I Can’t Stand It When People Follow These Fashion Rules to a T

You’ve heard the saying “Rules are meant to be broken,” right? Well, it’s never been truer than when it comes to fashion. Style is all about self-expression, individuality, and embracing who you are through the clothes you wear. So who made these so-called “rules” and decided we have to follow them? Not I.

Society has drilled these outdated fashion rules—from the idea that you can’t wear white between Labor Day and Memorial Day to the notion that an outfit should only have one pattern or that your shoe color must match your bag color—into our heads for years, but now, it’s time to tear them down once and for all. It’s time to wear whatever we want, however we want, whenever we want. With that said, keep reading to discover the five fashion rules that need to be left in the past.

No White After Labor Day

When Labor Day weekend ends, many believe it’s time to store away their white clothing, particularly white jeans and drawstring pants. This outdated notion that white should not be worn after Labor Day overlooks how stylish white can appear in the fall and winter—arguably even more so than in summer. The contrast of white against darker shades like black and brown is extremely sophisticated, and pairing lighter fabrics like cotton and linen with heavier materials like leather and suede creates an effortlessly cool vibe. Therefore, flaunt your white ensembles, no matter the season or occasion, and don’t look back.

One Print at a Time

If you love to dress boldly, pay attention. You no longer need to settle for just one patterned piece in your outfit. Whether you choose a striped blouse paired with a floral skirt or a check-print tee with polka-dot pants, feel free to mix prints. To ensure your outfit looks polished, keep your handbag and footwear simple. Solid-color leather accessories are fail-safe choices.

Matching Your Shoe Color to Your Bag Color

When I help my friends assemble outfits for weddings, date nights, or everyday life, I often hear the same question: “I’m wearing black shoes, so I should wear a black bag, right?” It’s a common assumption that shoes, bags, and even belts should match, but that’s actually a rule we can throw out the window. In fact, intentionally not matching these pieces can create a more visually interesting and dynamic look. The unexpected combination of colors can make an outfit stand out in a way that feels fresh and very 2025.

Not Mixing Metals

It’s probably clear by now that the through line between ignoring dated fashion rules is the idea of moving away from traditional matchy-matchy conventions and embracing creativity and individuality. Another example of this is mixing and matching metals when it comes to jewelry rather than wearing only warm gold pieces or cool silver ones. Mixing metals adds depth and visual interest to an outfit, creating a more dynamic and personalized look. Plus, it allows you to get more wear out of your investments, and who doesn’t want that?

Not Styling Black With Brown

Not pairing black with brown is a thing of the past. In fact, many fashion people embrace these two colors, thoughtfully styling them for the office in the winter or for date nights in the spring. Mixing these colors creates a grounded and contemporary vibe for any outfit. The next time you’re in a style rut, consider pairing a brown blouse with black trousers or a brown bag with sleek black kitten heels. You’ll notice how it results in a sophisticated and expensive-looking ensemble, even if your pieces aren’t designer.