Question: I used to be all clued up on what was right and what was wrong when it came to fashion. I’m now a 49 year old mother with 3 boys and I want to know if I am committing any fashion crimes without realizing it?
Madeline, NSW.
Answer:
Dear Madeline,
The good news is Rules are meant to be broken!
But as much as I would love to say there are no rules anymore and fashion is all about freedom of expression and dressing in what you like in stead of what flatters your body – I can’t… that just simply isn’t true.
Fortunately the fashion rules or myths of the past have evolved and a whole new set have formed.
See our guide to staying on trend and up to date with what’s in and what’s out…at the moment!
The old Rules Vs The new rules
OLD Always match your hand bag to your shoes
NEW Matchy matchy will make you look out of date – Mix it up!
OLD Don’t wear white in Winter and Black in Summer
NEW Wear white in Winter and Black in Summer – so chic!
OLD Don’t wear black and navy together
NEW Mix black and navy and even chocolate together – experiment with a dark colour palette, different textures and fabrics.
OLD Never mix prints or patterns in the same outfit
NEW Mix patterns and prints and stripes and spots! Florals look great paired back with a spot or stripe – just pick one colour in the print that is also in the pattern.
OLD Metallic pieces are for evening only
NEW Metallics can also be worn during the day too. They are the new neutral!
OLD Stockings should be flesh toned
NEW No – bare your legs instead! In winter opt for black opaque stockings. Sheer stockings are out.
OLD Don’t wear costume jewelry
NEW Faux can be fabulous! It is all about accessories now – real or not. A statement necklace can make an outfit.
OLD Don’t hide your lingerie
NEW We know Sarah Jessica Parker created a fashion phenomenon out of showing her bra straps in the series Sex in the City. She may be able to pull it off – but the majority of us can’t. Nothing looks worse that a middle aged woman showing her bra or knickers above or through her clothes. The same goes for VPLs (visible panty lines) simply not acceptable - there are so many fabulous solutions and comfortable options available now.
OLD Jeans are for daytime only
NEW Jeans can look chic, sophisticated and sexy for evening too – wear with heels and embellished top and a cropped jacket.
OLD Don’t mix designers
NEW Fashion today is all about mixing high end designers with high street brands. It is a fresh and modern way of dressing eg: a Ralph Lauren sweater with a witchery shirt.
The AWW Fashion Team
YOUR SAY: Tell us you bust your own fashion myths?
Home