Once upon a time, there were rules in fashion—like, say, giving white clothing a full stop after Labor Day. Our attitudes have since changed into a new modus operandi: anything goes. Henceforth, the new style manifesto—in both the fashion industry and social media—is an open call for everyone to wear whatever, whenever.. with Manolo Blahnik. We wear our pajamas in public. Bella Hadid is the poster child of “weird girl” style. The viral sartorial hack. begs the question: What if dressing “wrong” by pairing one’s outfit with a “slightly off” shoe—sweeping gowns with flats instead of an expected heel or. with bulky trodding boots—is right? “Bad” taste (i.e. the Von Dutch trucker hat, velour tracksuits, and neon) can be “good” taste, and vice versa.. These days, the fashion faux pas has become unqualifiable. Could a style slip even exist now, in a time when anything could—in the name of fashion—become a new trending “-core” aesthetic? Even taboo styling trends themselves—like. , when once a visible bra strap was a blunder—are part of the zeitgeist. We follow no regulations; the rulebook has been thrown out, and the fashion police is no more..
In the past, white clothing was reserved only for the summer months as a means to beat the heat. Historians have also suggested that it was a symbol of conspicuous consumption. However, today, white is a staple color in all seasons and can be seen in various fall/winter collections. Celebrities also wear white throughout the year, breaking the old fashion rule.
Fashion houses and designers have started breaking all the rules by reinventing and embracing traditional styles from different eras. Vintage garments and accessories are highly coveted, and designers like Tom Ford, Phoebe Philo, and Chanel have influenced contemporary fashion. Trends from the past, such as the denim-on-denim look and micro-minis, have become high fashion.
Traditionally male-coded and female-coded clothing has begun to blur as designers incorporate elements from both genders. Androgynous fashion has become prevalent, with designers like J.W. Anderson and Ami showcasing genderless suiting and unisex overcoats. This blurring of gender norms pays homage to iconic figures such as Katherine Hepburn, who challenged gender conventions by wearing wide-legged pants.
Accessories have also undergone a revolution, with individuals flaunting unconventional choices. Rings worn on any finger, regardless of their traditional meanings, have become a way of expressing personal style and deviating from societal expectations. Stacking bands and mixing metals are now common practices, indicating the rejection of old rules.
