For as long as women could be good at something, they could inevitably be bad at it too (or so they were told). Fashion is no exception. Built by women for women, the industry still thrives on rules and women’s fears of breaking them. A fashion faux pas has always been something to be avoided, yet the greatest moments in style often start there. Consider this a revisit to some of fashion’s most famous don’ts, through the lens of today:
“Don’t Wear Sunglasses Inside”
This saying always makes me think of the Corey Hartsong. I think sunglasses have never been less meant for the sun than now. Today a cute pair is all about the vibe they bring to a person and their outfit. Whether you’re getting home at 6am from a long night, or just got lasik eye surgery, a pair of sunglasses will always make you seem more interesting. Not to mention it’s a great way to discreetly read strangers texts. So run down to the gas station queen and get yourself some bedazzled or red or giant ones!
“Don’t Mix Prints!”
Thinking out loud, not mixing prints makes sense. It sounds overwhelming to look at. Cheetah print and polka dots, no shot. Cheetah print and plaid… that sounds like tea. Harmony is more interesting when it doesn’t exist. Mixing prints is like the active way of going against minimalism. Which everyone knows when we reach one end of the spectrum (minimalism), the total opposite side is about to trend. Printmaxxing is going to be the new IT thing.
“Don’t Wear Socks and Sandals”
This is one we all need to lock into the opposite of. Some people just shouldn’t have their dogs out, but that’s not to say that everyone doesn’t deserve to wear sandals when they wish (#equality). Therefore, socks and sandals are the societal compromise that allows for those with nice feet and those without to coexist. Now “if you’re asking yourself ‘how do you know?,’ then that’s your answer, the answer is” yes, you should put on socks before your sandals. We all thank you for your service.
“Don’t Let Your Underwear Show”
Gosh, it is prude city out here! We all wear underwear (most of us), so why is it so shameful for it to be peaking out. The 2000’s were really the innovators of this trend with pop and hip hop stars being styled as so. Frankly, I think we have way bigger problems than worrying about someone’s undergarments showing, especially when on red carpets it’s majority see through clothing with nothing under. Invest in some nice lingerie and such, what you wear closest to you can make you feel like your most confident self.
“Don’t Dress for the Wrong Season”
So A.) not everywhere in the world has seasons, and B.) if a girl let a simple seasonal depression get in her way, nothing would ever be accomplished. I am a strong believer in a skirt all year round, you can find other ways to stay warm. What about summertime? Wear that heavy knit sweater girl, I know you’re sweating but that’s why we have Willis Carrier (yeah, he invented AC).
“Don’t Wear White to a Wedding”
Seems like everyone’s trying to get married these days… If you do happen to attend a wedding, I say you wear what you want. Life is about taking risks and finding ways to make someone else’s event about yourself. Okay read that back. No, obviously there should be no white being worn to someone else’s special day. You can find other ways to cause drama, like moving seating charts or taking advantage of the open bar.
“Don’t Over Accessorize”
Coco Chanel once said, “before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” I could not care less what that nazi lover thinks. I say the more the merrier. Add another ring, put an extra hairclip in, start wearing brooches! Accessorizing is one of the ways we can communicate to others more about ourselves, that’s something we can never let them take away. So get crazy with it!
Words by Elisabeth Edwards
Illustrations by Carley Fernandez
Graphic by Aubrey Lauer