Forget fashion faux pas: Style myths to throw out

When women our age were growing up, there were a lot fewer fashion rules than our moms had to deal with, but there were a few. We never had to wear gloves or hats, but we might have heard that you’re supposed to match your shoes and your bag. Some of these myths linger in our brains, limiting our creativity with our outfits. Whether you are conscious of these limiting beliefs or not, it’s time to reexamine some of these outdated notions and open up our wardrobes to FREEDOM!

These are a few former no-nos that can be very much yes-yes.

Don’t mix prints

We’ve all seen this done badly in pop culture as well as in real life. But mixing prints can be delightfully colorful, whimsical, and unexpected. I once met a man who managed to successfully and stunningly mix three patterns with his shirt, tie, and pocket handkerchief (although three is probably best left to the more experienced).

Contrary to what your mother told you, you can even mix stripes and florals to wonderful effect.

One major rule: make sure each print has a different scale. So you wouldn’t want to mix a tiny check and a tiny floral pattern — it would be far too busy. I’d mix the check pattern with a larger, bolder flower pattern. Colors should also be complementary, even if they’re unexpected.

You can also treat certain classic prints, such as leopard print and plaid, as neutrals. So you could do a classic gingham with a more funky print, like strawberries. You could even mix two plaids together.

Everyone needs a capsule wardrobe of basics

I mean, this does make life easier for a lot of us. But it also can get boring and uniform-like. Do you ever really wear a classic white button-down shirt or black wool pants–especially in the age of working from home? Maybe you’re more of a scoop-neck, long-sleeved tee kinda gal, or you’re one of those rare people who never wears jeans. Basics are different for everybody. I need to have a denim shirt, a navy or black cardigan, and a classic striped shirt at all times. But your life, your preferences, your body are all different. When it comes to basics, one size does not fit all — pun intended.

Don’t mix silver and gold jewelry

You absolutely can. My rule of thumb is that I might wear gold or brass earrings and gold or brass necklaces, but I will wear silver rings or bracelets. Or I wear silver rings on one hand and gold on the other. However, you can definitely mix it up more and get some dramatic effects.

If you find a piece of clothing you like, buy one in every color

I mean, if you really, really love a certain item, go for it. But most of the time, we’re drawn to items in a specific color because it works with our coloring and the other things in our wardrobe. That sweater you love in navy might gather dust in your closet if you buy one in forest green. This is just a good way to waste money.

Don’’t wear long over long

The idea is that it can look sloppy if the proportions are wrong. And it can, but sloppy can also be a look! I’ve seen enough long jackets and sweaters over long pants and skits in so many street-style videos from Paris to know that this is clearly a rule to throw out the window. If you’re concerned all that length makes you look shapeless, try artfully tucking the front of your shirt or sweater into the front of your skirt or pants.

Shorter women shouldn’t wear wide pants

The idea is that wider silhouettes make us look more squat. I would probably stick with higher waists to make the legs look longer, but otherwise there is no hard-and-fast rule here. Short queen Lolly Adefope looks adorable in wide-legged jeans in the premiere episode of The Franchise. If you want to add height, you could always wear some platform boots.

Dress your age

This is a big one for us as we enter midlife and may feel our midriff-baring days are behind us. Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t. If you still feel good wearing short-shorts and mini-skirts, I say go for it. You can always wear tights or leggings underneath if you want more coverage. Or you can go slightly bare with sheer tops that give a peek at your skin. If there’s a style or trend you feel is no longer for you, there might be a way to adapt it.

Don’t wear a trend the second time it comes around

So for us GenXers, this might mean putting the kibosh on everything from oversized blazers to stirrup pants. While I admit I would prefer no one wear acid-wash denim ever again, you can definitely revisit the trends of your youth, as long as the rest of you is in the present. That means hold off on the big hair and the neon — or at least don’t wear them all together at once.

In this era of rapid change, style is changing quickly, too. And our bodies are also changing, which can be disorienting. In some ways, rules are helpful — they can provide structure and guidance. But if you’ve been telling yourself that you can’t wear wide stripes because they make you look bigger or that it’s time to start toning it down because you’re 40, I beg you not to go gentle into that good night. There is still fashion fun to be had.

Top image: Stylecaster.com