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I often get asked lots of fashion questions such as, if wearing white jeans in winter is okay, if you should roll your skinny jeans with ankle boots, and are flared jeans in?
I love being able to help and answer these fashion questions, but I admit it’s hard for me to give those questions good answers (sorry, everyone) because I don’t believe in “fashion rules” and doing things a certain way. I believe in doing things your own way, so on that note, here are the outdated fashion rules you should break!
Fashion Rules You Should Break
1. “You can’t wear brown and black together.”
Break, break, and break! First off, a top print (leopard) has both brown and black in it, so I think that’s a good sign that these colors are meant to go together. I think that if you can find something in nature, then it’s a safe bet that they pair well together. I also think navy and black go together too!
2. “You can’t wear white after Labor Day.”
You can wear white whenever you please! It gives a fresh look all year round and looks extra cozy in the winter too.
3. “You should cuff your skinny jeans with ankle boots.”
Admittedly this can be the hardest one as you don’t want the joining of your jeans and boots to look awkward or cut you off.
Personally, I like the “don’t care” vibes of stuffing your jeans into your boots. To each their own, but I don’t think there are any hard and fast rules about what you should do.
4. “You can’t show your socks.”
No-show socks came out and then it became a fashion faux pas to let anyone know you wear socks! When done right, I think it can make a chic statement. So what’s doing it wrong? IMO, it would be having it look unintentional and like you are showing them on accident!
Related: 7 Ways to Elevate Your Style (And What You May Be Doing Wrong)
5. “Each outfit should have a pop of color.”
Pish, posh, there is nothing wrong with an all-black or monochromatic look. In fact, it’s very elevated!
Related:How to Rock a Monochromatic Outfit Flawlessly
6. “Take off something before you leave the house.”
Now I’m all about simplicity, but sometimes more is more and it looks totally good, especially when you have lots of accessories or that one statement item!
I’d like to say I’m influenced by trends, but not defined by them. Does that sound like you too?
If skinny jeans are what’s popular, I’m still going to wear my mom jeans, just because I like them. At the end of the day, wear whatever you want and whatever makes you feel confident. Whether it’s popular or not. Dress for yourself. Not for others. After all, true style is your unique take on fashion, not just regurgitating whatever is already out there!
Want more style tips? Keep reading by checking out the posts below!
6 Styling Tips That Will Change Your Wardrobe
20+ Style Tips That Will Instantly Make You Look More Fashionable
Yes yes yes!! I’m so happy to hear that you don’t have to get crucified for trying these looks.
Fashion is meant to be played with!
I’ve always been such a stickler for not wearing brown and black together! I always point it out when my husband mixes those two and he doesn’t understand where I’m coming from haha. I am not even sure who taught me that because I am TERRIBLE when it comes to fashion. All I know is that it was embedded into me to not wear those two colors together. But, after reading your post, I realize I have been hanging onto a piece of advice I should probably let go of! Your brown and black outfits look great! Clearly. I just don’t know how to dress hahaha. Thanks for this!
Haha I doubt you’re terrible, but you’re right, where did this “rule” even come from? So happy this post could provide a different perspective!
I love love love those socks in your picture!!! The ones with the stars. Do you have a link where I could get them. I so want a pair ?
Sorry, I wish I did but I don’t! They are old and were from a place like Shein or Zaful.
I agree with all of these! I especially agree with cuffing jeans with ankle boots. While I like the look, I also like to tuck my jeans in.
It’s nice to have options!
Rules are meant to be broken and I say hell no to not showing off some cute socks!
For sure! 🙂
Welcome to the world, Max! Take care of yourself and your precious new bundle of love!
And thank you for some sensible advice! I am tired of being told what I “should” be wearing this year, and then suddenly it is “out”. If you love it, wear it with confidence- just make sure you look in the mirror before you leave the house! ?
I’ve luckily never been one to care too much about the fashion rules. Wear whatever you like, right! I love your layout of this post, very easy to read and I wish it was longer!
Aw thank you! Nice to hear!
Firstly, I love like ALL of these outfits!! You’re such a stylish babe! And yes yes yes to breaking all of these rules! Admittedly at times they have helped me but I feel that as I’ve cemented my sense of style, it’s much more inviting to break them. The one I still probably stick to the most is take one thing off (because I tend to wear a lot of accessories!) and the one I break the most is no white after Labor Day, because haha no.
Thank you! At the end of the day, it’s all about wearing whatever you want to wear. I just don’t want people to feel restricted by these “rules”!
I love black and brown together!!! Specifically black and tan. Definitely a rule I break.
It shouldn’t even be considered a rule anymore!
Yes! Break those rules! I have been a stickler for the no brown and black together rule for a long time, but just recently I have been venturing out of my comfort zone on this one. I can finally wear my favorite brown shoes with my monochromatic black outfit! Thank goodness!
So happy to hear you’re stepping out of your comfort zone!
OMG I’m all for breaking fashion rules, and these are some of my personal favorites. Especially black with brown, pops of color, and white after Labor Day. YES YES YES. You slay, girlfriend!
Here’s to breaking all the rules!
Wow these outfits are so cute! I especially love that patterned skirt!
Thanks, Kasey!
We live in Florida so it is HARD to not wear white year round. Because it’s always warm, white is always in!
Sounds like I need to move to Florida! 😉
Who needs rules anyway!? All of these looks are perfect!
Who needs rules! Love that!
Break all the rules! I love the point you made with your first rule because I tend to say the same thing – leopard print has all three colors (brown, black, and white). They’re all neutral colors meaning they work with each other too!
Yes, such a good point!
I love breaking all these fashion rules!! As long as you style them correctly, like you did, then you can totally rock these!!
xo, Laura
Why thank you 🙂 And I agree!
YES! I agree with every single one of these!! I don’t like fashion “rules” either. I think the #1 in my book is “no white after Labor Day”. Um, NO. White all day errryyy day in my opinion! Lol
Preach girl!
Thank you! I love this. Fashion shouldn’t have rules. Someone was just telling me I could not wear my black pants with brown shoes and I was like 🙁 ehhhh.
Good idea for a post!
Haha that would be my reaction too!
Greatest fashion blog ever and you don’t let others tell you what to wear. You have your own style and it’s perfect. And the best part is, you don’t have to pay an exhorbitant price to achieve a classy look, and you are humorous with the comments. I love it! You say what we all think when they tell us not to wear brown with black, or mom jeans. You rock girl!
Aww thanks, Ellen! This comment made me so happy. Thank you for making my day! I hope everyone realizes they don’t have to spend a million bucks to look like it!
I always say “It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it” You know how to wear it!
That’s so true, Maryann!