03 Feb Style Myths to Leave Behind

Think you need to follow fashion rules? Think again.

There are countless style “rules” that have proven themselves to be outdated. With the right styling, any of these rules can be broken—and done so fabulously! Because after all, rules are made to be broken.

Don’t Mix Prints:

Mixing prints can be a fun way to introduce more color and dimension into your outfit, and although it may sound intimidating, it’s not as hard to approach as you may think. Start with one printed piece to center your outfit around, then focus on one of the colors in that print. Use this color as a guide to choose your second printed piece–this way they’ll coordinate, match, or purposefully contrast each other, depending on the colors you choose. This makes your print mixing look strategic and stylish, rather than chaotic and mismatched.

Another way to mix prints is by pairing a small print with a large, oversized one. Take this blazer and blouse combination for example. The larger plaid of the blazer balances out the smaller print of the top, creating a subtle but effective contrast.

Don’t Wear White after Labor Day:
We’re giving you permission to break the traditional rules of fashion and wear white after Labor Day. Contrary to style standards of the past, winter whites actually make a beautiful statement and create an eye-catching look with little to no effort. Go tonal and pair your whites with slightly warmer creams and off-whites, or start to transition your looks for early spring style and go for a bright white.

Don’t Mix Metals:
Mixing metals in your accessories is an extremely chic way to bring interest and texture into your look. Creating a chunky stack with a mix of shapes and sizes instead of layering dainty pieces allows more room for creativity in your metal mixing.

Also, don’t let your mixing metals stop with your accessories. Lean into the metallic clothing trends of this year and use these pieces as a guide for your jewelry.

Don’t Pair Mismatched Neutrals:
Traditional style “rules” will tell you to never pair black with brown or navy, however we’re officially calling that rule outdated. The trending chocolate brown tones are the perfect backdrop for your look, and accenting them with pops of black (or vice versa) is an extremely chic combination.

For a black and navy color combo, choose similarly cool-toned pieces to accent your outit and maintain a cohesive color palette.

Style tip: Whichever neutral color scheme you choose, aim to break up your colors to create flattering contrast. Think an all-black look separated by a brown belt or this brown top and brown pants look broken up by the black coat.

Don’t Wear Unbalanced Proportions:
Contrary to popular belief, feel free to mix it up when it comes to your proportions. Most people stick to a small top + oversized bottoms formula or vice versa, but oversized on top and bottom or small on top and bottom can be just as stylish. If you do go for an unbalanced look, aim to streamline it with a piece that adds shape such as a belt or a front-tuck to keep it from overwhelming your figure.

Request a Style Box and let your stylist know which style rules you’re ready to retire.