Sometime ago, wearing kicks on a tuxedo was considered a huge blunder in fashion until some people started bending fashion rules and wear sneakers on suit.
It made waves. It definitely was out of our culturescape – sneakers on suit? Who the hell does that?!
Well, some people did and inasmuch as it looked strange to the eyes, it undeniably was innovative. That’s what bending fashion rules creates – Innovation, novelty and of course, new trends.
Photo credit: Pinterest
Many a time, I’ve heard people —most especially ladies —say to some other person:
“It’s wrong to wear that… You don’t wear that… Change your top to something else… Or maybe your pants… The prints are loud”.
This makes me wonder who exactly sets the rules in fashion. Because we know that if it were a celebrity who dressed in such manner, the reaction would be different.
These same people would troop to their Instagram handles and drop mouthwatering praises as comments.
What Does it Mean to Bend Fashion Rules?
Bending fashion rules simply means breaking the fashion rules you deem unsuitable for your style. And going against the stereotype society has created about how to wear and how not to wear.
Never have I been a subscriber of rules. Always have I been an adherent of ‘you can dress or appear the way you want so long as it suits your taste’.
And guess what.
I think that works.
This means that you are at liberty to explore fashion and make your own statement. To illustrate this, I’ll be analyzing these fashion rules. Some celebrities and influencers have already broken them. And now, they are trends you and I follow.
10 Fashion Rules You Should Break ASAP
1. Don’t Wear Print on Print
Photo credit: @theladyvhodka
Well, this is one of the fashion rules that irk me especially when I see how people slay while mixing prints.
Many designers have created masterpieces just by mixing prints. Let’s not even go into the bi-print ankara trend.
Or maybe, let’s go to the idea of a ready-to-wear gown having two prints as one. If the designers had locked themselves in a ‘don’t-break-the-rule’ shell, would we have such beautiful looks as we do today?
Photo credit: @theladyvhodka
Mix the prints. You’ll look better than when you wear just one print.
2. Don’t Wear Heels if You’re Tall
Photo credit: @olomidedidi
Really?! So heels were invented for short women alone? This rule is as dumb as it sounds.
Some of its adherents argue that the rule is to prevent tall women from intimidating men by being taller than them.
And that’s a dumber reason to deny yourself the liberty to dress as you’d love.
Heels are perfect on tall women. They make them look more confident and attractive. Wear the heels you feel comfortable in and watch yourself become the cynosure of all eyes.
3. Always Wear Heels When “Dressing up” for a Big Occasion
Imagine you find it very uncomfortable to walk in heels. And because you want to please the fashion legislators, you go ahead and wear heels. Then all of a sudden, you miss a step and trip and fall.
Unimaginable, isn’t it? Always wear whatever you’re comfortable in – heels or flats.
Do not because of some so-called fashion rules wear heels when you don’t feel okay in them.
Already, flats are now as chic as party heels. If you don’t want to attend that event wearing flats because you think it’s against the rule, remember that there is nothing as unsightly as sacrificing comfort on the altar of style.
Just do flats for ease and comfort. Or learn how to wear heels. Nobody said you can’t.
4. Suits are for Shoes and not Sneakers
We talked about this rule already in our introductory paragraph. Let’s get down to a similar rule.
5. Don’t Wear Sneakers with a Dress
Photo credit: Toke Makinwa
I’ve seen hot looks of sneakers and dresses, be they short gowns, midi gowns or flare gowns. I guess you have too.
C’mon, this rule was broken a long time ago. These days, ladies rock sneakers with anything.
Sneakers make you look sporty and very much casual. Don’t limit your sneakers to tracksuits and bum shorts alone. Try it with miniskirts/dresses, midi skirts/gowns, flare skirts/dresses, etc.
Read more about How to Get That Killer Casual Look with Sneakers.
6. Never Wear Mismatched Shoes
Whoever said you can’t wear different shoes at once knows nada about fashion.
Though it may look absurd, it is one way to make a fashion statement. All you have to do is to learn how to rock them well so you don’t make a faus pas.
7. Never wear gold and silver jewelry together
Photo credit: Pinterest
The days of to-match are gone. Hence, it’s about time you tried mixing gold and silver jewelry (if you haven’t already).
Wearing gold and silver together looks better than just wearing one or the other. They complement each other and prevent you from looking all matchy.
8. To Get Quality, You Have to Spend a Lot
Photo credit: Public Finance International
Who said that, please? Who made that rule?
Spending more money is no guarantee of receiving greater quality.
If someone says otherwise, then they are only trying to justify their spending habits.
Take time to learn how things are made. And check out how you can take care of them to maintain their durability too. This way, you’ll see the real value of things, not just what they cost.
Price shouldn’t be a determinant for quality; value should.
9. Your Bags and Shoes Must Always Match
Photo credit: Instyle
If you still abide by this rule then you are still in the twentieth century.
C’mon!
This rule was broken quite early in this century. You can mix colors as you like.
For instance, who says you can’t wear a pink suit, yellow camisole, blue shoes and a black bag? Who says you can’t wear green shoes and carry a pink clutch bag?
It’s the 21st century. And if you still stick to these fashion rules, it’s time you broke it.
9. Always Wear a Belt if Your Shirt is Tucked in
Photo credit: @onyiibekeh
There is nothing inappropriate about going without a belt whether you’re in a formal or casual environment.
Therefore, if you want to break this rule, ensure your pants or skirt fit properly. This way, you look good without a belt.
Photo credit: @theladyvhodka
10. You Should Always Dress According to Your Gender
Photo credit: Pinterest
If we want to go by this fashion rule, then ladies would have no business with trousers or Agbada.
Fashion has evolved and so should you. For instance, Agbada is no longer restricted to the male gender alone. Ladies rock it to weddings, owambe parties, and even red carpet events.
Moreso, know for sure that fashion really is fun when you resolve to go out of the norm.
If our style influencers had restricted themselves to these rules, would they have made a name for themselves? Most definitely not.
In addition, there is nothing as fun as bending the rules in fashion.
It engenders creativity and gives you ample room to stand out even if others may find it ridiculous.
This is because people rarely find it fascinating when a random person bends them.
But does it matter?
It is about time you stopped restricting yourself to some unlaid down fashion rules nobody in particular set.
It’s high time you got up, dressed up and broke these fashion rules to further explore your style.
You don’t have to be a celebrity to do this. You just have to be a fashion enthusiast who’s willing to let their outfit speak.
Be flexible while looking good as you resolve to bend the rules in fashion.
