Break the rules knowingly!

There is much talk about whether etiquette is outmoded, whether rules still stand and if they should be followed, broken or ignored. 

Within reason, it’s subjective. You’re completely free to do what you want, providing you are prepared to face any potential consequences.  As the adage says, ‘you can take a horse to water but you can't make it drink’; rules are often there to help, support and guide us, to make us feel comfortable so that we know both what to expect and what is expected of us.  They provide a structure for society to work and flow smoothly.

True, some rules may no longer appear to be relevant but many still hold.  Remembering that rebellion is against something specific, break the rules knowingly!  Most people like having guidance about how to dress, says Andrew Groves, who heads the University of Westminster's fashion department, "We all like to think we're individuals but rules give people a certain security when it comes to fashion."

In this article by BBC news magazine, they comment on whether there are still rules about what you wear?  

I absolutely agree with the comments about white socks,  it brings back memories of socialising in the 80s when grey drainpipes, white socks and loafers were de rigeur on the disco dance floors around the UK!

The length of a man’s tie when tied – absolutely critical – too short is reminiscent of a young school boy look while too long just looks sloppy - regardless of public opinion and current fashions.  

Clashing prints may look ‘edgy’ but that’s only appropriate if your personality, occupation or preferably both (being well matched) are ‘edgy’.  Personally, it’s not the impression I would choose to create but it’s a free world - you can make your own choice!

They discuss earrings in men - all body piercings go into to a similar box – choose what and whether to wear anything with caution if you’re concerned about how you are received.  Otherwise, refer to my closing comment.

As for colour and pattern mixing, given that there are an infinite number of blues and greens, in shade, depth and hue, it would be difficult to prescribe through rules which colours can and can’t be worn together.   It’s about harmonising, complementing and contrasting colours from the same season in order to create an effect which is easier on the eye.  If your colouring is Spring, (warm and bright), Kettlewell have recently produced a fantastic print which demonstrates this beautifully.  Frequently, clients would have a strong negative reaction to colours that weren’t in their palette, thus colour combining can rarely be objective.  The images below are all taken from the current Kettlewell collection, you will probably be drawn to the colours in one image below more than another based on your personal preference.

And jewellery?  Mixed metals in the same piece can look great on some people but as with anything, what suits your colouring is not affected by fashion.

So what of rules? Of course you can wear what you want, but when you know what is required of you e.g. a uniform, or what works to help you look your best, why would you want to wear anything else?