Sartorial Standards – Are They Really Rules To Live By?
May 14, 2015
By Brian Maynor
Only wear white between Easter and Labor Day. Don’t mix prints. Never wear double denim, remember Britney and Justin?
We’ve all heard and followed sage sartorial sayings at some point in time, because a lot of them make sense and we like rules. We feel comfortable knowing we are within the boundaries of standard acceptable style. However, when you start looking at them it becomes all too clear some have withstood the test of time while others are outdated and passé.
Who decides when a ‘classic’ rule is no longer applicable? The easy answer is: we do. Society directs trends and sets the standards of what is socially acceptable style, so it’s only natural that there will be some shift, deviation and utter abandonment of once unbreakable rules. Here are a few of the most common style rules and where they stand today:
1. White socks are for exercising only. This has been a longstanding rule for men particularly that still holds true. White socks are not flattering to any outfit or particularly attractive, even in the gym. Not only are they are thick, bulky and look cheap; with so many options now available I would be happy if people stopped wearing white socks all together.
2. Legs or cleavage but never both. Another time honored rule that holds its own today. The tactful reason to pick one is because you don’t want to have competing focal points with your outfit. The social reason the rule still works is because when you show both you look trashy. This isn’t just a rule for women anymore. Guys wear V-neck t-shirts too and they come in all depths. So if you wear one that is particularly wide or deep skip the shorts. It’s just too much skin.
3. Avoid certain color combos. Red with pink, black with blue, blue with green and black with brown were once color combo no-no’s, but not anymore. In the past the similarity in hues led to the belief that the colors clashed with each other, but now they are generally accepted pairings for every day life as well as formal events.
4. Match your shoes with our bag and/or belt. The whole rule of matching was a throwback to a bygone era when it was the trend. Now it couldn’t be farther from stylish to wear matching accessories. Today we applaud and strive for individuality, creativity and self-expression and that comes in how we choose to accessorize. Modern accessories are all about complementing each other, making it hard to find ones that match anyway.
There will always be rules for dressing and style because we need them. We like the direction and focus they provide, but it’s also fun to break them. How else do we grow and learn?
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
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