Breaking the Rules: When to Bend (and When to Break) Timeless Fashion Guidelines
Fashion rules have long been seen as strict guidelines that must be followed in order to be considered stylish. However, breaking these rules can lead to unique and personal style choices that truly reflect who you are. Embracing individuality and creativity is important in fashion, and sometimes that means going against the grain and breaking the rules.
Fashion is a form of self-expression, and adhering strictly to fashion rules can limit your ability to truly express yourself. By breaking these rules, you have the opportunity to create a style that is completely your own. Whether it’s mixing patterns and prints, wearing white after Labor Day, or pairing sneakers with dresses, breaking the rules allows you to experiment and find what works best for you.
The importance of understanding fashion guidelines before breaking them
While breaking fashion rules can be liberating, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the guidelines before you start bending or breaking them. Knowing the basics of fashion rules can help you make intentional and stylish choices that still look put together.
Understanding the history and context of certain fashion rules can also inform your fashion decisions. For example, the rule of not wearing white after Labor Day originated in the early 20th century when white clothing was associated with summer and leisure. However, in modern times, this rule has become outdated and can be disregarded.
By understanding the reasoning behind certain fashion rules, you can make informed decisions about when and how to break them in a way that still looks fashionable and intentional.
When to bend the rules: mixing patterns and prints
One fashion rule that is often broken with great success is mixing patterns and prints. This can add interest and depth to an outfit, creating a unique and eye-catching look.
When mixing patterns and prints, it’s important to consider color coordination. Choose patterns that share a similar color palette or have complementary colors. This will help create a cohesive and visually appealing outfit.
Another tip for successfully mixing patterns and prints is to vary the scale of the patterns. Pair a larger, bolder pattern with a smaller, more subtle one to create balance and prevent the outfit from looking too busy.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with mixing patterns and prints. It’s all about finding what works for you and your personal style.
Breaking the rules: wearing white after Labor Day
The rule of not wearing white after Labor Day is one that has been ingrained in many people’s minds for years. However, this rule is outdated and can be disregarded.
In fact, wearing white in the fall and winter can create a fresh and modern look. Pairing white jeans with a cozy sweater or a white dress with a leather jacket can create a chic and stylish outfit.
When wearing white after Labor Day, it’s important to consider the fabric and texture of the clothing. Opt for heavier fabrics like wool or cashmere for sweaters and coats, and pair white jeans with boots or booties to create a more seasonally appropriate look.
Breaking this fashion rule allows you to embrace your personal style and create outfits that are unique to you.
When to bend the rules: wearing sneakers with dresses
The trend of wearing sneakers with dresses has become increasingly popular in recent years. This combination allows for a chic and comfortable look that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
When styling sneakers with dresses, it’s important to consider the length and silhouette of the dress. Midi or maxi dresses tend to work best with sneakers, as they create a more balanced and proportionate look.
To elevate this combination, consider adding accessories like statement earrings or a belt to define your waist. This will help create a more polished and put-together outfit.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different dress styles and sneaker colors to find what works best for you. This combination allows for endless possibilities and can truly reflect your personal style.
Breaking the rules: wearing socks with sandals
The trend of wearing socks with sandals is a controversial one, but when done right, it can create a stylish and fashion-forward look.
To make this look work without looking outdated, opt for socks that are made of a thinner material and have a fun pattern or color. Pair them with sandals that have a more modern and sleek design to create a contrast.
When styling socks with sandals, it’s important to consider the length of the socks. Ankle or mid-calf length socks tend to work best, as they create a more balanced and visually appealing look.
Experiment with different sock and sandal combinations to find what works best for you. This trend allows for a playful and unique style that breaks traditional fashion rules.
When to bend the rules: mixing metals in jewelry
The traditional rule of not mixing metals in jewelry is one that has been challenged in recent years. Mixing metals can create a modern and eclectic look that adds interest and dimension to an outfit.
When mixing metals, it’s important to consider the overall color palette of your outfit. Choose metals that complement each other and create a cohesive look. For example, pairing gold and rose gold can create a warm and feminine look, while mixing silver and gunmetal can create a cool and edgy vibe.
Another tip for successfully mixing metals is to vary the size and shape of the jewelry pieces. This will help create balance and prevent the outfit from looking too busy.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different metal combinations to find what works best for you. Mixing metals allows for endless possibilities and can truly reflect your personal style.
Breaking the rules: wearing denim on denim
The once frowned-upon trend of wearing denim on denim has become increasingly popular in recent years. This look can be stylish and fashionable when done right.
To style denim on denim, it’s important to vary the washes and shades of the denim. Pair a lighter wash denim shirt with darker wash jeans, or vice versa, to create contrast and prevent the outfit from looking too monochromatic.
Another tip for successfully wearing denim on denim is to add accessories and layers to create visual interest. Consider adding a statement belt or layering a jacket or cardigan over the denim pieces to break up the look.
Experiment with different denim combinations and accessories to find what works best for you. This trend allows for a versatile and fashion-forward style that breaks traditional fashion rules.
When to bend the rules: wearing oversized clothing
The rule of wearing clothes that fit properly is one that has long been ingrained in the fashion industry. However, wearing oversized clothing can create a stylish and intentional look when done right.
To wear oversized clothing in a stylish way, it’s important to consider proportion and balance. Pair oversized tops with more fitted bottoms, or vice versa, to create a balanced and visually appealing outfit.
Another tip for successfully wearing oversized clothing is to add structure and definition to the outfit. Consider adding a belt to cinch in the waist or rolling up the sleeves or pant legs to create a more polished look.
Experiment with different oversized pieces and silhouettes to find what works best for you. This trend allows for a comfortable and fashion-forward style that breaks traditional fashion rules.
Embrace your personal style and break the rules with confidence.
Fashion rules are meant to be broken in order to express individuality and creativity. By breaking these rules, you have the opportunity to create a style that is completely your own.
Understanding the guidelines and context of fashion rules can inform intentional fashion choices that still look put together. Knowing when to bend or break the rules allows you to experiment and find what works best for you and your personal style.
Embrace your personal style and have fun with fashion. Don’t be afraid to break the rules and create unique and stylish outfits that truly reflect who you are. Fashion is a form of self-expression, and by breaking the rules, you have the opportunity to express yourself in a way that is authentic and true to you.