A Pro Stylist Revealed 8 Essential Fashion Rules Every Woman Should Follow for Effortless Look

Some fashion mistakes are so common they’ve become invisible—until a stylist points them out. Lydia Tomlinson, the go-to fashion expert on Instagram, has helped countless women refine their style with practical yet sophisticated advice. From mismatched proportions to outdated layering, some fashion mistakes are easy to overlook—but not anymore. Here are eight essential rules every woman should know for an effortlessly polished look.

1. Avoid too many horizontal lines.

Lydia’s viral video on holiday party styling—racking up 3 million views—breaks down why some outfits lack balance. Too many horizontal lines, such as a sweater’s neckline, a mini skirt’s hem, and ankle boots, can visually chop up the body and disrupt proportions.

Her fix? Swap the sweater for a structured top with shoulder pads to create a stronger silhouette and opt for pointed heels instead of ankle boots to elongate the legs.

2. Use the outfit formula that never fails.

For those who struggle with coordination, Lydia offers a foolproof styling formula:

Matching color jacket + matching color top + contrasting color bottoms

Whether it’s a neutral blazer and top with dark trousers or a bold-colored set paired with jeans, this formula ensures a balanced, effortless look every time.

3. Don’t overload on pops of color.

Adding a bold color to a neutral outfit is a great way to make it stand out—but moderation is key. Lydia advises against matching multiple colorful accessories (bag, shoes, belt, glasses, and blazer) all at once. Instead, limit it to just two, such as a bag and shoes or earrings and a belt, for a chic and intentional look.

4. Choose the right lengths of the coat.

The perfect coat can elevate your outfit, but choosing the wrong one can throw everything off. A long blazer-style coat is a timeless option—it’s structured, elegant, and effortlessly chic.

Avoid pairing it with skirts or dresses that extend past the coat’s hemline. The uneven lengths create a messy, unpolished look. Instead, opt for hemlines that align or keep your base layers sleek and fitted for a clean, refined silhouette.

5. Match your flats to your bag.

For a polished, well-thought-out look, Lydia suggests matching the color of your flats to your bag. This small but effective styling move helps tie the outfit together without looking overly coordinated, especially when multiple colors are in play.

6. Be careful with theme dressing.

Theme dressing can be fun, but piling on every signature piece can make it look like a costume. Think a striped shirt, sailor hat, gold buttons, a neckerchief, and anchor jewelry—all at once? It’s too much.

Instead, tone it down for a stylish, effortless feel. Skip the excess accessories—swap the chunky belt for a simple rope one, opt for a relaxed top, and keep jewelry minimal with simple earrings. The key is to channel the theme, not drown in it.

7. Master the “Old money” aesthetic without overdoing it.

The old money look is trending, but Lydia warns against making it feel like a costume. Wearing every staple at once—pearls, a striped shirt, a structured jacket, a tan belt, and Chanel ballet flats—can look forced.

Instead, she recommends a more effortless approach: keep the classic color palette but mix in modern, relaxed fits for a refined yet natural style.

8. The trick to styling a satin skirt.

Satin skirts can be tricky, but Lydia has an easy fix—match the color of your skirt to your top or sweater. This monochrome styling creates a sleek, elegant silhouette, making the outfit look intentional and put together. Try pairing a champagne satin skirt with a beige sweater or a black satin skirt with a matching top for an instantly polished look.

Style is about confidence, but the right fashion choices make all the difference. By following these eight rules, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and create outfits that look intentional, polished, and timeless. Fashion evolves, but good style is forever.