There used to be a lot of rules when it came to fashion, and quite often people toed the line and followed it to the letter. But with new trends and looks coming into play can the rules be changed and which ones?
We discuss the issue with stylist Andrea Wong, who also offers some tips and tricks.
Wong has 18 years of experience in fashion. She was previously editor-in-chief at Elle Malaysia, fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar Malaysia and most notably fashion stylist for the Hollywood film Crazy Rich Asians.
Read more: The 'Mermaidcore' trend fills fashion with a wave of fishnet and shells
Sensible shoes are never stylish
Yet, Birkenstock has collaborated with big names like Manolo Blahnik, Dior, Jil Sander and Rick Owens, while Crocs has teamed with Balenciaga and Christopher Kane.
Having said that, even without the alliances, they have always been the go-to for daily wear for some people.
You can jazz up your Birkenstock with a linen dress, or with cargo pants and a crop top. The contrast is very stylish.
You can’t wear certain colour combos like navy and black, or red and pink
This is not ultimately true. In fact, such pairings make for an interesting look – unexpected and eye-catching.
What’s important is that the fabrication must go well together.
For example, cotton on cotton or linen on linen.
If you want to mix materials, opt for something seamless like silk and satin, or velvet and brocade.
Never mix metals
It’s an age-old rule not to blend gold with white gold or silver.
There is nothing aesthetically wrong with combining metals.
Begin with a white gold necklace and gold earrings.
You can also wear a lot of gold bling and add one piece of white gold or silver jewellery as an accent.
Layering necklaces, bracelets and rings is another wonderful idea; choose similar designs and mix the metals within the layering.
This is a contemporary way of wearing jewellery.
No layering in tropical weather
It is where styling creativity comes in, whether by layering with outfits, or jewellery.
I love layering with an oversized denim jacket, a sporty anorak or a cotton trench coat.
Interestingly, designers today are savvy enough to introduce seasonless creations featuring cold-weather silhouettes in breathable fabrics.
Wearing clothes according to body type
There’s a lot of literature out there on dressing for your body type but as a general guideline it really is about your confidence.
If you are plus size, hiding your curves is not necessarily the most flattering thing to do, like, wearing baggy clothes might make you look even bigger. Embrace your curves. Try to understand your body shape and then you can emphasise certain parts of your body.
If you have full hips, accentuate with a pencil skirt and cinch your waist with a belt for that hourglass silhouette.
Read more: A small handbag is the ideal fashion pick – if you don’t carry a lot of stuff
You should or shouldn’t wear certain items because of your height
Wear what makes you feel and look good, but there are always styling tips and tricks to observe.
If you are short but you love maxi skirts, wear it high-waisted to give the illusion of an elongated silhouette.
If you are tall, that does not mean you can’t wear heels. You can opt for kitten heels, which give an elegant lift.
You should dress your age
Style is not just timeless but ageless. Just look at fashion icon, Iris Apfel who is 101 years old and still rocking colourful outfits, chunky accessories and oversized glasses.
And, in the words of Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, “Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you’re ever past your prime”.
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