The pumpkin spice lattes are in stores, the school year has started, and the
consensus is in: it’s fall! Well, I don’t know about you but my calendar
still says it’s summer and the weather is still warm. Why put away your
crisp whites and bright florals already? These days, most of us have
thrown the fashion ‘rules’ out of the window. I have so many wonderful
blogger friends that recently blogged about how to wear white after
labor day! Most of you probably remember the time when that was the
biggest no-no of all! But times are changing and so is the fashion world. So today, I’m sharing the rules that you should be breaking!

Here’s 8 Fashion Rules You Need To Break & How To Do It!

1- DON’T WEAR WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY

I think we all woke up one day and asked ‘says who?’ This rule has probably been broken the most in recent years and it’s the rule I’m demonstrating with this style post today. We’re growing into a country of free spirits and we’re realizing that there are more important things to worry about than a color. With recent trends like winter white, the fashion industry is literally encouraging us to break this rule.

For this particular look, I’m not just breaking the rule; I’m smashing it! Between the white on white work-wear pieces and the bright colors, my look says straight-up summer. Because we just have one foot in the fall season, I can still get away with this look. As we ease into October, I usually switch over to cream and add just a splash of it to my look- like a coat or sweater.

2- DON’T MIX PRINTS

A few years ago, mixing prints was actually the thing to do! While it’s not as big of a trend these days, it’s still a fun look to play around with every now and then. To pull off mixed prints like a pro, stick with the same colors on each piece. For instance, pair a floral skirt with pops of turquoise with a turquoise and white striped top.

My friend Amy Ann from Straight A Style really nailed this one recently! Check out Amy Ann’s mixed print look here: Floral & Stripes by Straight A Style.

3- NEVER MIX SILVER AND GOLD JEWELRY
This
is yet another rule that just isn’t true, or at least not anymore. I
tend to gravitate towards gold jewelry so I don’t often break this rule
but it can be a really chic style when done well. Jewelry is far from
subtle these days! The key here is to mix and match big pieces, like
stacked bracelets or layered necklaces. Otherwise, it might look
accidental.

4- DON’T WEAR HORIZONTAL STRIPES

It was once believed that horizontal stripes actually make you look wider. What woman wants that? Just the thought of it makes me cringe but lucky for us, it’s not actually the case. Horizontal stripes can make you look wider but if you style it right, it can actually be very flattering. So, how can we do this? You definitely don’t need to wear horizontal stripes from head to toe! Try choosing one piece with thin horizontal stripes, like a loose or fitted top, and wear it tucked in or with a jacket or vest.

My friend Jackie from Something About That does a particularly awesome job wearing this trend. Check out Jackie’s horizontal stripes look here: The Story Behind the Skirt by Something About That.

5- DON’T WEAR EVENING-WEAR DURING THE DAY

What
exactly qualifies a piece as evening-wear? There are certain pieces
that are obvious, like a floor length tulle skirt or ball gown, but not
every piece is as cut and dry as that. Generally, anything that sparkles
or shines- like sequins, metallics, or satin- is considered best for
the evening. But hey, those pieces are usually the most fun! How
can you pull this off? Choose one evening-wear piece and pair it with a
few obvious daytime pieces, like a sequin skirt with a graphic tee and
sneakers.

Back in the day, if you were dressed in all black left us asking- goth, much? But today, dressing in just one color- or shades of a color, aka
monochrome- can be very chic if it’s styled well. An awesome rule of
thumb if you’re not sure how to pull this off is to mix and match
textures and fabrics. You can even throw in a print!

Blair from Atlantic-Pacific styled a monochrome look perfectly in her recent post! Check out Blair’s monochrome look here: Soho / Pink by Atlantic-Pacific.

7- SHORTS ARE ONLY FOR THE SUMMER
If
you think about it, shorts really aren’t that different from skirts. We
wear skirts year round, right? The trick to wearing shorts during the
fall and winter is to wear it like you would a skirt. During the warmer
fall days, try wearing shorts with a long-sleeve top and boots. During
the colder winter days, try wearing shorts with tights and a faux fur
vest. 

8- TAKE AT LEAST ONE THING OFF BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE
Actually, please don’t! This may have been great advice when your grandmother first heard it but these days, bigger is better and some of the most stylish trends reflect that. I’ve said it here a million times; it’s all in the way you style it! Accessories can make an outfit, so try embracing some of these trends: statement necklaces, layered necklaces, stacked bracelets, and winter layers.

THE LOOK

Express Floral Ruffled Top (similar: Express Floral Portofino Top)  //  Topshop Sleeveless Blazer (similar: Express Sleeveless Jacket)  //  Express Pleated Culottes  //  Merona Neon Crossbody (similar: Target Crossbody)  //  Merona Pointed Toe Pumps (similar: Express Pointed Toe Pumps)  //  DIY Choker Necklace (click to check out my tutorial!)  //  Kate Spade New York Glitter Stud Earrings  //  Movado Bold Luxe Chronograph c/o Movado

What’s your favorite fashion rule to break? Show me your style! Post your look on Instagram and tag me (@theclosetbychristie) for a chance to be featured.

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Linking up with these fabulous ladies!

The Fashionista Momma //  Lizzie In Lace  //  More Pieces of Me // Claire Justine  //  Pink Sole //  Style Nudge  

Still Being Molly //  Fizz and Frosting  //    I do deClaire

Garay Treasures  //  The Blush Blonde  //  Cute & Little  //  Sandy a la Mode  

Walking in Memphis in High Heels   //  Style Elixir // Pumps and Pushups  //  The Pleated Poppy

My Girlish Whims // Doused in Pink  //  Color and Grace  //  Sydney Fashion Hunter  //  Classy Yet Trendy 

Jersey Girl, Texan Heart //  Two Peas In A Pod // Shopping My Closet