I sometimes see guides like this from the 1950s and 1960s, and realise that what is expected is not so strict anymore. You do find ‘rules’ in fashion magazines and newspapers, but the attitude nowadays seems more to wear what you like. There used to be plenty of rules for older woman (no long hair for example) but now I don’t think people care. I certainly don’t!
I can remember not being allowed to wear trousers at my first job. Stockings were also compulsory. I have never been particularly feminine but I was also expected to wear court shoes with a heel.
My mother told me that you should never wear red with green, or black with brown. When I lived in the US I was told to not wear white after labour day. I wonder if those rules still exist?
And things like this make me howl with laughter.
I’m always amused by people’s thoughts about jewellery rules. They ask me *at my stall, trying on what I made* what works together, and if the item they’ve picked up is acceptable for them. I invariably reply that they are (usually women, but occasionally men ask this for pieces they are choosing for themselves) in charge of their own destiny, and the only thing that matters if if they love it and it’s comfy. Life’s too short for discomfort 😉
I was told not to wear black and navy blue together and I had heard about black and brown. Regarding jewelry, I had always heard that you shouldn’t mix gold and silver jewelry and even one of my very young students (a teenager!) had told me the same. I was so surprised that she knew. But later on, I had another student, a woman in her twenties who wore both gold and silver rings and necklaces. She looked so beautiful! She always wore completely black outfits and had long black hair and I have to say, she looked amazing and so stylish. I think that if you make it work or even if you like it, go for it!