Whether it was from your mum, your friends or those teen magazines, I’m sure we’ve all heard some version of these rules growing up. But adulthood means recognising that not everything you were told is right; fashion is all about personal expression, and not about following rules made by some mysterious person. (I mean who actually decides this stuff?) Here are the fashion rules that you should rip up right now.
Redheads can’t wear red
…or pink, or orange. It doesn’t matter what you heard, it just matters that this is wrong. Redheads can wear any colour they like — and look smoking in it. Have you never seen Jessica Rabbit? More to the point, have you see me? (Joking… obviously).
Anything about colour clashing
Sure, this doesn’t mean you should get dressed in the dark. You don’t want a surprise when you pop to the toilets at work an realise what you thought was a pattern was actually your babies sick on your shoulder. But to be honest, any number of colours look great together. Don’t be bound by a hard-and-fast rulebook. It’s all about what you think looks good. If I told you orange and purple was a winning colour combination I bet you wouldn’t believe me. But this River Island plus wrap over top is just stunning! I absolutely love how bright it is. Oh, and did I mention the wide fit blue suede shoes? In your face colour clash police! I don’t care what anyone says, it is the perfect colour clash.
Don’t wear fitted clothes if you’re plus-size
As soon as you pass a certain height-weight ratio, people often expect you to follow an extra set of rules aimed mostly at minimising your shape and blending into the background as much as possible. Say no to the haters by wearing whatever the heck you want — fitted clothes look fabulous on curvier women, and can make you look miles more pulled together and confident.
…don’t wear shapeless clothes if you’re plus-size
At the other end of the scale is a school of thought that says curvy women should emphasise the parts of their body where they’re thinner, for example by always belting dresses in at the waist (I’m looking at you, Gok Wan). This is also nonsense, as who in their right mind wants to wear a waist-cinching belt every day? So rock those shapeless garms like the style queen that you are.
Don’t wear overly ripped jeans
Apparently, the amount of ‘rip’ a pair of jeans have, is to be judged carefully. I mean, I guess this is true — if you’re worried about chilly knees! But let’s be honest. Who cares about being cold when you look dan good! Ripped or distressed jeans are the epitome of cool — try a relaxed fit boyfriend jeans or mom style denim with for a look that’s ultra-contemporary. Check out these River Island plus ripped boyfriend jeans.
Crop tops are only for teenagers
High-waisted bottoms look so perfect with crop tops that it’s a sin to stop wearing them once you hit your twenties. Even if you’re closer to seventy than twenty, a sliver of skin showing around your midriff is one of the classiest ways to inject a dose of youthful joie de vivre into your wardrobe. High-waisted bottoms are the most flattering clothing option out there, no matter your size or shape, and crop tops are the best way to show these off. Plus, they look super cute on everyone. Give it a try and I promise you won’t go back.
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