Fashion is meant to be fun and there’s no fun in following rules, unless the rule is “break all the rules.” Always remember, there’s no punishment for breaking the rules of fashion. So let’s start off the New Year on a rebellious note and have some fun while we’re at it.

1. COMFORT = MEDIOCRITY

Fashion should not be uncomfortable. Imagine spending your hard earned on clothes only for you to be uncomfortable. Pointless, right? Comfort in this case is not just about fit but even more so about how your outfit makes you feel. If your version of comfort means channeling your inner Billie Eilish and rocking neon green from head to toe, yes including your hair or wearing clothes so baggy your frame can barely be seen, then do it. Alternatively if you’re idea of comfort is minimalistic, subtle and simple, go for that look.

2. YOUR EARRINGS SHOULD ALWAYS MATCH

Your earrings come in pairs, therefore they must always be worn as a pair. Well, not necessarily. Buck the norm by sometimes going for the asymmetrical look. Go for one earring or two mismatched earring to spice up your accessories. Although not a mainstream trend the asymmetrical look has made its mark on runways recently. Furthermore, celebs like Tracee Ellis Ross, Emma Watson, Halle Berry, Blake Lively and Scarlett Johansson have embraced the trend and looked fabulous while doing it.

3. PRINT ON PRINT IS TOO MUCH

The rule that states we shouldn’t mix prints is outdated but people still hesitate to let it go. But gone are the days when we painstakingly match our outfits. Prints are fun, cheery and energetic. They can certainly be bold and attention grabbing. Mixing prints can take your look to another level. But remember not all prints are wild and crazy and the look can still be pulled off in a subtle way.

Here are a few print on print ideas to get you started:

• Contrasting prints in the same colour pallet always work
• Combine the same type of prints i.e. checkered pieces, in different colourways
• A monochrome look of different prints
• Pairing loud prints with their minimal counterparts i.e. bold graphic stripes and minimal stripes
• Don’t forget to play around with gorgeous chitenge (African print) clothing

Your print on print look should not be limited to this list or any list. Mix whatever you want to mix and own it.

4. SOCKS SHOULDN’T BE WORN WITH OPEN TOED SHOES

Socks are often overlooked but can be a point of focus that helps bring a look together. Whether it’s your classic pair of black and white socks or a playful print, showing off your socks adds flair to an outfit.

5. ALWAYS BE ON TREND

This is a demanding and unrealistic rule. It’s possible to jump on every trend but the very act of constantly reading blogs, watching fashion channels, attending fashion shows, reading magazines to keep up with trends makes you a box ticker which leaves little to no room for self-discovery. Your style will always be dictated by the next big thing which takes away the fun of experimenting and discovering your own personal style. Fashion platforms are great for the value they bring but they should be used as a form of inspiration and not a one size fits all checklist.

6. SAVE LAYERING FOR WINTER

New rule: save nothing for nothing. Unlike winter, layering in summer is more about aesthetics and less about warmth. The key is to layer light fabrics so you don’t burn in the name of fashion. Light fabrics such as cotton, linen, chiffon, silk, seersucker and Georgette can make up our layering arsenal. A hack to all this is wearing pieces that are designed with built in layers. Otherwise, a few ways to pull this off is by layering;

• Wear sheer pieces over opaque ones
• Combine pieces with sleeves and pieces without sleeves
• Layer with accessories as well as clothes

7. LESS IS MORE

This one goes for all genders but I am especially thinking of men. Dear men, let’s leave the notion that fusing bright colours into your looks is not macho. Sometimes less is more and an understated look will work. But if you’re tempted, take out your colour wheel and get acquainted with hues that aren’t dark or neutral. Here are some tips to nudge you in a brighter direction;

• Try out some pop of colour sneakers and the colour needn’t even cover the whole shoe
• A bright pair of socks can be just as refined as a navy or black pair
• Opt for a vibrant coloured blazer
• Swap your good ole striped or checkered shirt for an Aztec print or silk shirt

8. STICK TO STANDARD BELTS

Belts are accessories and not just tools to help you keep your pants up. With that being said your belt can be anything besides the standard leather accessory we are used to: a rope, shoe lace, scarf and bag handles can all be used as a stylish update to the every day accessory.

Aesthetics plus practicality equals a true depiction of having your cake and eating it!

9. ONLY BREAK RULES THAT ARE LISTED HERE

You can break whatever fashion rule you want to break.