Book covers basic rules for dressing in customized style

The author believes what most people find challenging is coming up with their individual style
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tina Knowles, the force behind Destiny's Child coordinated but not identical costumes, says being stylish is different than being fashionable.
"I think having style is more important than being in fashion, because the outcome of fashion is that eventually everyone ends up looking alike," Knowles writes in her new book "Destiny's Style: Bootylicious Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Secrets From Destiny's Child" (Regan Books), which was written with Zoe Alexander.
"Fashion is about the clothes. Anybody can go to the store and see what's 'in' this season. What most people find challenging is coming up with their style -- something that makes a statement about who they are or the image they'd like to project."
The young women who make up the music group, Knowles' daughter Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, are known as glamorous fashion plates on stage, but Knowles says the same rules for looking good apply at home.
Here are her "bootylicious basics," the style rules for Destiny's Child:
UWear great-fitting clothes that are in good shape. Spending the time to find a great, reliable tailor is well worth it for many reasons -- he can cut and sew to help your clothes fit your measurements exactly and he can fix ripped seams or ragged hems.
UWork your assets. Look at yourself and figure out what the best parts of your body are. If it's your legs, wear dresses and skirts to show them off. If it's your long, regal neck, sport a chic short haircut. If it's a flat stomach, wear low-slung pants.
UHigh heels and thigh-high boots give your outfit a "look."
UHave one bikini top or belly-baring shirt in your wardrobe. The trick to wearing little tops is that it needs to be paired with a long bottom, such as a long skirt or hip-hugger pants.
UA customized glitter T-shirt is an easy do-it-yourself project that makes a unique statement.
UCustomized jeans, either deconstructed or embellished, is a great way to recycle an old pair of pants.
ULeather pants, or less expensive pleather pants, are a must in a modern wardrobe. A warning: Buy them a little smaller than your other pants because they will stretch.
UHats make good toppers.
UOne-shouldered tops are sexy and fun without being too revealing. They also show off toned arms.