Our language reminds me of these little bakery cakes I see in the store — the icing changes, but the basic formula remains the same. The foundation of our language — I’m talking the grammar and syntax rules that we hated learning in school but rely on so tightly now — can be used as a parallel for what we want to know about now: fashion.

My English teacher my freshman year reminded me not to “chase wildly after trends — find what moves you and stay true to it.” I love the sentiment behind advice — in a world where yesterday’s in is today’s out, it’s hard to not be skeptical about fashion.

Indeed, we ladies of size aren’t exempt from the whims of fashion — we get our share of advertisements. I’m quite sure we’ll continue to be deluged with offers of shiny new clothes for years to come, especially as more stores begin catering to us.

Style. Context. Tone. Flow. Our English teachers regarded this terms as distinct, timeless bells, and salivated accordingly. But you don’t have to be a academic applepolisher to grasp why this is important to you, your fashion profile, and your future fashion purchases. Here’s what you need to remember from English class to keep that wardrobe sparkling:

1. Style.

Style refers both to the way we use things, and the way something is expressed (e.g., a writer using a terse style in a detective novel). In fashion, if you do nothing else, claim your style for you and you alone. In an age of mass produced designs, there are countless ways to make an outfit “yours”. Add earrings that make heads turn. What about a sash or a saucy belt? Necklaces and bright rings? What about touching up the outfit with its own costume jewelry? The options are all yours.

2. Context.

Context is everything — it’s the reason why you might be able to take a verbal jab from your best friend and recoil in horror if your next-door neighbor says the same thing. It’s the same thing with your wardrobe — maybe that shiny red top looks great paired with the denim jacket when you’re out on the town with friends, but it might not bode well in the land of the cubicles, or whatever your workplace is made up of.

3. Tone.

When it comes to tone, ask yourself the same question you would when writing a letter or getting ready to speak to a crowd: who am I talking to? Whether we like it or not, our clothes communicate a lot about ourselves to other people. Choosing the right clothes for the locations you find yourself in is important. If it doesn’t feel right to wear something at work or at a social area, chances are it isn’t you. Don’t force a “trend” just to be apart of it!

Your clothes will have a rhythm, a flow, and a style all their own by your attitude towards them. Looking good may take a little effort, but the self-esteem boost that comes from knowing your clothes are in harmony with the world around you just can’t be beat!