Whether you were taught you should always match your shoes with your belt or that sequins are for nighttime only, it's time to shake off these tired misconceptions. If you go shopping with a long list of things that you "can't wear" in mind, the whole experience is going to feel daunting – and not much fun.
"The truth is that limiting yourself with these old-school style rules can prevent you from looking like the best version of yourself," says Rachel Matthews Burton, a Canadian fashion stylist who helps women revamp their wardrobes on a regular basis.
We asked Burton to help demystify some of the most common fashion myths. Here are her top tips.
Myth No. 1: "I have a big chest, so I can't wear prints."
Actually, the opposite is true. "Prints act as great camouflage, because the eyes see the lovely print, not the area you're trying to cover up," says Burton.
The only rule to keep in mind is scale. If you've got a larger bust, stick with bigger and bolder patterns as smaller designs can get lost.
Myth No. 2: "I'm pear shaped, so that means no figure-hugging skirts."
If you know what to look for, a tighter skirt can be flattering on any woman. The best option is a mermaid-cut skirt that flares at, or below, the knee.
"You want form-fitting as opposed to A-line," says Burton. If you're shy when it comes to curve-hugging clothes, invest in good-quality undergarments. The right shape-wear, such as Spanx, will smooth any lumps and bumps, and help you feel more confident in tighter clothes.
Myth No. 3: "I'm too short to wear long dresses."
Petite women think being short means donning only clothes with short hemlines. Not so. Just because a maxi dress touches your toes doesn't make it off-limits.
"Wearing a long dress with wedge heels will create a really nice, unbroken long and lean line," says Burton. It can actually elongate your figure. It's important for the dress to fit properly, though, so it doesn't overpower your frame. And if your dress is dragging on the ground, that's a no-no. Take it to a tailor to get it hemmed to the right length.
Page 1 of 3 -- Learn how to mix contrasting colours, plus how to wear white pants on page 2
