Fashion choices are always our own to make. So if you’re ever in doubt about what to wear, or feeling stifled by rules and restrictions, remember that you can always go your own way.
Here are 10 fashion rules you should never feel bound by:
1. You can’t wear white after Labor Day.
This rule is so outdated it’s not even funny. White is a perfectly acceptable color to wear all year round, no matter what the season. In fact, it can be really refreshing to see someone rocking an all-white look in the middle of winter. So go ahead and wear that white dress on New Year’s Eve, or that crisp white shirt on Halloween. You’ll look chic and unique, and no one will be able to tell it’s not Labor Day.
2. Don’t mix prints.
Prints are having a major moment right now, so there’s no reason to be afraid of them. In fact, one of the best ways to wear prints is to mix and match them. Whether it’s pairing a floral blouse with a gingham skirt, or mixing stripes and polka dots, don’t be afraid to experiment. The key is to keep the overall look balanced, so if you’re going for a more dramatic mix, make sure the rest of your outfit is fairly simple.
3. You have to match your bag to your shoes.
Matching your bag and shoes used to be a major fashion faux pas, but now it’s totally acceptable (and even encouraged). So if you love the way a certain pair of shoes looks with a certain bag, go for it! The only exception to this rule is if you’re wearing a very formal outfit, in which case it might look a little odd to have mismatched accessories. But in general, feel free to mix and match as you please.
4. Don’t wear black with brown or navy with black.
This rule is another one that’s been made obsolete by fashion’s current trends. In fact, black and brown (or navy and black) can look really chic when done right. The key is to choose complementary shades that are in the same family (for example, a dark brown with a light black, or a navy with a charcoal grey). Once you find the right combination, you’ll be surprised at how chic and put-together it looks.
5. Avoid horizontal stripes if you’re petite.
Horizontal stripes have long been considered a no-no for petite girls, but that’s simply not true anymore. In fact, horizontal stripes can actually be really flattering on a petite frame, as they tend to create the illusion of curves. Just make sure to choose a thinner stripe so as not to overwhelm your frame, and pair it with something fitted on top so your proportions are balanced.
6. You can’t wear red if you have red hair.
This fashion rule is just plain silly. Of course you can wear red if you have red hair! In fact, it can actually be really beautiful. Just choose a shade that compliments your hair color (for example, an orange-red if you have ginger hair), and avoid any lip colors that are too close to your hair color (you don’t want to look like you’re wearing a wig!). With the right shade of red, you’ll definitely turn heads for all the right reasons.
7. Don’t wear socks with sandals.
This rule has been around for years, but there’s really no reason for it. In fact, socks with sandals can actually look really cute (especially in the summertime). Just make sure to choose a fun pattern or color that compliments your sandals, and avoid anything too bulky that will make your feet look huge. With the right pairing, socks and sandals can definitely be a fashion do!
8.Don’t wear white to a wedding unless you’re the bride.
This rule is yet another outdated one that needs to be put to rest. Of course you can wear white to a wedding! In fact, it can actually be really beautiful (especially if the bride is wearing a different color).
Just make sure to choose a shade that compliments the bride’s dress (for example, an ivory or cream), and avoid any dresses that are too similar to the bride’s dress (you don’t want to upstage her!). With the right choice of white dress, you’ll definitely be able to share in her special day without stealing her thunder.