Contra-compass: New fashion rules
There are certain rules in fashion that die hard shopaholics are so eager to follow. But the fact that it’s fun to break rules also holds true in the fashion world. And why not; the best inventions and trends springboard from rebellion and the refusal to stick with what’s normal and what is considered as standard. People fuss over what’s in and what’s out. But really, if someone dares to come up with something new and unique, everything else dies out; the same way that every era in Literature is challenged by a new world order. And before you know it, what’s old and what’s gone is back once again, only it’s redressed this time with a new name or with an edgier style. They say it’s wrong to commit a crime in fashion, but who says it’s wrong to do a constitutional amendment? Here are the latest fashion rules breeched for glitz and glam:
The rule of colors – Everyone knows white is the only thing that can be paired with anything else. Basic colors that may be matched with other hues almost as much as white does include black, grey, and beige. Today no one remembers the rule. And I mean no one. People who wore outrageous colors together were once called fashion victims. Now they’re considered as trend setters. Color matching was a no-no in fashion before. But many have realized that contrasting hues may harmoniously come together if you let them. That said, a canary yellow dress with blue pumps; a fuchsia pink mini dress with aqua heels; or a peach top with black leggings, beige ankle booties, brown bag, rainbow colored scarf and turquoise earrings? They’re TOTALLY FINE. Whether the colors clash or jive, it’s your call.
The rule of prints – People who wore two printed patterns at the same time were once considered crazy. The same goes with wearing a horizontal striped top with a vertical striped pair of pants. One always had to be plain, and the other one had the chance to have a design. If not, either pieces had to be plain or both printed co-ordinately. But a while after the advent of avant-garde fashion, designers have killed the rule once again. Men and women’s fashion were led to mixed patterns and prints. Dots and stripes can now go on one outfit. A tie dye shirt with striped pants is fine too. The technique is that one pattern should be duller, and the other bolder.
The rule of formality – Sure, black tie still calls for gowns and tuxedos. But in case you haven’t noticed there are now tank dresses and shirt dresses for parties and other events. You can even go to a wedding in a sun dress as long as you pair them with killer heels and flashy earrings. Even some celebrities choose to wear a mini dress at an awards night so as to be more comfortable for the after party. In the same way, some formal garments like blazers and glittery tops can be worn on a daily basis. This is mainly because people opt for so much versatility. Career women do want to party after office without changing.
Juliana Alano
