I want to talk a little today about the style rules that I have for myself. Now I know that this is something personal to everyone, but I’m always interested to hear and share the ways in which people define their own personal style.

Below are five rules that I try to keep in mind and follow when selecting new pieces and getting dressed.

If you’re not comfortable in it, it’s probably not right. Even though I can admire a lot of things on other people, some things that I put on just don’t feel very me. Scarves are something that can look great, but I always feel like I’m just adding a layer that I don’t need and end up taking it off and putting back on throughout the day. Complicated hairstyles are also something that I can’t seem to master and end up feeling like I look too young/old/ready for prom.

There’s also such a thing as being TOO comfortable. Even simple style like Audrey Hepburn’s requires a level of effort and thoughtfulness. No one rolls out of bed looking sublime. I believe in the notion that you should dress to be the person you want to be, and your outfit should reflect accordingly. This can mean anything from simple and elegant to over-the-top diva.

A flashy logo is never a great statement. Yes, there is such a thing as a tasteful logo, but seriously it should define your style. The shapes and fabrics of things should always be the main focus and those are the elements that make a look memorable, not the brand or the price tag.

It’s really more about the person in the clothes. Everyone loves a good street style shot, but what makes it good is the person that’s wearing the ensemble. When your health is good, you feel good, you’re comfortable with fit, that’s when a garment can really shine and accentuate what you’re putting out there… yourself! First and foremost, I think to be a real style master, you must have confidence be comfortable with you as you are.

Trust your gut. I never choose outfits in advance, and I most often go shopping alone. Only I know the vision that I have in my head of how something will look on me and how I’ll style it. I don’t really like second-guessing what I think is best, because I know myself better than anyone else. A professional stylist’s opinion is great when you want to try new things. But if you’ve already got something in mind, go with it.

What rules do you follow? Or do you just like to break them all?