Catholic school was nothing short of a doozy when it came to the world of fashion. I remember the days when my dear, sweet principal would walk around with a wooden ruler, intently measuring her plaid-clad pupils’ socks to ensure that all ankles were sufficiently covered by at least two inches.

I uneasily recall Sister Martha eyeing my kilt, the one that no longer concealed my preteen self’s knees due to a recent growth spurt, with the utmost shock and offense.

I reminisce fondly on the times I would rebel against the tucked-in shirt policy, letting the tails of my button-up run free against my khaki Bermudas. I was a wild stallion, not caring if my untucked shirt tails and I had to face the wrath of that one recess monitor who drove a Harley.

I remember the simpler times, when being sent to the office for a dress code violation was the college equivalent of the dreaded Walk of Shame, except your journey of “Going Down to the Office Immediately” was met by an agitated nun rather than a giggling squadron of roommates.

You see, I was taught from a crisp young age the importance of being appropriate and modest. I was raised in the ways of ladylike garb — of knee-length skirts, high-necked tops and covered shoulders. I learned that dressing modestly was the quickest way to exude self-respect and confidence, and to concurrently avoid objectification.

And frankly, this is still something I believe in. I love dressing modestly. I love how powerful and confident I feel when I have on a killer outfit that my father would actually approve of. I love wearing clothes that make me feel like a lady, that make me feel classy and elegant. This is when I’m most confident.

If you stick me in a micro-mini with a bandeau top, I’ll tend to feel more like a hot dog stuffed into cocktail sausage packaging than a hot little mama ready to conquer the night. I’ll spend the evening uncomfortably pitter-pattering with my outfit rather than getting down with my bad boogey self, and my confidence will become almost nonexistent. It’s just not quite my style.

But I also know plenty of gals who are the exact opposite. They feel silly in a Peter Pan collar and believe pastel floral prints should be saved for the Great Aunt Faye’s of the world. That’s rad, too.

Your style is your style, whether that means you prance around in Audrey dresses or booty shorts. Whichever it may be, more power to you, because your style is something that’s all your own. It’s your trademark, and it’s what makes you confident and comfortable.

Yet in today’s trends, with the lengths getting shorter, the necklines plunging dangerously low and tummies no longer just being exposed poolside, it’s growing increasingly easier to cross that trendy line and teeter into tasteless territory.

So how does one avoid crossing that bridge, you may rightfully ponder?

It’s all about keeping balanced proportions.

Luckily, spring provides the perfect time for any necessary experimentation before summer looks kick into full gear. I’m talking crop tops, high-waisted shorts and yes, even those minis.

One of my favorite looks from these more sultry trends is to pair a crop top with a flouncy mini. By keeping the bottom half loose, you get to show off that slip of tummy and those lengthy legs while simultaneously creating a shape that flatters any figure.

If you’re feeling the high-waisters, which are great for creating a look that screams ‘70s gym class mod, pair them with a tucked-in flowy tank and pile on the colorful jewelry. Emphasize the trend by slipping into some high-top Chuck Taylors and a fun baseball hat.

The key to keeping outfits tasteful is to zone in on one area you want to showcase. If you’ve got a killer tan, focus on showing off those legs. Worked hard all winter for that slim tummy? Slip on a vibrant crop top. Don’t be afraid to bear what your mama gave you, but also take care not to let it evolve into indecent.

As for your socks, I will allow two inches past the ankles and nothing less. Old habits die hard (pun totally intended).