Last week I wrote about the fashion rules that you can (and probably should) break, especially in Florida. This week, I'm writing about the rules that you can bend. I emphasize the word bend because if you break them, you could end up looking like a hot fashion mess, but if you bend them the right way, you could break new fashion ground.
One: Never wear brown and black. Normally, I'm a huge proponent of this rule because people can never seem to get it right, but to correctly mix the two battling colors, mix lighter shades of brown with black. Try a tan turtleneck with crisp black pants and you'll look classy and sophisticated. Or if you have a brown skirt and no brown shoes - a travesty that has happened to me many times - wear black shoes and tights if the weather is appropriate for a fresh, clean look. Stand in front of your mirror and try your options. You may be surprised with what bending a taboo will do to your wardrobe. But please, never, ever, ever, ever pair brown shoes with black pants; that will never be acceptable.
Two: Never wear black and navy blue. Mixing black and navy can make you look like a walking bruise, and you don't want that. But I think pairing black heels with a cute navy skirt is actually an attractive look, and when pulled off correctly, it allows you to waver on the line of sexy school girl.
Three: Never wear heels with cropped pants. This, to me, is just a bold-faced lie, especially for short girls. When short girls wear cropped pants, we end up looking shorter. But with heels, you've got yourself a dressed-up, business-casual outfit. I think kitten heels and cropped pants are a smart and sophisticated look. Just be careful not to go too overboard: stilettos and cropped pants? Can we say "poorly-disguised prostitute"?
So there are my three fashion rules to bend. Go ahead - it can't hurt to be adventurous.
Regina Stuzin is a senior majoring in finance.
