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You know, maybe right now you're thinking, "But it's only Memorial Day! Why do I care about Labor Day?" Well, because we should start out with the dumbest, most obsolete rule in fashion and work our way down. Wear white whenever you want, Buy yourself a white coat and a white hat next winter and, right now, pick up a breezy, pretty white dress and wear it with strappy sandals and carry a white purse. You are free of this white law forever.
This is a lie! There are so many amazing suede sandals and bags in the world, it would be a shame to miss out on them. I would, however, avoid fringey suede jackets and suede skirts until fall, but that's just common sense, right?
3. Myth: Gold and silver do not belong together
In what can only be explained as a fashion wives' tale, this rule limits so many beautiful, interesting, and unique jewelry combinations it's almost sinful. Here's an opposite-to-the-rule trick I like: Try layering your silver and gold chains together (as they've done with this lovely Express necklace at right).
New rule: You can wear black anywhere you want and you will always look chic. For summer, I'd choose lightweight fabrics and skin-baring styles, like this perfectly great strapless dress from J.Crew. Pair it with a playful, unexpected belt, just like the model at the top.
5. Myth: Patent leather is not to be worn year round
Years ago, when I worked at a fashion magazine, a rather snobbish editor once corrected me about my patent leather shoes. I think she told me they were only to be worn in winter, but the way she told me was mean and obviously meant to make me feel like I wasn't elite or rich enough to know such things. BLAH BLAH BLAH. Since then, I've asked lots of actual fashion experts about this so-called "rule" and the consensus is: Patent leather is incredibly cool, it is everywhere, and you can definitely pull it off when the temperatures are high (I promise).
I recently saw this rule on a popular fashion advice blog and I wanted to write an angry letter to the author. Grrr. Listen, wedges are a footwear gift from the heavens--the right styles have all of the lift and elegance of heels, but without the discomfort. They're also the perfect shoes to wear to an outdoor wedding because they don't sink in to the grass and they often feel good on your feet all night, just stay away from woven, wood, or straw styles and you'll be fine. Last, no one can tell me this Gucci pair (left) is anything less than spectacular.
7. Myth: Tan is sexier than pale
Not anymore! High-style women on runways, red carpets, and in magazine fashion spreads have been moving away from the orange-y/roasted look for years and now it is fully acceptable, and even preferable, to look dewy and porcelain.
Also not true! Or, actually it all depends on the pair. If you buy well-tailored, longer styles made from substantial, dressier fabrics, shorts can often substitute for skirts. I'd wear the Banana Republic version at right with wedges, a pretty blouse, a cardigan and a favorite necklace and feel sleek and presentable.
9. Myth: Your bag and shoes must match
Actually, sometimes when your bag and shoes match you kind of look like a dork. Or a bridesmaid. Be creative with your shoe/bag combinations--that's half the fun of accessories!
OK. This is just silliness. Of course you can put on wool in July. It's not like you're going to bust out your thick-knit fisherman's sweater, but a lightweight wool cardigan is perfectly acceptable. It gets cold at night in the summer and, and let's face it, cotton doesn't always keep you warm.
