The way we dress is more than a daily task; it’s a means to express ourselves—bedazzled belts, loud prints, and all. There is no shortage of outdated and downright nonsensical fashion “rules” you’ve probably heard. While there are certain guidelines that are great to follow, a lot of these standards don’t matter as much as you may think. Here are 15 of them that are meant to be broken.
Dress Your Age
Age does not have to define your style—your personality should. Whether you’re 25 or 75, never stop wearing what makes you feel like the most confident, authentic version of yourself. It’s absolutely a myth that you can age out of certain styles. From striking colors to edgy silhouettes, don’t let your age stop you from evolving your style.
Leave Pastels For Spring
Lavender, mint, and blush are not just reserved for the spring. These lovely pastel colors are perfectly fine to wear year-round. Layer them into your fall or winter wardrobe for an added pop of brightness and contrast. These colors pair beautifully with deeper tones and neutrals alike for an elegant look in the cooler months.
Denim is Only For Casual Events
With the rise of more laid-back, effortless style, there are no rules around when you can and can’t wear denim. This surprisingly versatile material is great across a variety of occasions. With intentional styling, jeans or even a sleek denim jacket can look amazing in just about any setting. Accessories are a great tool to elevate a basic denim look into something stylish.
Throw Out Baggy Clothes
Baggy, oversized silhouettes are far more elegant than you may think. You’ll hear it again and again throughout this article: when an outfit is intentionally put together, fashion “rules” go out the window. Loose-fitting pieces offer an upscale essence when paired with structured pieces. For instance, a tight top can complement oversized pants well.
Don’t Mix Silver and Gold
Mixing metals is not only allowed—it’s actually a beautiful combination. Silver and gold play nice together when paired well. They can complement each other to add character and depth to your outfits. Layering your jewelry is a great way to incorporate both metals. Try to stack rings or necklaces for a modern look.
Save Best Pieces for Special Occasions
Life is happening today. You really never know what the future may hold, and life is too short to save your best pieces for a special occasion that may never arrive. Take out that special dress or loud blouse—they deserve to see the light of day more often. If you feel sheepish at first, try dressing your piece down with sneakers or denim.
Silk Scarves Aren’t For Everyday Use
A silk scarf can infuse your outfits with elevated elegance and a burst of color. This versatile accessory can absolutely work for everyday use. Wear it according to your personal taste—around your neck, as a bag accessory, or even as a shirt. There are so many ways to incorporate a silk scarf into your day-to-day outfits.
You Should Dress Like a Mom
You don’t need to sacrifice your personal style when you embark on motherhood. Moms can absolutely wear whatever outfits help them feel confident and comfortable. Whether you’re craving bold silhouettes and colors or athleisure, it’s your choice how you dress. Fashion is a reflection of you and your personal style regardless of what phase of life you’re in.
Don’t Mix Brown and Black
“Don’t mix brown with black” is one of the most repeated fashion myths out there. But it can work. In fact, brown and black is especially chic when done intentionally. Be sure the undertones complement each other. For instance, a chocolate-toned handbag can look amazing with the classic little black dress.
Don’t Wear Too Many Accessories
Sleek, clean minimalism has its time and place. But that doesn’t mean that the maximalist approach can’t look incredible too. With proper layering and by picking pieces that complement each other, wearing a lot of accessories can be magical. Stacking bracelets, mixing statement pieces, and layering necklaces is the perfect way to let your creativity and individuality shine.
Save the Sneakers For the Gym
While your beat-up Nikes are best left for the gym, a nice pair of sneakers can be a staple in streetwear and upscale looks alike. Experiment with chunky soles and classic white kicks. These pieces pair well with just about everything—from fitted trousers to dresses and even suits. Sneakers are a laid-back accessory perfect for adding a modern twist to your favorite outfits.
Never Wear Denim on Denim
Don’t write off the “Canadian tuxedo” too quickly. Denim-on-denim has recently made a major comeback in the mainstream. The key is contrast. Avoid matching your denim too closely unless you’re wearing a denim two-piece. Try mixing light and dark washes or break up the material with accessories such as a bold belt.
Match Your Belt and Shoes
You’re not beholden to matching your shoes with your belt. While coordination can be a great choice for some outfits, you’re allowed to mix things up too. As long as there’s an overall flow to your outfit, no one will even notice if your shoes don’t match your belt. Try experimenting with different colors, textures, or prints.
Cozy Clothes is Only For Your Home
Gone are the days of keeping your loungewear at home. Cozy pieces such as knit sweaters, leggings, and cardigans are more than welcome in street fashion and even high-end styles. Styling your outfit for the occasion is key. Pair looser pieces with more structured elements. Shift your idea of what it means to be “dressed up.”
Stay Inside the Box
At the end of the day, fashion is a reflection of your personal tastes and should tell a story about who you are as an individual. Throw all the rules out the window. When it comes to finding your style, allow yourself unrestricted room to explore. Fashion should be fun, liberating, and, most importantly, true to you.
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