5 Fashion Myths Busted!
Find out which fashion rules are made for breaking.
1. MYTH: No minis on women over 35.
TRUTH: All it takes is a peek at Gwyneth Paltrow's legs in her Preen dress to dispel this fallacy. If you've got the gams, go for it! Just stick to understated silhouettes and, as super-stylist Rachel Zoe says, opt for "simple hair and makeup."
2. MYTH: Save the sequins for after dark.
TRUTH: The shimmery fabric is eye-catching for day when layered with plain basics. Rachel Bilson dressed down a sparkling mini with an oxford shirt, both from designer Jenni Kayne. "I think sequins are my favorite fabric because they are glamorous, but I think they also work for day," says Kayne. The designer recommends keeping "the silhouettes simple and easy."
3. MYTH: Showing skin isn't sophisticated.
TRUTH: On the right dress, a well-placed peekaboo is a sly surprise. Joy Bryant looked ladylike in a Matthew Williamson with a daring cutout at the waist and an otherwise conservative cut. Her best accessory? Plenty of confidence. "A dress shouldn't own you. It shouldn't overpower you," Bryant has said. "You should own it."
4. MYTH: Long dresses aren't for short women.
TRUTH: Petites need not fear the maxidress trend -- Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson and Kristen Bell have all mastered the summery style. Just choose a dress in a light fabric, like Bell's sheer silk gown from Jenni Kayne, to avoid adding bulk, and wear with comfortable, height-adding wedges.
5. MYTH: Avoid clashing colors.
TRUTH: An unexpected color combination can make a major statement. Savvy Reese Witherspoon paired a Rory Beca dress in hot pink and red with matching red sandals. A pared-down silhouette put the color combo -- and Witherspoon -- in the spotlight.
MORE: Five more fashion rules made for breaking
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