50 Fashion Rules To Break Right Now
50. Red and pink clash.Somewhere along the way, these two shades
got a bad reputation, but when paired purposefully, they can
actually look quite modern and eye-catching. To break this fashion
rule, keep the red true, and add any shade of pink, from pastel to
fuchsia.
49. Dont wear white after labor day.Lame! As countless designers
have proved during the past few seasons, white isnt appropriate
when the weather gets cold, but also amazingly fresh and
modern-feeling. One thing to keep in mind when tackling the
white-in-winter trend: Its all about the fabric. Lighter textiles
such as white cotton, linen, canvas, and seersucker will surely
look out of place during the chilly months of fall and winter, so
be sure youre reaching for white wool, cashmere, mohair, flannel,
silk, and leather.
48. Dont wear white shoes after labor day.Another fashion rule
to break, as several It designers including Cline, Mulberry,
Pringle of Scotland consistently showcase white boots, loafers, and
flats in winter-white leather and suede. Even fast-fashion spots
like Zara are starting to roll out white boots for fall, so get on
it!
47. Take off one accessory before leaving the house.Why? As
fabulous women like Iris Apfel have proven time and time again,
piling on the bling can be fabulous and totally idiosyncratic.
More is more when it comes to accessories. Just ask Iris
Apfel!
46. Navy and black dont go together.This fashion rule still has
its fair share of subscribers, but let us make it clear: Navy and
black look super-chic together. The combo first started making
waves during the Fall 2012 collections, as scores of designers
including Carolina Herrera, Miu Miu, Gucci, Prabal Gurung and Cline
incorporated black and navy into runway looks,while It-gals like
Alexa Chung, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were quick to team up
the hues. Even if its only adding a pair of opaque black tights to
a navy blue dress, its a rule worth breaking.
45. Shorts are only for summer.False. Theres something
incredibly cool and fuss-free about rocking a pair of shorts in the
winter paired with opaque black tights and ankle booties. Stay away
from shorts in summery fabrics like eyelet and cotton, but go ahead
and rock shorts made from leather, wool, jacquard, even denim
cutoffs, which look super-cool paired with ankle boots, tights, and
a chunky sweater come fall and winter.
44. Mixed prints are too busy.Actually, mixed prints can look
extremely fresh, and elevate your look from ordinary to
street-style ready in no time. Street style pros know that anything
goes when it comes to melding motifs (florals with stripes! polka
dots with Ikat!), but beginners should start with this tip:
Treating leopard like a neutral is the easiest way to break into
pattern mixing. Whatever colored print you choose, add a leopard
belt, shoe, bag, blouse, or anything else.
The first rule of print mixing: Leopard is totally a
neutral.
43. You have to wear silver or gold jewelry, not both.As weve
seen on countless bloggers, street style stars, and celebrities,
mixing metals when it comes to jewelry can look fresh and very now.
The trick? Make it look deliberate as opposed to haphazard. The
easiest way to do it is to up your arm-swag game by stacking
bracelets in varying widths and shades of silver and gold. Same
goes for rings: layer several in silver and gold that are both
thick and thin. To really go for it, toss some rose gold in the
mix, too.
42. Petite girls cant wear maxi skirts Its common fashion
folklore that small women simply cant wear floor-grazing skirts and
dresses, but luckily thats been proven entirely false. In fact, a
well-cut maxi skirt can actually give you the appearance of looking
taller, as evidenced by petite gals like Rachel Bilson, Rachel Zoe,
and Mary-Kate Olsen. Choose solid versions that skim the length of
your body, which will create a long vertical line (forego anything
with thick pleats or too many layers.) Be sure to keep your top
fitteda tucked-in T-shirt and a cropped leather jacket, for
exampleso as to not drown in fabric. Also, make sure the skirts
hemline is as long as you can go without tripping, and add a pair
of wedges or heels underneath.
41. Or midi skirts.Skirts that fall below the knee but above the
ankle are often considered a dont for women who arent long and
lean, but if the proportions are right, they can add a striking,
often retro appeal to any look. Midi skirts with a slight flare can
be super-flattering on smaller girls, so long as theyre paired with
a dainty pair of heels and tucked-in or slightly shrunken tops, so
as not to get swallowed up in fabric.
Midi skirts can look super-chic on petite gals.
40. Horizontal stripes make you look larger.Horizontal lines
making you look wider is a pretty clich rule. Yes, a skin-tight
shiny Spandex bodycon dress emblazoned with horizontal lines might
only look good on a model, but pieces that are made well and fit
wellthink a classic cotton Breton striped shirt tucked into dark
jeans, or a ladylike full skirt with horizontal stripesflatters
every woman.
39. Classics have to cost a ton of money.Most women cant or
prefer not to drop a ton of cash on clothes every season, even on
the staples were told will always be in style. Thats why off-price
retailers such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Century 21 are so great
for scoring real designer pieces at a fraction of the cost. Even
several fast-fashion stores like Zara and Uniqlo are upping their
game and quality, offering an array of timelessly chic stylish
pieces such as wool overcoats, leather Chelsea boots, wool and
cashmere sweaters, and silk blouses at wallet-friendly prices.
38. You cant wear red to a wedding.This somewhat ridiculous
fashion rule was put into place during more conservative times when
red was thought to be a way-too-sexy, attention-stealing color.
Yes, you might want to stay away from wearing a skin-tight red
plunging spandex gown to a wedding, but you probably dont want to
wear that in any color. These days, there are tons of high-style
red dresses that look perfectly acceptable at weddings.
37. Faux fur and leather are tacky.Today, so many
fashion-obsessed gals are also quite socially conscious, and
retailers have taken notice. Whereas fake fur and leather were once
cheap-looking and tawdry, many of todays pieces look almost
identical to the real thing
36. Sneakers are only for the gym.As recent trends have proven,
the right pair of sneakers can take you way beyond the gym. Between
wedge sneakers, slip-on sneakers (a huge trend for fall), and the
rise of top bloggers and fashion insiders rocking sporty Nikes, New
Balance, and Adidas kicks with everything from sleek skirts to
leather pants, its clear that when styled with dressier pieces,
sneakers can add a modern twist to an outfit thats not comprised
solely of sweats.
35. Every women must own a trench coat. Or ballet flats. Or a
black shift dress.Dont those types of fashion rules feel wildly out
of date these days? Theres no mandate that says every woman has to
own (or even like) the classic, mostly conservative items that
constantly show up on fashion insiders essentials lists. Ballet
flats not your thing? Break the rule and wear the flats you like
instead.
34. You need shampoo to wash your hair.As curly girls well know,
shampoo can actually strip thick and spirally hair of necessary
oils, and be way too harsh for delicate hair. Oftentimes, water and
the right conditioner is enough, but if you feel you have excessive
product buildup, try using a little apple cider vinegar
beforehand.
Sneakers arent just for the gym!
33. Dry clean only tags are always correct.If a garment says it
needs to be dry-cleaned, it wont hurt to follow suit, but that can
get priceyespecially since some items technically dont need to be
professionally cleaned. Many high-end brands that manufacture items
in washable fabrics will often say dry clean only to keep up the
higher-end vibe. Furthermore, certain fabrics such as cashmere
actually hold up better when theyre washed by hand as opposed to
getting dry-cleaned.
32. Dresses and pants dont mix.While you might not wear a gown
over a pair of trousers, theres something very modern about pairing
a swingy mini-dress with skinny jeans, or a flowing chiffon midi
dress with leather leggings, a look weve been seeing on runways and
on street style stars lately.
31. Denim on denim is a fashion faux pas. Also known as a
Canadian tuxedo, the easiest trick to rocking double denim without
looking like you got lost on the way to the cattle ranch: Pair
pieces of varying washes together, such as a light denim shirt with
dark denim jeans, or a dark denim jacket with a light-wash pair of
denim shorts.
29. You should always match your shoes, bag, and belt.That might
have true in your grandmas day, but its total a non-issue in this
day and age. In fact, matching all your accessories perfectly can
make you look dated and matronly, whereas mixing things up looks
fresh and modern, and adds interest to an outfit.
Double denim done right.
28. Red lipstick is only for evening.At one time, bold beauty
choicesa scarlet lip or a smoky eye, for examplewere considered way
too evening for daylight, but a bright red lip (or orange, pink, or
deep plum) can act as its own accessory and liven up any daytime
look. If you do go with a statement-making lip or eye while the
suns out, be sure to keep the rest of your makeup minimal, and your
outfit polished.
27. Tall women shouldnt wear heels.This mandate isnt only silly,
but a little sexist, too. Stemming from a whole bunch of antiquated
notions including abundant height isnt feminine, and a woman
shouldnt draw extra attention to herself, this rule is one no woman
should ever follow if they dont want to. We know plenty of women
who are almost six feet tall and still rock three-inch heels with
grace (and were jealous.)
26. Sweatpants can never be worn outside the house.As recent
sportif trends have showcased, a well-fitting pair of sweatpants
can actually look very cool when paired with things like peep-toe
booties or heels, and a structured blazer. See how here.
25. Only wear one bold color at a time.If weve learned anything
from the recent color-blocking phenom, its that a bold saturated
hue can look even better when paired with another bold saturated
hue. Wearing an emerald green silk blouse? Dont be afraid to wear
those fuchsia suede heels or carry that sunny yellow leather
clutchyoull look super-modern and striking.
Proof that bold colors can be mixed.
24. Pastels are only for easter. Or for Springtime.This is so
not true, especially in the wake of fall/winter 2013s mega pastel
overcoat trend, and general pale-pink-in-winter obsession.
23. Once a garment is ironed, it wont wrinkle.Actually, you
should never put a garment on immediately after ironing, as this
can actually cause new wrinkles to form. Instead, let it sit for
five minutes to set the press.
22. Sunglasses have to be neutral.Black and tortoise frames will
forever be in style, but lately, trend-setting designers such as
Karen Walker and Stella McCartney, as well as fashion-forward gals
have ditched the super-dark frames in favor of cool pastel styles.
The shapes are variedclassic wayfarer, round, cat-eye, square,
hexagonaland the shades are sweet (tangerine, mint, pink, lavender)
or bold (red, yellow, or print.)
21. Actual menswear is just for men.Obviously, youre not going
to pick up a suit at Rochester Big and Tall, but youd be surprised
by how many made-for-men pieces can work for you. This is
especially true at common outposts like Forever 21, H&M, J.
Crew, and Zara, whose mens stuffthink slim-cut button-downs,
sweatshirts, sweaters, and utility jacketsoften arent as trendy as
their for-women counterparts, and offer a slightly slouchier
fit.
20. Glitzy fabrics like sequins cant be worn during the day. A
modern trick to looking like the most effortlessly stylish girl on
the street: Pair dressy bottoms like a beaded skirt, or sequin
pants) with casual staples like a white shirt, a gray crew-neck
sweatshirt, or a black blazer.
Sequins can work during the day!
19. Sweatshirts are strictly casual wear.Once strictly for
athletes, gym-goers, and errand-runners, the humble sweatshirt has
risen to become such a very stylish staple. Need proof? Top
designers like Kenzo, Phillip Lim, Cynthia Rowley, and Karen Walker
have been showcasing versions that are embellished and printed,
while street style stars starting pairing their sweatshirts with
swingy skirts, skinny trousers, and statement necklaces.
18. Clear heels are for strippersLucite heels have a bad
reputation for being common stripper fare, but several designers
have embraced the clear heel mentality to create interesting shoes.
The trick to look chic, not cheap? Make sure the heels are thick
and boxy (or a wedge, like Maison Martin Margiela x H&Ms
notable lucite wedges) and theres no platform.
17. Always buy the same size in clothes.As any woman whos
shopped high-fashion and fast-fashion knows, sizing can vary
tremendously according to store, brand, and item. Cheaper clothing
typically runs way bigger, making it common for a woman to wear,
say, a size large pants at Forever 21, but still be a size 2 in
Stella McCartney. Dont sweat the number, but rather pay attention
to how things look on your body.
16. Clutches are only for nighttime.It seems the after-hours
staple is fast moving into daylight, as weve been spotting
countless influencers using small strap-free bags during the day at
Fashion Week, on various style blogs, and right here in New York
City on any given day. While some are fairly casual, like oversized
leather clutches, others are dressy (i.e., shiny gold clutches and
beaded clutch bags), and all look fabulous with things like faded
jeans.
15. No short skirts after 40.To be honest, we find the idea of
age-appropriate dressing quite boring. Indeed, we agree that most
women past the age of 16 probably shouldnt wear certain things (One
Direction T-Shirts, for example), but to tell a women she shouldnt
wear a miniskirt because shes over 40 is ludicrous. Just make sure
the skirt is paired with chic staples (and tights in the winter.)
Check out how good 42-year-old Sofia Coppola looks!
Sofia Coppola is classic and chic with her legs showing.
14. Brown and black dont mix.This has long been a fashion rule
thats made to be broken, as black and brown actually go together
quite well. For example, how chic does it look when you wear black
jeans, a black overcoat, and your trusty brown Chelsea boots? Or a
brown leather skirt with a black turtleneck and black tights?
13. Faux diamonds are a fashion faux pas.While fake designer
bags are a huge dont, fake diamond studs in a reasonable size are a
huge do. Why? Because faux stones are hard to spot to the untrained
eye.
12. An old coat is a lost cause.If you have an overcoat whose
details are starting to look dated, a good tailor can completely
change the length, swap out the buttons for something more modern,
replace the lining with something eye-catching, like a pattern or a
bright color, and sew on additions like a vintage fur collar.
11. Keep your shoes in shoeboxes.Most closet experts will say
the opposite: Line shoes up on the floor of your closet, or on
shelves if you have room. This takes up less space and ensures
youre always aware of what you have. If youre anxious about
protecting them, invest in dust bags.
10. Dont wear socks and sandals.This is probably one of the
biggest fashion rules out there, but lately its being broken left
and right by the style set, who rock socks and sandals with
everything from jeans to swingy skirts. Sandals and tights also
work!
A NYFW attendee wears socks and sandals with style.
9. Jewelry boxes are best for storing your all your jewelry.The
best way to store fashion jewelry, including Sterling Silver, is in
Ziploc bags. This helps pieces retain luster and reduces tarnishing
and scratches.
8. A shower is the only way to get rid of too much perfume.If
you spritz too much perfume on yourself, use unscented, oil-based
makeup remover to remove excess perfume. Your co-workers will thank
you!
7. Loose styles flatter plus-size women most.Its a myth that
loose, flowy styles flatter a large bust or a plus-size woman. The
area just under the bust is a womans smallest torso measurement, so
emphasizing it with a structured waistband that hits higher than
your natural waist will make you look a size smaller.
6. Jeans should be washed as much as your other clothing.Denim
aficionados know that raw denim can take up to six months to break
in and shouldnt be washed until then.Why? Jeans really do conform
to our bodies, and when you wash them, most of the shape is lost.
Most jeans today, however, are treated (pre-washed to achieve a
faded look) and dont need to be broken in. These you can wash more
often, but only when theyre stained or when they start to sag. To
zap odors, hang them in the bathroom while youre showering or
freeze them in a plastic bag for a day or two.
5. Overalls cant ever be chic.Weve seen this rule continually be
broken by models, bloggers, and street style stars who regularly
step out in slim-fitting denim overalls, or versions in modern
fabrics like leather or silk, and pairing them with sleek staples
like blouses, wool overcoats, and classic pumps.
Um, whats that about overalls not being chic?
4. Sheer tops cant be worn to work.The sheer trend has been
gaining steam during the past few seasons, and while we wouldnt
suggest wearing a see-through blouse with nothing underneath but a
bra to the office, pairing that blouse with a silk camisole at work
is perfectly appropriate. Own a sheer T-shirt? Try layering it over
a solid button-down for a very Cline-y styling trick.
3. Only dry clean your clothes after storing them, not
before.False! If youre storing clothes in a storage unit, basement,
or attic its imperative to get the garments dry cleaned first, as
moths and other pests are attracted to our everyday scents like
perfume, food, deodorant, and smoke. Same goes for bags: Empty the
contents before storing, as crumbs can attract bugs, pens can leak,
and lipsticks can melt. Ew!
2. High-waist pants are always unflattering.High-waist bottoms
get a bad rap, probably thanks to an unfortunate Jessica Simpson
style mishap, but when worn correctly, they can trick the eye into
thinking youre taller and leaner by elongating your lower body. The
most slimming item to choose are slightly high-rise slim-fitting
jeans that hit your ankle, or simple high-black black trousers.
1. Fashion rules are meant to be followed and taken seriously.As
you can see, theyre not. Wear what makes you feel awesome!
