Growing up I was never a rule follower — ask my mom, it was a problem. But as I’ve gotten older, and particularly since I started teaching style to my private clients and in my group programs, I see the value of a simple guideline. It’s helpful when you don’t know what you’re doing and want to know how to dress!
For example, the body rules. If you’re looking for basic guidance when choosing cuts and colors to wear, understanding your shape and unique coloring can be useful!
But some fashion rules create more limitations, causing women to second guess themselves in their style choices, and get in the way of a more interesting look.
If you’re ready to break free from the rules of fashion, keep reading!
10 Fashion Rules To Throw Away
1. Don’t wear white in the winter
Winter white is chic. Also chic — a tonal look of mixing cream, white and beige
2. Your earrings and necklace must match
This may have worked for your mother or grandmother, but you can do things differently.
3. Don’t wear navy and black together
Do you ever watch Billions? The entire cast wears navy and black. They look modern and sharp.
4. Always match your belt, bag and shoes
Think of them as cousins, not twins. They must harmonize, not be identical.
5. Don’t mix gold and silver jewelry
We’re seeing the future of fashion in combination pieces that mix it up.
6. Belt loops must have a belt
Do they? Definitely question this.
7. Sneakers shouldn’t be worn with a dress, skirt or dress pants
Mixing sporty with dressy is unexpected. The best outfits have an unexpected twist.
8. Every wardrobe must include a trench coat, white button down top and pair of ballet flats
These lists of essentials drive me nuts. When I look at all my private styling clients, there is not one item they all must have. The individuality of their lives and circumstances call for a unique wardrobe.
9. Buying something expensive means it’s high quality
Fortunately, or unfortunately this is not the case. I’ve seen $500 tops that felt like they were $50. And I’ve found $500 dresses for $50. It comes down to knowing what high quality looks and feels like, and using your own judgement to decide what to buy.
10. A formal dress must be long
Jumpsuits and tuxedos are also great alternatives for your formal occasion!
How To Dress Instead
I created this list to give you more options. Use this as your permission slip to break the rules, but don’t break them just because I said so.
Too many women mindlessly follow what others say because they lack the confidence to decide on their own. Plus it’s way easier to follow the crowd, even if it means settling for a style that’s not quite right for you.
This is the issue.
When you’re not making decisions FOR your style, you’re unconsciously allowing.
Then you end up with a wardrobe that represents your settling, tolerating and compromising…
And this is what your style expresses.
What To Do About These Fashion Rules
Break these fashion rules because they’re not serving you. Or follow them because you want to. But don’t do it without consideration. You want to be thoughtful about your style choices because they’re a simple celebration of who you are and all you’re worth!
Need help with the body shape guidelines? Click here to download the free style guide.
It’ll help you discover the styles and silhouettes that suit you best!
I break all of these rules. I love the tonal winter white with cream and beige thrown in. I’m definitely going to try navy and black. Mixed metals are fun. And I love sneakers with a dress.
Love navy and black, black and brown. Definitely will never hace a white button down or trench coat. . Ballet flats, maybe
I still believe belt loops require belts. Be careful with money & quality. I choose to match my shoes, bag and belt but that’s just my thing but it is more interesting to not match and younger looking!!
I love how clear you are on what’s your thing! This is what makes a strong personal style❤️
Ballet flats are comfortable which is a big plus in my book!
Would love to know how you liked wearing navy + black!
I love wearing white in winter especially white knits. Yes definitely to navy and black, one of my favourite work shirts was navy and black, worn with black suit. I personally like ballet flats and white buttoned shirts – agree with not having to be matchy matchy with accessories which doesn’t feel contemporary. No trench coat.
Love the clarity you have around your style!
I laughed when i read your comment about white shirts and trench coats. I live in florida and have absolutely no use for a trench coat. The “wardrobe basic” required blazer is also a hard one to find and use. Forget white shirts: i can’t wear white due to my coloring nor most button downs due to my body shape. I do however, like ballet flats. I am NOT a rule follower!
Glad you got a laugh, Ruby! and love how clear you are that you are NOT a rule follower!