Every day we are bombarded with countless limits and regulations on what to wear: blogs, magazines and TV “experts” are quick to dole out judgements such as “don’t wear this with that”, “always match this to that”, “avoid these colours together” and the like. But once in a while, someone comes along – a fearless rebel who breaks every rule (Leandra Medine, Iris Apfel and Susie Bubble are just a few of the names that spring to mind) and becomes an instant style icon. What gives?
The reason why some people know how to break the rules with style is, first and foremost, that they know the rules, and secondly, they know themselves. They know what looks good on them (and what doesn’t) and how to look amazing despite the rule-makers’ best efforts to make them conform.
To bring out your own inner fashion rebel, here are five style rules that in our humble opinion were made to be broken…and the stylish women who break them.
Rule: You have to choose between a strong eye makeup or a fierce red lip
Truth: Nah, you can totally do both
Rock it like: Marketa Bartova
On the right occasion (holiday season anyone?), dare to accentuate both eyes and lips. Done right, as by Czech vegan fashion blogger Marketa Bartova, it can be truly striking.
Rule: You can’t wear jeans to the office
Truth: Denim is the new tailored
Rock it like: Sruti Sethuraman
Crowned the best-dressed vegan in the UK, blogger Sruti Sethuraman from Love and Blossoms shows that denim can be part of a perfectly work-appropriate outfit – as long as it’s paired correctly. So ditch the t-shirt and trainers and team your true blues with a crisp white shirt and chunky heels or formal flats for a look that says “career”, not “careless”.
Rule: Don’t wear black and navy together
Truth: Or you can wear what you want
Rock it like: Justine Siegler
This might be the most illogical among all the fashion rules. Black and navy are two staple colours that look exceptionally refined – both separately and especially together. That’s why Justine of Justine Kept Calm and Went Vegan looks so well put-together by teaming black with different shades of blue.
Rule: Mixing metals is forbidden.
Truth: Bring on the multi-metal arm party!
Rock it like: Louise Descamps
Sticking to one metal only is boring! Dare to mix tones of silver, gold, bronze, copper and more for your rings and bracelets – stack them together for a hint of subtle sparkle, like Louise from Alias Louise or pile them on for full-on glamour.
Header photo by Imani Clovis via Unsplash. Other photos via respective blogs.