NEW CASTLE —
We've all heard the standard fashion rules that we should abide by. However, I want to break a few of those today. Rules are made to be broken, right?
So let's start with an easy one. "No white after Labor Day". This rule is just silly. Why should one date specify when we stop wearing a certain color? Not to mention, "winter white" is one of the easiest colors to wear (assuming of course that you aren't as messy as I tend to be, especially when wearing white). One of the biggest trends for fall this year is the monochromatic all white look. It's classic and clean and can look incredibly rich (without spending a ton of money). Look to the right for an example of an all white look. Let's talk about why this works. First, as I said, it's a very rich look. With a white suit and different variations of the color mixed in, the look is very pulled together. Second, the different textures, especially within the top and bag, give this look visual interest. Finally, with the streamlined look, it gives the appearance of being taller and leaner (as long as the pieces all fit appropriately).
Let's move on to the second rule that needs to be broken. And that is that black and brown should not be worn together. This color combination happens to be one of my favorites because of the grounded, easy feel that the colors give off. The black comes off as a bit more serious while the brown brings out more nature tones and combined they look very cool. Just think of how great leopard print looks! Again, look to the right for an example of a black and brown look. This casual look is one of my favorites. Mixing the two colors together throughout the outfit looks effortless. Adding in patterns in black and brown (such as in a leopard heel or patterned bag) is an easy way to work this combination if you're still a bit unsure.
Finally, the color navy seems to give a lot of trouble. I was recently asked what business appropriate colored shoes go best with navy. In one word? Everything. Navy is a neutral color and because of this, you can wear basically anything with it. One suggestion I have is to print out a color wheel (you can find several of them just by Googling) and hang it in your closet. Looking at the different color combinations may give you a spark of inspiration to try colors that you haven't thought of before. Look to the right. I've grabbed one pair of business trousers in navy and paired it with several different colors to give you an idea of how easy it is. Granted, if you work in a very formal office, not all of the options will be appropriate, however, don't be afraid to mix it up if your office is a bit more casual.
So, what do you think? Will you be breaking these fashion "rules"? What are some others that you've heard?
If you have any fashion questions, please email me at sarah_stright@yahoo.com. And for more fashion inspiration, visit my personal style blog, Coming Unstitched, at www.comingunstitched.com
Fashion: Sarah Stright-Hartley
Related Photos
-
Who says you can't wear white after labor day? This classic and clean look works any time of year.
-
An outfit that mixes brown and black gives off a grounded, easy feel.
-
Navy is a neutral color that can be worn with almost anything.
-
Sarah Stright is a Neshannock Township resident with a passion for fashion, and a love for the written word. Her “Fashion ... Help?” blog will appear each Wednesday on www.ncnewsonline.com.
Discussion
Sarah Stright: Fashion "rules" that were made to be broken
- Fashion: Sarah Stright-Hartley
-
-
Sarah Stright-Hartley: ‘With child’ doesn’t have to mean without style
Over the past month we've talked about wedding styles for women and wedding styles for men. I didn't want to leave out my pregnant ladies! Dressing for a wedding during the hottest months of the year while you're pregnant can be understandably difficult.
-
Sarah Stright-Hartley: Summer sandals can go with just about anything
Ah, summer! The time to relax on the beach, sun yourself and attend many barbecues. And also the time to free your feet from the confines of the past several months being bundled up in boots and closed-toe shoes.
-
Sarah Stright-Hartley: If your life’s a beach, pack wisely
This week I'm heading off on a much-needed beach vacation. During the vacation, we'll also be standing with my sister and brother-in-law as they renew their vows after 10 years of marriage. The last time my husband and I were on vacation was during our honeymoon in Italy — so, needless to say, this is a very different type of trip, needing very different types of clothes.
-
Sarah Stright-Hartley: One dress, three ways to wear it for a wedding
-
Sarah Stright-Hartley: Top trends for men as the weather warms
We frequently talk women's fashion around these parts, so today I wanted to give the men a bit of a shout-out. Men's fashions are less likely to change year to year, but there are still "trends" each season that men will find in stores. To the right you'll find some of the top trends for spring/summer 2013.
-
Sarah Stright-Hartley: Looking for stylish way to pack your possessions? It’s in the bag
One of the most personal things a woman buys is a handbag. It holds all of her prized possessions. So when shopping for a new bag, there are a lot of things to consider. Size, color, quality, fabric and length of use. Is she looking for something to use year round, or something that can be changed each season?
-
Sarah Stright-Hartley: Want to add some zing for spring? Go ‘bloom’ yourself!
It's spring, it's spring! It finally feels like spring! Maybe I shouldn't say that too loudly, I don't want to scare it off. Anyway, one of the best parts of spring is seeing all of the pretty flowers popping up around the area.
-
Sarah Stright-Hartley: Don’t write off printed pants
One of the top trends for spring is the printed pant. In any print, in any color, this trend is definitely one that will make you stand out from the crowd. Floral patterns are the most common, but a strong graphic print in any pattern feels right on trend and fresh.
-
Sarah Stright-Hartley: I’ve learned what to wear from ‘What Not to Wear’
Contrary to popular belief, you CAN actually learn things from watching TV. “What Not to Wear” has been one of my favorite shows for years and Stacy and Clinton have taught me a lot. Now that the show is ending, I'm wondering who exactly I'll learn from next.
-
Sarah Stright-Hartley: Overalls are coming back — are you all in?
There's a trend that seems to be making the rounds that completely surprises me. In fact, I haven't thought about it since the 1980s — or maybe the early 90s. Overalls seem to be back — so far quietly, but I'm interested to see if the trend gains momentum.
- More Fashion: Sarah Stright-Hartley Headlines
-
