Ageless Style: Rules Were Made to Be Broken
Welcome to this month’s Ageless Style linkup where each month, ten different women share their sense of style based on one person’s theme. This month the Ageless Style theme was left up to Yours Truly and I decided on “Rules Are Made to Be Broken,” because, well, They Are!
Speaking in a larger context than just fashion, I do believe it’s good to learn the rules of any situation, art, style, job, whatever. Learn them, understand them, because usually they are based on the experiences of those who came before you and we should be open to what others have learned. But once you know them and you understand more about The Big Picture…then feel free to find your own way, break the rules, make the rules work for you, all of the above.
And I do feel that in “style” (fashion, art, home decor), rules come and go with the times. The hemline rules of the 1890s, 1920’s, 60’s, 90’s and today have all been different based on what’s in style in a particular era. Necklines, materials, shapes – have all been subject to styles, which led to rules. And while I feel like many rules have come about based on levels of modesty (since the beginning of time, I feel we have gone from more covered up to less, as sensibilities would allow), some rules are based on other factors.
NO WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY
This rule, one of my very favorites to break, has several potential derivations. My favorite (and the one that at least makes some semblance of sense!) is that back in the day when roads were still dirt, in fall rains and winter snowfalls, the packed dirt turned to deep sluggy mucky mud. Ladies’ dresses were long and washing was not the convenience it is today. During the cold seasons it made more sense to wear dark-colored clothing so at least if it was dragged through the mud, it wasn’t as noticeable.
I just love stories of how dirty people used to be! Like how perfume came to be invented to cover up people’s stench since bathing was a rarely enjoyed luxury!
Anyway, white was discouraged for obvious reasons. But most of us are no longer traipsing down dirt roads in our floor-length dresses (well, except maybe for photo-shoots), so this rule really no longer applies. Except that, given the option, I won’t wear my white jeans on a rainy day because just the little bit of splash-up that happens when walking across the parking lot from car to work, can result in dirt splotches around the hem.
However, I definitely do wear them after Labor Day. In fact, I have come to prefer the look of white jeans with the colors of autumn and winter: chestnut, mustard, brown, and grey. So this is a rule I totally flout.
FAT BODIES SHOULDN’T WEAR HORIZONTAL STRIPES
Ohh, this is a triple-whammy one.
#1 DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO WEAR. I was tempted to add “ha ha,” but it’s really not funny.
#2 I’m not trying to make anyone else feel comfortable with my body. I’m the only one that needs to feel comfortable with my body. And I feel perfectly comfortable in horizontal stripes, so. Reread #1.
#3 Speaking purely graphically and perception-wise, horizontal stripes don’t truly make a body look larger. Read the science about that here.
Exhibit A: “Here the outlines of the two women are identical, but the vertically striped pattern makes the hips appear broader.”
LARGE BODIES SHOULDN’T WEAR BRIGHT COLORS
For so many years, the color palette available to larger sizes consisted of black, navy…and black. “Don’t draw attention to your large body with bright colors!” “Keep your large body hidden in the shadows by wearing dark colors.” “Black recedes.” In other words, We Don’t Want to See You and Your Large Body, Please Keep it Hidden From Our View.
a. Re-read #1 from the section above
b. I defy you to tell me I don’t look amazing (and visible!!!) in these Very Bright Colors.
c. Case Closed.
So. What rules will you break today??
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you buy something as a result of clicking that link, at no extra cost to you. I appreciate you shopping through my links.
Make sure to visit my creative and talented friends to see their take on this month’s theme.
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest
Daenel ~ Living outside the stacks Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter
Debbie ~ Fashion Fairy Dust Bloglovin, Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter
Jennie ~ A Pocketful of Polka Dots Blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Bloglovin
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter
Julia ~ When the Girls Rule Blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram
Kellyann ~ This Blonde’s Shopping Bag Blog, Instagram, Bloglovin, Twitter
Shelly ~ The Queen in Between Blog, Instagram, Bloglovin, Pinterest, Facebook
Laurie E
Great topic. I agree with your point on horizontal stripes, at least with thin stripes, and like the striped blue dress. But I LOVE the colorful print dress with bright coordinating sweater. It is such a joyful combo and you look amazing in it! I’m rethinking my opinion on brights and want to find a similar combo. Thank you for the inspiration!
Linda Root
Well, I’ve broken the rule of no brown with black or navy but now it’s “a thing” in the U.S. finally!
Michelle
A. You look amazing in those bright colors.
B. You are right about the horizontal stripes. They actually make the figure look more balanced, not bigger.
C. LOL at the white after Labor Day. My mom is a Rule Follower to the letter. Every year, the day after Labor Day; I put on something white, call her, and say “guess what I’m wearing today?” just to wind her up. Because I’m a Rotten Kid. (and a Rule Breaker).
Em
You are right about everything here!!! All of it!
I have been trying to get my mom to wear brights, prints, stripes etc for years. There are fun and beautiful colors out there that she deserves to wear…but the rules!
I am sending her this article…you look fabulous, you rule breaking rebel!
Love your beautiful bright colors…and I think she will, too!
Amy Johnson
Such a great post on rule breaking! I love all your “rebellious” outfits.
Kimberly F Malkiewicz
I forgot about the host of rules for large women, ugh! I’ve been on that side of the coin. You look amazing. I really like the first outfit and the brightly colored one. Break on!
Karen
I LOVE your rule theory. As a musician (and sometimes coach and band leader) I’ve always said that we need to know the rules backwards and forwards and then we can break them with gleeful authority. Same with everything and especially wardrobe. (Although I have to say I’ve sometimes seen photos of myself in something I thought was right on and thought, “well, I’ll never wear that again!”) HAHA! Even that’s fun though if you don’t beat yourself up for it. I love the bright colours on you – and the print! And the stripes! All of it. xo karen
Deborah Stinedurf
You look absolutely freakin’ gorgeous in bright colors! I feel like any styling suggestion that includes making us feel bad about our bodies has gotta go. I have never put much stock in whether or not something was “flattering” on me. If I love a piece, it fits well and I feel good in it, that’s what matters. I so loved this theme…well chosen my friend!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
bettyewp
Thanks, Debbie 🙂 Yeah, no one needs anyone else making them feel bad about themselves. So many of us do enough of that to ourselves!
jodie filogomo
Do you remember Julia’s quote about stripes?? That is one for the books and I used it in my blog post once because it’s so true: https://www.jtouchofstyle.com/wearing-stripes-fashion-fall/
And you’re right…it’s good to know the reasons why the “rules” came out in the first place. Then you can figure out if they even have merit in our lives today.
BTW…that photo with you in those bright colors? OMG…you need to wear those more often!!
XOOX
Jodie
bettyewp
“I’m allowed to take up some space and I have more important things to focus on than the need to look smaller!” OH YEAH!
I don’t currently have much (any?) in the way of bright clothes. That bright dress picture was from 2015, before I’d even started the blog. That was The Gwynnie Bee Era when I was trying anything and everything (via rental) to see what I liked and what I didn’t. I did end up buying that particular dress but…it was SO distinctive I couldn’t wear it that often and it eventually went on its merry way to another home.
Kellyann Rohr
Bettye, you are spot on about all of these “rules” and I love your confidence. Wish I could bottle it!
I enjoyed reading about the no white after Labor Day reasoning. Makes perfect sense. That rule really drives me nuts but I think living in FL where it feels like endless summer it seems normal to wear white. I love how you are wearing your white for cooler weather – it looks so fresh! Thanks for coming up with a great theme!
xo,
Kellyann
bettyewp
Yeah, I’ve heard other theories about NWALD, something to do with country clubs and tennis whites, but…the muddy road one makes so much more sense to me!
For SURE you could be wearing white all year round in Florida! Gosh, it’s too hot to wear much else?
Shelbee on the Edge
Bettye, this post is absolutely brilliant! And yes, you look freaking amazing in bright colors, horizontal stripes, and white jeans! My husband always mentions that horizontal stripe one when I wear horizontal stripes and I always challenge him and ask, “But look at me. Do I really look larger?” And he is always confused by his answer of no. So I still can’t understand why he mentions that all the freaking time. Haha. I guess because that rule runs deep. Whatever. Break all the rules. Wear what you want. And rock the hell out of it just like you are in these photos! This was a fabulous theme!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
bettyewp
Thanks, Shelbee!!
I learned early on in my marriage NOT to ask my husband’s opinion about how I look. A) who cares WHAT he thinks? and B) men are dumb. HA HA HA HA. Sorry, I’m in a MOOD tonight.
Daenel T.
I totally giggled at the dirty thing because when I taught history I used to share random nuggets with my students. And they, of course, thought these factoids were hilarious. I’d use them for bonus points on quizzes.
Anyway, love you in bright colors. And, yes, to YOU being comfortable in YOUR body. Great post, My Fellow Rule Breaker.
bettyewp
Ha ha, for the life of me I couldn’t think of what “the dirty thing” was! My mind went straight to “sex dirty” (not that sex is dirty but you know what I mean!) and I had to open up the post to see what the heck I had said! WHITE CLOTHES DIRTY, phew! I’m so relieved 🙂
xoxo
Iris
What rules do I break? Well, probably not nearly as many as some. I’m in agreement with you about white after Labor Day, but it’s seriously difficult to make myself do it. Just too many years.
And, I’ve never been good with skirt lengths. For instance, I NEVER wear short skirts. They may look good on some, but definitely not on me. I can look in the mirror and see what looks good and what doesn’t. I choose what looks good to me!
The older I get (can I get much older?) the more I’m into comfort.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
Comfort is my Number One Rule! And it’s a rule I do NOT like breaking!
Jacqui Berry
The last dress really suits you, I love the bright and cheerful colours. Do stop by and join the #chiandstylish #linkup every Thursday. jacqui x
bettyewp
Thanks, Jacqui!