When it comes to fashion, there are style rules that have been around for far too long. Sure, they might’ve made sense when they were created, but why are we still insisting on sticking to them? The only “rule” that matters is that you feel good. That’s first and foremost. End of story, period.
Our shopping editor and former stylist put together a list of her 12 least favorite “style rules” that just…need to be broken. Of course, if you love them, then wear them. That’s the whole idea; that you love what you’re wearing. You’re what makes the outfit work, not the other way around. So if you’re feeling a little boxed in when it comes to your closet, or you want to know how to expand your style horizons, these 12 style rules are totally ready to be broken.
1. “Don’t wear white after Labor Day”
We’re guessing whoever came up with this rule hadn’t ever seen snow, white pumpkins, polar bears, or white chocolate mochas, because white is definitely not just for spring and summer. Sure, a crisp white linen dress probably isn’t the best (or warmest) way to go in December, but white is far from out of the question after Labor Day.
Two words: winter whites. These hues are just shy of that pure, sun-bleached stark white of the warmer months—softer, coziner options that are more like white by candlelight. Think ivory, ecru, cream, and taupe undertones; essentially yellow-whites. Paired with soft, warm fabrics and richly-colored accessories, you can easily rock this gorgeous neutral all year.
REVOLVE Love Affair Coat in Blanc ($389.00)—Buy Here!
TUCKERNUCK Isabel Long Sleeve Dress in Ivory ($245.00)—Buy Here!
ANRABESS on Amazon Chunky Knit Sweater in White ($39.99)—Buy Here!
Mix No. 6 Melodi Bootie in Off White ($80.00)—Buy Here!
Banana Republic Factory Relaxed Trouser in Transition Cream ($120.00)—Buy Here!
2. “Navy blue & black don’t match”
According to the Wall Street Journal, there’s some old idea that black is a dressier color than navy, and wearing them together could “confuse levels of formality”. Somehow, this style rule stuck around, but it’s 2024. Black and navy are neutrals. Not only do they go together; they’re also great for wearing simply, or for adding a pop of color (like this super cool handbag or these stunning bold earrings).
The only real caution when it comes to navy and black? Avoid navy that’s so dark, you can’t tell that it’s actually blue. It can look like an accident, and it takes away from the contrast of the two colors. Stick with true navy blue and deep black when you’re wearing the two together.
BRAHMIN Cami Satchel in Anchor Melbourne ($325.00)—Buy Here!
Kate Spade Leandra Loafers in Captain Navy/Blue Glow ($198.00)—Buy Here!
TUCKERNUCK Color Block Sweater in Navy ($198.00 $99.00)—Buy Here!
Forever 21 Notched Blazer in Black/Blue ($49.00 $30.00)—Buy Here!
Banana Republic Factory Tailored Shirt in Preppy Navy ($70.00)—Buy Here!
3. “You can’t mix silver & gold jewelry”
Somewhere along the line, mixing metals (not just silver and gold) became a fashion faux pas. There’s absolutely no reason not to. None. In fact, mix all the metals if you want. Rose gold, yellow gold, sterling. Sticking with this outdated rule isn’t just unnecessary; it limits how often you can wear your favorite pieces. If you typically wear gold, but have silver pieces you absolutely love, you’re less likely to reach for them if you don’t think you can wear it all together.
If you want to know the reason you can definitely mix your metals before you take the plunge, remember that they’re technically neutral colors. Neutrals are, well, neutral because they go with everything—even each other. Still a little hesitant? Try opting for pieces that are designed in different metals already to anchor your look. A mixed metal necklace paired with a gold bracelet and silver a silver-toned ring are peas in a pod.
Nissa Little Oval Hoops: Two-Tone ($56.00)—Buy Here!
Rosemarie Collection on Amazon Stretch Bracelet Set ($29.99)—Buy Here!
Mytys Statement Ring in Gold & Silver ($15.99)—Buy Here!
BABYGOLD Lumi Two-Tone Hoop Earrings ($180.00)—Buy Here!
Artizan Joyeria Herradura Lock Layered Necklace Set ($155.00)—Buy Here!
4. “Wearing more than one print is tacky”
Sure, we understand why this is a rule. When it’s done “incorrectly”, it can go from cool to chaotic. So, unless you’re going for that look (you do you!), there are two things to know when mixing prints: 1.) Yes, you can, and 2.) There’s a way to do it right.
If you’re nervous about mixing prints, or you’re just trying it out, start with pieces that are already designed in multiple prints and patterns. These styles have already been expertly-matched (for the most part), so you can skip wondering if it works. Ready to graduate to pairing your own prints? Here are our best tips:
- Match at least one color from each print
- Try staying within one tone range (all pinks, browns, etc.)
- Consider pattern ratio—stick with one large and one smaller (wide stripes with tiny florals, for example)
- Fit + structure matters: to avoid looking like you just gave up or desperately need to do laundry, make sure your entire look isn’t exclusively flowy or extra-fitted. A structured jacket with a breezy skirt (regardless of the patterns you choose) looks much more intentional than wide-leg pants and an oversized cardigan.
- This is a broken style rule that definitely requires playing around to see what works best for you
SOLY HUX on Amazon Polka Dot Halter Blouse ($26.99)—Buy Here!
FREE PEOPLE We The Free Flower Patch Top ($123.00)—Buy Here!
Kumufenc on Amazon 2-pc Lounge Set ($36.99)—Buy Here!
Avara Leena Dress ($72.00)—Buy Here!
Lala Zuri Oversized Flannel in Colorblock Patchwork ($124.00)—Buy Here!
5. “Black & brown don’t go together, either”
Much like the navy blue and black thing, brown and black got a bad rap at some point. And, just like navy and black, brown and black work together beautifully. Again, they’re both neutral hues, so almost by default, they pair well. Aside from that? Nature loves a good black and brown blend: birds, cats, trees, dogs—the list goes on and on.
Experiment with different shades here, too. Tan, camel, mahogany all play well with black, but you can also pair your browns with <gasp> grey tones. Our only suggestion: if you’re interested in making your legs look longer, skip the color blocking. If you’re wearing a brown mini skirt and black tights, wear black shoes, too. Brown jeans lengthen your bottom half when you pair them with those brown booties. Breaking up color in the middle (brown skirt, black tights, brown shoes) can give the illusion of a slightly shorter stature if there’s too much contrast between shades.
Reiss Charlotte Printed Belted Midi-Dress ($237.50)—Buy Here!
Brackish Marjan Pheasant Feather Earrings ($175.00)—Buy Here!
ECOWISH on Amazon Wide-Leg Pants ($36.97)—Buy Here!
Misook Floral-Embroidered Tailored Twill Jacket ($368.00)—Buy Here!
6. “Socks with sandals are a huge fashion fail”
You’re just gonna have to trust us here. Socks with sandals are happening, and the look isn’t just for dads walking to the mailbox anymore. And for good reason, too. Pairing your favorite sandals with comfy socks doesn’t only open up a whole new world of options for mixing and matching, but this combination is also super practical. Blister prevention, sun protection, and warmth? Who doesn’t want that? Oh, and it also means you can bring your sandals into the cooler months, too.
We’re loving chunky platform sandals right now, but sheer socks with strappy heels is also an incredibly chic pairing that can be worn with skirts and dresses to make a serious statement. Or, go super casual and wear some cute retro athletic socks with sport/hiking sandals instead of sneakers for a change.
MEPHISTO Dominica Sandals in Black ($289.00)—Buy Here!
SHEEK Modal Socks in Indigo Navy ($9.00)—Buy Here!
Birkenstock Arizona Chunky Platform in Warm Sand Suede ($134.99)—Buy Here!
Mcool Mary on Amazon Lettuce Crew Socks 6pk ($14.99)—Buy Here!
Crocs Getaway Platform Wedge Sandals in Cassis ($44.95)—Buy Here!
Sock Candy Festive Floral Sheer Crew Socks ($18.00)—Buy Here!
Dr. Motion Neon High-Tab Compression Socks 3pk ($15.00)—Buy Here!
7. “You can wear pink or red, but not both”
Pink and red used to be a pairing only reserved for Valentine’s Day, but how cool does this combo look? And that’s not just our opinion, either. Red and pink are right next to each other on the color wheel, making them analogous (a group of 3 colors adjacent to each other on the wheel). These hues flow together, are low-contrast, and usually are almost totally foolproof (not just in fashion; interior designers love them, too). Science says red and pink work, and who are we to argue with science?
Boden Catherine Ponte Midi Dress ($160.00)—Buy Here!
Dokotoo on Amazon Striped Crewneck Pullover ($30.98)—Buy Here!
SHEWIN on Amazon 2pc Lounge Set ($36.99)—Buy Here!
8. “Stripes aren’t flattering”
This has to be one of the most outdated rules out there. It doesn’t matter what size you are, you can absolutely rock stripes and look amazing doing it. There are a few guidelines that are worth taking into consideration, but remember—they’re just a point of reference so you can feel confident adding this classic pattern to your rotation.
- It’s true that horizontal stripes can visually make your body appear wider, but that makes them perfect for balancing out your proportions (which is ultra-flattering!). If your shoulders are narrower than your hips, a horizontal stripe on top can help to create some symmetry. On the other hand, if your shoulders are wider than your hips, add a fuller skirt or wide-leg pants to round out your curves.
- Vertical stripes can elongate your body. The same goes for diagonal patterns.
- Just like with any print, a wide stripe can overwhelm a petite frame, while narrow stripes can appear a bit disproportionate on tall or fuller figures. Does that mean you should skip either pattern based on your body structure? No! Just watch where the stripes actually sit on your body so you get the effect you want.
- If you’re worried about adding bulk, go for a more tailored silhouette—meaning an oversized sweater or drop shoulders are naturally going to add some additional volume to your look, regardless of whether or not you’re wearing a solid or a patterned piece. We happen to love a relaxed fit, and it’s so on-trend. But if you have concerns about stripes, a structured trouser or tailored blouse prevents the appearance of anything “extra”.
Lands End Chinos in Evening Blue Stripe ($69.95)—Buy Here!
Three Bird Nest Retro Babe Cardigan in Cream ($72.00)—Buy Here!
Anthropologie Maeve Puff Sleeve Striped Top in Pink ($58.00)—Buy Here!
Old Navy Turtleneck Tunic Sweater in Tan/Red ($44.99)—Buy Here!
Draper James Emmaline Dress in Ottoman Stripe ($88.00)—Buy Here!
9. “Shorts are just for summer”
So, let us get this straight. You can wear a skirt in the cooler months, but not shorts? Please. We’re not packing ours up this year. In fact, shorts are just as versatile in fall and winter as they are in spring and summer. Plus, as a little bonus, you can swoop right over to all those end-of-summer sales and stock up without having to wait until next season to wear it all.
Depending on where you live, carrying shorts through the end of the year typically involves layering. Just like with a shorter skirt, tights are going to be your best friend. You can also opt for leggings (just make sure they’re truly fitted so you don’t have any bunching or drooping). Denim shorts are a great choice, and leather-look, tweed, plaid, and twill shorts are excellent for dressing up. Keeping it sporty? Your summer jogging or lounge shorts can be paired with leggings, too. Throw on a sweatshirt and cool sneakers and you’re set.
Amazon Faux Leather Shorts ($33.97)—Buy Here!
Urban Outfitters Overdyed Cord Shorts in Rose ($59.00)—Buy Here!
Vineyard Vines Vintage Chino Shorts in Hunter Green ($54.99)—Buy Here!
SPANX Denim Trouser Short in Raw Indigo ($118.00)—Buy Here
Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Short in Gray ($70.00)—Buy Here!
10. “Your bag has to match your shoes”
In the 1950s, women would buy bags and shoes as a set, ideally to wear all year and that would go with anything. It was part of a rigid set of guidelines for women (like there weren’t enough already), and there were even rules about how to hold your bag to bag in order to “flatter” your body. Sure, we understand that there were limited choices and a less streamlined manufacturing process, so the average woman couldn’t wait around for the newest style to show up, so the matching thing made some sense. But 70+ years later? That rule is completely outdated.
Of course, you can still match your shoes and bag without looking outdated, so if that’s your style or just how your outfit comes together, it’s totally okay. But if you’re ready to buck the old system, a high contrast between the two is an on-trend option. With patterns, making sure you’re matching at least one color from each helps pull your look together, or make sure the background/base colors are the same for both. And, while we’ll never tell you what to do, keeping your shoes and bags within the same season looks more polished than a straw tote with leather knee-high boots.
Verano Hill Natalie Handbag in Dark Brown ($149.00)—Buy Here!
Anthropologie the Love Knot Slouchy Bag in Yellow ($98.00)—Buy Here!
Quince Italian Leather Crossbody Bag in Olive ($129.00)—Buy Here!
pearlzone on Amazon Noodles Bag in Blue ($47.99)—Buy Here!
11. “You have to dress for your body”
Well, this one is sort of true. Dress for your body. Yours. The one you live in. Do you feel good in it? Perfect. You’ve dressed for your body.
12. “Dress your age”
Style is timeless. Your age has nothing to do with it.
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