We’ve all heard the cliches – no white after labor day, dress your age, match your belt and shoes. But we live in a new world now, one where we believe in fashion that makes you feel good rather than fashion that follows the rules.
To help you push boundaries and create your own set of style standards, we’re tearing down four traditional rules to make way for your elegant, sophisticated, fashion-forward reawakening.
Old Rule: Don’t wear clashing colors
New Rule: Brown and black can be chic
“Rules and models destroy genius and art.” – William Hazlitt
Somewhere along the line, black with brown or navy was deemed a fashion faux pas that was unforgivable – but that’s no longer the case. Now color combos that were historically labeled as clashing have become a super simple way to amp up traditional outfits.
A black dress and tights with camel-colored boots is an unexpected twist that’s more interesting than all black. Earrings with mixed metals add interest to what would normally be just another pair. A pink shall over a red dress is a bold duo that takes confidence to pull off.
If you open up to less-than-traditional combinations, you’ll be amazed at what you might try.
Old Rule: Wear certain things only at certain times
New Rule: Day and night looks are interchangeable
“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.” – Gianni Versace
There might be a few nighttime items that you want to reserve for a fancy event. You wouldn’t show up for karaoke in a ballgown, but even then, if it feels good, go for it! But there are a lot of classic looks that can be really impactful if you wear them when you’re “not supposed to.”
A bold red lip or sequins during the day, or sneakers with a cocktail dress can be funky, unexpected outfits that create an element of intrigue around the person wearing them.
Old Rule: Don’t mix patterns
New Rule: Mix away for a whole new you
“The whole point is to live life and be – to use all the colors in the crayon box.” – RuPaul
Patterns have always been a source of fashion disagreements. Some are too bold, others too mumsy, and yet others too over the top to even attempt. If you step back and look at prints thoughtfully, you’ll find myriad mixes that compliment one another, and in some cases, bring each other to life.
Old Rule: Dress your age or body type
New Rule: Wear what you want!
“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” – Oscar de la Renta
How many times have you heard a woman shamed for wearing something that isn’t age appropriate or doesn’t suit her body type? If you really get down to the meat of these rules, what are they really saying? That you can’t show off your legs after 40? Or that your curves shouldn’t be clinged to and celebrated? And why is that? Who decided? And why have we followed along?
If you feel good, you should flaunt that confidence in whatever way you see fit. From wearing mini skirts during middle age to rocking a tight black dress that hugs every curve, roll, lump and pooch, we want to empower women to dress for the woman they are, not the woman our world thinks they should be.
As always, at La Vie en Rose, we’re here for every woman of every age of every background with every style to make you feel empowered, beautiful and celebrated.
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