There’s a great article in today’s BBC Magazine entitled ‘Are there really ‘rules’ to what to wear?’. It lists the key ‘rules’ as follows:
1. Don’t do denim with denim
2. Men shouldn’t wear white socks
3. Legs or cleavage, never both
4. Vertical stripes are slimming
5. The tip of a tie should always cover the last button of a shirt but never go below your belt
6. Never mix patterns
7. Straight men should only pierce their left ear
8. Shoes, bags and belts should always match
9. Blue and green should never be seen
10. Never mix gold and silver jewellery.
As the article eloquently shows, the majority of these so-called ‘rules’ have been broken, and fashion designers and celebrities in particular certainly love to make a statement by breaking rules with new and often ‘out there’ looks.
I personally believe that above everything else you should be YOU. So if you feel good in blue and green (it’s certainly a favourite colour combination of mine – good if you’re a ‘Clear’ colouring type!), and it says something about you and your personality, then wear it!
However, if you find that a set of guidelines is helpful in steering your clothing choices, then that’s absolutely fine too. It’s ok to follow the rules that work for you, and let’s be honest with the myriad of choices out there on the high street, some guidance as to what suits your coluring and shape can be extremely helpful and save you time and money in the process too! As Andrew Groves, who heads the University of Westminster’s fashion department says “we all like to think we’re individuals, but rules give people a certain security when it comes to fashion”. (So, if you think you would benefit from some guidelines on what to wear just click here, an image consultation could be just what you’re looking for).
So, follow the rules or break the rules as you choose, but above all be YOU.