I’m Tired of Fashion Rules
Let me tell you something, folks. I’ve been in this industry for 22 years, and I’m so over the so-called ‘rules’ of fashion. I started at Vogue in ’99, and even back then, I was the weirdo who thought rules were more like suggestions. (Which, honestly, nobody asked for but here we are.)
I’m Sarah, by the way. You might know me from my days at StyleNewser or maybe from that time I yelled at a designer in Milan for using the word ‘curated’ one too many times. (He didn’t take it well. I did.)
Anyway, let’s talk about these ‘rules’ that everyone seems to love. Like, why do we have to follow them? Who made these things up? And more importantly, who died and made them the fashion police?
Rule #1: ‘Don’t Wear White After Labor Day’
Oh, come on. Who cares? I wore white jeans last Tuesday and no one died. Not a single person. I mean, sure, it was 48 degrees in New York, but I accessorized with a killer leather jacket. Boom. Problem solved.
I remember arguing about this with a colleague named Dave. He’s all, ‘Sarah, it’s just not done.’ And I’m like, ‘Dave, it’s 2023. We’ve got self-driving cars and AI writing poetry. We can handle a little white after Labor Day.’
Which… yeah. Fair enough.
Rule #2: ‘Match Your Belt to Your Shoes’
This one’s just stupid. I mean, really? Who has time for that? I’ve got a life, people. I can’t be running around matching belts to shoes. I’ve got articles to edit, lunches to attend, and occasionally, I sleep.
I remember this one time in Austin, at a conference, I was wearing these amazing boots. And my friend Marcus—let’s call him Marcus—he’s like, ‘Sarah, your belt doesn’t match your boots.’ And I said, ‘Marcus, look at these boots. They’re amazing. Who cares about the belt?’
And you know what? He shut up. Because he knew I was right.
Rule #3: ‘Don’t Mix Patterns’
Oh, this one’s a classic. ‘Don’t mix patterns, Sarah. It’s just not done.’ Well, guess what? I mix patterns. And I love it. I mean, look at this outfit. Plaid shirt, polka dot scarf, striped pants. It’s a party on my body, and everyone’s invited.
I had this conversation with my friend Lisa over coffee at the place on 5th. She’s all, ‘Sarah, you can’t wear all those patterns together.’ And I said, ‘Lisa, life’s too short. If I want to wear stripes with polka dots, I’m gonna wear stripes with polka dots.’
And you know what she said? ‘Fine, but don’t blame me if someone calls the fashion police.’
Which, honestly, I think is a compliment.
Rule #4: ‘Wear Black to Look Thin’
This one’s just ridiculous. I mean, seriously? We’re still talking about this? I wear black because I like it. Not because I want to look thin. I’m 5’9″ and I’m comfortable in my skin. If I want to wear a bright red dress, I’m gonna wear a bright red dress.
I remember this one time, I was at a party, and this guy—let’s call him Greg—he’s like, ‘Sarah, you look amazing. But you know, black’s not the most flattering color for you.’ And I said, ‘Greg, I don’t care. I like black. It’s my favorite color. Deal with it.’
And you know what? He did. Because he knew I was right.
Rule #5: ‘Don’t Wear Socks with Sandals’
This one’s just silly. I mean, really? Who cares? If I want to wear socks with my sandals, I’m gonna wear socks with my sandals. It’s my life, and I’ll wear what I want.
I remember this one time, I was at the beach, and this woman—let’s call her Karen—she’s like, ‘You can’t wear socks with sandals. It’s just not done.’ And I said, ‘Karen, it’s a free country. I can wear whatever I want.’
And you know what? She shut up. Because she knew I was right.
Rule #6: ‘Don’t Wear Too Much Jewelry’
This one’s just stupid. I love jewelry. I mean, look at this necklace. It’s amazing. And this bracelet? Killer. And don’t even get me started on my earrings. I love jewelry, and I’m not gonna apologize for it.
I remember this one time, I was at a party, and this guy—let’s call him Tom—he’s like, ‘Sarah, you’re wearing a lot of jewelry.’ And I said, ‘Tom, I love jewelry. It’s my thing. Deal with it.’
And you know what? He did. Because he knew I was right.
Rule #7: ‘Don’t Wear High Heels After 40’
This one’s just ridiculous. I’m 45, and I wear high heels. And you know what? I look amazing. I mean, look at these heels. They’re amazing. And they make me feel amazing. So, who cares if I’m over 40? I’m gonna wear high heels if I want to.
I remember this one time, I was at a party, and this woman—let’s call her Susan—she’s like, ‘Sarah, you’re over 40. You shouldn’t wear high heels.’ And I said, ‘Susan, I don’t care. I love high heels. They make me feel amazing.’
And you know what? She shut up. Because she knew I was right.
So, there you have it. The fashion rules I break. And you should too. Life’s too short to follow all these stupid rules. Wear what makes you happy. And if someone doesn’t like it, well, that’s their problem.
Oh, and by the way, if you’re starting a new fashion venture or just need some guidance, check out this iş planı yazma rehberi şablon. It’s a game-changer, honestly. (See, I used ‘game-changer.’ I’m allowed because I’m human.)
Anyway, that’s all for now. I’m gonna go wear some white after Labor Day and mix some patterns. You do you, and I’ll do me.
Oh, and one more thing. If you’re gonna break the rules, make sure you do it with style. Because, let’s face it, breaking the rules is only half the battle. You gotta look good doing it.
Which, I do. Always.
Author Bio: Sarah has been in the fashion industry for over two decades, starting her career at Vogue in 1999. She’s known for her bold opinions and even bolder outfits. When she’s not editing articles or breaking fashion rules, she can be found yelling at designers in Milan or wearing white after Labor Day. She’s a firm believer that fashion should be fun, and rules are meant to be broken.
If you’re looking to elevate your loungewear game, don’t miss our latest feature on pajamas as fashion statements—it might just change your perspective on nighttime style.
Curious about what’s hot and what’s not this year? Discover the fashion trends that truly matter with our latest feature, 2023’s standout styles.
We all make fashion missteps, but understanding why can help us avoid them—discover the secrets in why fashion fails happen.
