Do Horizontal Stripes Actually Make You Look Wider!
Outdated Fashion Rules I’m Here To Update!
Recently, while styling a client for a photoshoot, we discussed her accessories, particularly her jewelry. She had a great gold necklace, and I suggested layering it with another necklace. She looked at me like I was crazy. “But that other necklace is silver. I thought the rule was that you couldn’t mix metals, right?” Followed by a sigh from me.
I've heard these fashion rules repeated so many times, often with concerned looks, that I've lost count. Many of these rules have obscure origins, and we often don't know why they exist. While I might not be able to trace their exact beginnings, I can confidently tell you that MANY of these “fashion rules” are very much outdated. For example, how many of you have been told that you can’t wear white after Labor Day or light colors in the fall and winter? If we were in a room together, I bet many of you would be nodding and raising your hands.
Well, they are not true or real!
That’s right. You’ve been following rules that aren’t actually real. Let me break down a few popular ones and help you see your wardrobe with more possibilities.
1. No White After Labor Day:
The long-standing fashion rule of not wearing white after Labor Day has murky origins. Some suggest it began because white clothing, which easily got dirty, was more suitable for summer wear away from grimy cities. This made it a symbol of the upper class, who could afford seasonal wardrobes. Another theory is that it started in the 1950s, propagated by women's magazines to distinguish the fashionable from the "clueless." Regardless of its origins, the rule has always served to signify a certain social edge.
So what I’m saying is that this is a completely outdated rule. White can look fantastic in the winter and can elevate an outfit. I love how an all-white outfit can look elegant on anyone.
2. Mixing Metals is a Huge Faux Pas:
As I mentioned, my client was surprised that she could mix metals. A lot of people are shocked when I suggest mixing their metals. This just limits your accessory options and makes it impractical to expect everything to match. You can absolutely rock a belt with a silver buckle alongside a gold necklace and earrings. Think of metals as neutrals.
3. Your Shoes Should Always Match Your Bag or Belt:
This comes up often with my male clients. Someone once told them that the biggest fashion mistake is not matching their belt and shoes. It’s simply not true. There are so many shades and hues of browns that it would be crazy to match each exactly. It can look sharp, for example, to mix a navy belt with tan shoes. FInd it hard to stray from this “rule”? A medium-toned brown belt can get you pretty far and will absolutely look good with a range of brown shoes.
The same goes for bags. I think less people follow this rule these days, but it's still worth bringing up in case you are still holding onto it for dear life. to match your bag and shoes can be limiting. I have purses in great patterns and colors that I love to pair with different outfits. I prefer to see the bag as an accessory that can stand alone or tie back into something else in my outfit, whether it’s my top or shoes
4. Certain Colors Can’t Be Worn Together
The idea that “black and navy don’t go together” or “never mix brown and black” is another limiting rule. I tell clients to look at navy as a neutral color. A navy suit with black shoes can look formal, and pairing two dark colors together can add length. The same goes for black and brown/tan. These colors together are chic. Black and brown are neutrals, so you can absolutely pair them.
5. Don’t Mix Patterns
Mixing patterns can be a bit advanced, but you’re missing out on dynamic outfits if you avoid it. Here are a few tips to help you go from amateur to intermediate pattern mixer. Consider the size of the patterns. If your jacket has a large checkered pattern and your shirt has a small print like florals, you should be fine! Or if your shirt has a textured pattern and your pants are striped, you’re good to go. Try it, and watch the compliments roll in!
6. Beware of the Canadian Tuxedo
Want to wear denim on top and bottom? You might have heard this referred to as the Canadian Tuxedo, and if you’re over 30, you might think of that time Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake showed up to the AMAs in the iconic all-denim couple’s outfit. While any style can go a bit far, you can absolutely rock denim on denim in everyday life and not look like you were trying to imitate the former couples’ look.
How you ask? With the rise of denim boiler jumpsuits it can be easy to wear denim top to bottom. Want to wear jeans with your denim jacket? Go for it! Match the denim wash or go high contrast with a light blue wash and a dark wash. Confidence is key.
7. Sparkles are Only for Evening or Nice Occasions
I used to look at my shiny outfits hanging in my closet and wish for an occasion to wear them. Then I thought, “why can’t I wear this during the day and what would happen if I did?” Well, the results were only positive!
Adding a little sparkle can give you shine wherever you go. It can also add dimension to a monochrome outfit. Try a top with sequins paired with jeans and sneakers to take it from dressy to casual. People will be awed by your fashion expertise.
8. Horizontal Stripes Make You Look “Bigger”
This one is said so often that even I wondered if it was true. But let me share a little science. German physicist Hermann von Helmholtz showed that if you take two squares of the same size, one with vertical lines and one with horizontal lines, the one with horizontal lines looks taller and thinner! The same is true with clothing. What you want to pay attention to is the thickness and spacing of the stripes. Wider stripes can make an outfit look heavier, while smaller, closer stripes achieve the same effect von Helmholtz found with the horizontal lines. Mind blown, right?!
9. Clothes Should Always Make You Look Slimmer
I couldn’t close out this post without touching upon this unspoken rule. Thankfully, younger generations are challenging the notion that clothing must always “flatter” our bodies. I’ve fallen into this trap myself, being taught that my body should look a certain way to be “beautiful.”
I remember the first time I wore baggy, wide-leg jeans that I felt great in. My husband wasn’t a fan, but I wasn’t wearing them for him. I was wearing them for myself. (To clarify, my husband loves everything about me and my body, but it’s totally okay if he doesn’t like all my outfit choices. In all fairness, I don’t always like his style choices either, but he’s comfy and happy in them, so he continues to wear them.)
There are many factors to an outfit that may bring you joy, and how it hugs or doesn’t hug your curves might not be one of them. It’s your choice! If you love a flowy dress that hangs loosely on your body, own it! If you want to explore this style more but aren’t sure how, follow social media accounts of people with similar body types to you, wearing styles you want to try. It could change how you feel about yourself and your wardrobe for the better!
Were there any fashion rules I didn’t touch on that you have found to be outdated? Feel free to share them with me! They could be helpful to others and I might use them for future posts.
Keep challenging yourself and your style!
Stay fabulous!
KLV Styling - Wardrobe Stylist