Fashion Rules Aren't Foolproof
Fashion rules are not meant to be broken, but there are some cases where a fashion "do" can quickly become a "don't."
Zanna Rassi, senior editor of Marie Claire magazine, shared some fashion knowhow on "The Early Show" Wednesday to help you avoid making these mistakes with your wardrobe.
But what about certain fashion rules -- aren't they a surefire way of looking better?
Rassi says there are some rules that are made to be broken.
She said, "You have to be real with yourself and take account your body type, your height and a myriad of other factors before determining what works for you."
On "The Early Show" Rassi took on five fashion rules gone wrong:
"Vertical Stripes Make You Look Long and Lean":
They say that vertical stripes make you look long and lean, but like anything, it has to be worn in moderation.
The Wrong Way: The problem with vertical stripes that are too thick or too loud gives it kind of a circus quality. In fact, worn the wrong way, they actually can make your eye look horizontal, and therefor give the illusion of a wider shape -- negating the whole stripe rule.
The Right Way: It is about being subtle, about moderation. The dress listed below, Rassi says, is feminine and subtle and does indeed create a long, lean line.
Anthropologie dress: $128
YSL pumps: Price upon request
"Sequins are a modern look for daywear":
The Wrong Way: British actress Jordan: There is absolutely nothing right with this look. From the pink color, which is too bright and cheap looking, it doesn't help that the fit is too tight as well. There is nothing subtle about this look.
The Right Way: With sequins and shine in the daytime, it's all about subtlety-- the top (listed below) is a loose fitting, subtle color and the trim of the cardigan has subtle shine. It should always be a muted shade for day and a looser fit, if it's too tight it turns to an evening look. If you wear this with a smart pant, it's perfect for the office. There is no need for jewelry as your sequined top is your jewelry.
J. Crew cardigan: $158
Rory Beca top: $223
Michael Kors watch: $160
Club Monaco trousers: $88
Marni pumps: $895
"You can mix patterns together":
The Wrong Way: Paris Hilton did this the wrong way, her look is not fitted and looks sloppy. The neon tie dye dress with the rainbow strike cardigan and leopard purse -- she just looks like a festival disaster. It looks like she just threw it together and was not thought out...and the biggest rule to remember with this type of look is that everything has to be planned out.
The Right Way: You absolutely can wear two prints together, Mark Jacobs is a perfect example of mixing prints together. I always say a good place to start is a stripe with any print, and preferably a top.
There are some mini-rules you must remember as well when mixing patterns:
1. They should all come from the same color palette
2. They should preferably be the same style (i.e. preppy with preppy or bohemian with bohemian). You need to think which girl you're going to be that day and go with that.
Kate Spade optic shorts: $300
Petit Bateau shirt: $42
Bensimon shoes: $55
Chloe sunglasses: $355
"Wear a belt to cinch the waist so you can create an hourglass figure":
The Wrong Way: Jessica Simpson in the high-waisted jeans. The reason this doesn't work is because it hits at all the wrong parts and accentuates those parts. It makes Jessica look like her bum is so long which really isn't the case and the leopard belt just brings all the wrong things into focus.
The Right Way: A belt can cinch your waist and create a look that is sleek, but you need to wear a belt that is cinched over a jacket, a cardigan or with a little black dress. This way you will look shapely without looking thick around the midsection.
Ann Taylor dress: $69.50
"A monochromatic look from head to toe will make you look skinny and tall":
The Wrong Way: Kim Kardashian's biggest problem is the fact that she has on head to toe light hues with a fit that is too tight and shiny (as it highlights all your lumps and bumps.)
The Right Way: A monochromatic suit is absolutely the way to go, but there are some key points. If you are going with a lighter hue it's definitely better to go with a looser casual fit. If you are going with a more traditional look, remember it's all about the fit-fitted, but not tight -- there is a difference. It will elongate you -- I promise you.
DVF blazer: $385
DVF shorts: $198
Giuseppi Zanotti pumps: $595