You’ve heard the cliche little sayings — “don’t wear white after Labor Day”, “mixing prints is only for the risk takers”, “your shoes should always match your bag!” and the list of outdated rules continue. Because I’m anything BUT a rule follower [long live the rebel heart], I felt like it was time to put an end to these fashion myths that so many of us still feel like we need to follow.

Let’s start busting these myths shall we….

Myth #1 Don’t Wear White After Labor Day

This is probably the silliest one of them all! I am not sure why this rule was ever put into place, however, it’s a rule worth breaking. Here’s why: fall color trends lend themselves to all sorts of wonderful earthy neutrals – browns, tans, grays, etc. And the best part of these earthy neutrals: they look awesome when paired with white! Whether you stick with solids or add in some animal print [think leopard or snakeskin], there’s no wrong way to wear white as far as I’m concerned. Also, don’t think you have to stop with fall either – the term “winter white” doesn’t exist for no reason. If you’re daring enough, I say rock the white all winter long [add a pop of color in some fun Hunter boots or keep it classic with a pair of cognac riding boots]!

Caslon® V-Neck Sweater [size down if in between, wearing in XS] // STS Blue Emma Cutoff Hem Crop Jeggings [size up one] // Vince Camuto Kensa Booties [true to size]

Myth #2 Pattern Mixing Is Too Risky To Try

I’m not going to lie, pattern mixing made even yours truly nervous for awhile. Is it actually “okay” to do? Will I look like a freak? And then I thought to myself “self, who really cares? if you like it, rock it!” and so here I am — rockin’ it. Of course, I turned to my two all-time favorite patterns to play around with, leopard and stripes. I recently saw plaid and leopard mixed and it looked awesome. Love polka dots? Mix ’em with stripes! When it comes to pattern mixing, I feel most comfortable when they aren’t both LOUD patterns, but rather sticking to one dominant pattern and then weaving in a more subtle option.

Sophie open-front sweater-blazer in leopard [true to size] // Universal Thread Striped Tank [size up one, wearing in small] // KUT from the Kloth Donna Button Fly Ankle Skinny Jeans [true to size] // Vince Camuto Kreesi Block Heel Bootie [true to size]

Myth #3 Brown and Black Together? No Way!

This is a myth I’ve never wanted to believe or live by. Black and brown are two of my favorite colors to wear, why in the world would I want to keep those two joys separate? With that being said however, I do think there are shades of brown that look better with black [I personally like to stick to cognac tones] to keep it classic. I’d encourage you to play around with browns and blacks in your closet and come up with a combination you feel confident in!

BB Dakota Women’s Not Your Baby Heavy Faux Suede Moto Jacket [true to size, wearing in small] // Splendid Scoop Neck Jersey Tee [size up if in between, wearing in small] // Wit & Wisdom Ab-solution Skinny Ankle Jeans  [size down if in between] // Vince Camuto Kressi Bootie [true to size]

Myth #4 Gold and Silver Together Aren’t Meant To Be Mixed

Again, another fashion rule I’ve never cared to believe or follow. Maybe I’m too low maintenance to care enough about making sure all of my metals are the same, but homegirl doesn’t care. Give me somethin’ silver, give me somethin’ gold, I’ll wear ’em both. While I know a lot of others feel strongly opposite to me, I think it comes down to what you’re metal preferences are. If you’re a strictly gold girl, so be it. But if any part of you wishes she had a hint of silver on as well, do it. I promise you it works.

A New Day Women’s Long Sleeve V-Neck Pullover Sweater [size up if in between, wearing in small] // BP. Triple Layer Necklace

Myth #5 Your Bag and Shoes Should Be An Identical Match

Last but certainly not least, the whole “should your bag match your shoes identically or does it matter” debate? Forget about politics to debate, we’ve got THIS issue to stew over 😉 When I was younger, I would have told you yes, yes they do need to match. But as I’ve gotten older [and my hair has turned more gray] I’ve started thinking differently about this topic. In fact, I never check to see if my shoes are even in the same color realm of my handbag. Love your bag? Love your shoes? Flaunt ’em both, regardless if they match perfectly.

A New Day Women’s Long Sleeve V-Neck Pullover Sweater [size up if in between, wearing in small] // Topshop Carlo Shoulder Bag // Steve Madden Dover Chelsea Bootie [true to size]

If this wasn’t a liberating blog post, I don’t know what is. Are you ready to be a rule breaker with me? What is a fashion myth you’d like to bust?!