18 Fashion Rules That Are Meant to Be Broken

Somewhere along the line, someone out there decided to nip all the fun that comes with fashion right in the bud by doling out rules. Rules for fashion? Puh-lease. Tragically, that hasn’t stopped legions of self-proclaimed fashionistas from living under the restraints of these archaic guidelines and hiding their winter items away the very second the clock strikes midnight and Labor day is over. Apparently, they never got the memo that rules, all of ‘em, are made to be broken, especially the ones that dictate what a woman can and can’t wear.

  1. Redheads can’t wear red (or pink.) Oh, really? Is there some sort of scientific reason for this? Will redheads melt into a puddle of slime and tears if they do? Doubtful.
  2. Don’t wear white after Labor Day. Whoever invented this one was probably one of those people who was jealous of all those out there who can successfully wear white and not spill on it. Don’t let their jealousy stand in the way of the pure joy that comes with wearing white in November.
  3. Only wear nude bras under white shirts. Two words: Carrie Bradshaw. What did she teach us? That black bras were made for white (or any other light colored) shirts.
  4. Don’t wear socks and sandals. This one gets a bad rap because it’s far too often associated with middle-aged tourists rocking white socks with Birkenstocks, or the like. Although that’s not the most attractive look (because white socks and Birkenstocks on their own leave much to be desired), it doesn’t mean cute sandals and cute socks don’t look fantastic together.
  5. Don’t wear open-toe shoes with nylons or tights. Similar to the no socks and sandals rule, this one needs to be broken. A hot pair of Jimmy Choos and nylons don’t say anything but sexy – and you don’t even have to get a pedicure!
  6. Denim on denim is only for cowboys. Although it’s affectionately dubbed the “Canadian tuxedo,” denim on denim, even if they don’t match, is a luxury we should all enjoy. It shouldn’t be for just those north or south of us.
  7. Don’t wear navy and black together. Not sure how this one every came to be, because navy and black look great together. Go ahead and try it tomorrow; you’ll see.
  8. Don’t wear brown and black together. It may not look as great as navy and black, but it still needs to be taken off the no-no list. Dark colors just love other dark colors.
  9. Don’t wear red and pink together. If you look at any lovely spring bouquet, you’ll see that red and pink look utterly fantastic together – both in flowers and on you.
  10. Don’t wear horizontal stripes if you’re curvy. So, the saying goes is that horizontal stripes make everyone look even wider than they are. While they may not be the most flattering choice if you’re trying to look slim, if you’re so concerned then just stick to all black and and nothing but black, and just suck the life out of your style all together. Sounds like fun.
  11. Never mix gold and silver jewelry. Committing to one type of medal is like not letting your soul soar! Break it.
  12. Don’t wear long skirts if you’re short. Just because you’re on the short side doesn’t mean you should go without gowns or maxi skirts. That’s just cruel, especially since maxi skirts are still really in this year.
  13. Don’t mix patterns and prints. There are just way too many beautiful prints and patterns in the world to commit to just one. So, don’t.
  14. Match your shoes to your belt and/or bag. Sticking to one color is just denying your imagination its right to blossom.
  15. Never wear just one color. Sticking to one color is showing you’re committed to being a rebel.
  16. Don’t wear sneakers with skirts or dresses. Honestly, you never know when you’re going to need to run like hell. Oh, and they look really cute together, no matter what mom says.
  17. Never let your bra strap show. While it may be annoying to have your bra strap hanging out from under your sleeveless top, it should be regarded as a pop of color and seductiveness instead.
  18. Sparkles are only for nighttime. Actually, sparkles, metallic, sequins, and the like are for any occasion, any time of day, and all year long. But you already knew that, didn’t you?
Amanda Chatel is a sexual health, mental health, and wellness journalist with more than a decade of experience. Her work has been featured in Shape, Glamour, SELF, Harper's Bazaar, The Atlantic, Forbes, Elle, Mic, Men's Health and Bustle, where she was a lifestyle writer for seven years. In 2019, The League included Amanda in their "15 Inspirational Feminists Every Single Person Should Follow on Twitter" list.

Amanda has a bachelor's degree in English and master's degree in Creative Writing from the University of New Hampshire. She divides her time between NYC, Paris, and Barcelona.

You can follow her on Instagram @la_chatel or on Twitter @angrychatel.
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