etiquette and social graces you can access anywhere and everywhere.