Fashion rules are out of style

Try to recall a time in your life when you thought, "Wow, following the rules sure is fun. I just want to follow the rules all night long!"

Anything?

Yeah, didn't think so.

Let's be honest. Abiding by the rules is characterless and hardly liberating. With wardrobes making the critical adjustment from summer to fall, now is the season to remember that fashion does indeed have its commandments.

However, unlike Moses' exalted list of "thou-shall-nots," the point isn't to oblige. The point of having fashion mandates is to object and to object with style.

Rebelling against fashion standards cannot be adequately justified by awful clichés such as "there are no rules," "rules are made to be broken" or anything similarly trite and typical.

Rather, one must understand that most of the fashion edicts we've come to know and, in some unspeakable cases actually follow, emerged from the conventional, uninspiring 1950s. The era might have meant well with its diners and hula-hoops, but a daily uniform of Letterman jackets, poodle skirts and saddle shoes won't exactly foster much fashion creativity.

Consequently, here we are, more than a half a century later, still refusing to mix certain patterns with specific colors for fear of a giant monkey falling from the sky, spontaneously combusting en route to class or … I don't know. Something really bad.

Rest assured, I'm going to risk the falling monkey and becoming a potential fire hazard to ensure that you're stylishly prepared throughout the semester.

Let's start by tackling and tearing apart some terribly outdated fashion tenets.

1. Never wear black with blue or, even worse, brown.

Black, blue and brown are all neutral colors that, when the right shades are chosen, can complement one another impeccably. The contrast between a bright, aqua shirt with a pair of black skinny jeans is striking without being over-the-top.

If you crave a darker color palette, combine a midnight blue dress or suit with a chocolate brown belt or tie. Such an ensemble is ideal for rocking that job or internship interview because the hues are upscale without being too dull or predictable.

2. Never wear red if you're a redhead.

I used to know someone who really liked redheads. He once remarked that they look great in anything – except red. I agreed with him at the time, but after further contemplation, I realized his opinion lacked credibility.

To my dear ginger friends, red is completely a wardrobe option for you.

Again, it's all about shade and tone. Contrast is key. For example, the more strawberry-hued your hair, the darker the red clothing should be (think scarlet).

3. Never mismatch accessories.

Matching jewelry sets may have been cute in the fifth grade, but if you're still sporting coordinating bracelets and necklaces, it's time to upgrade your accessorizing skills.

Live a little. Combine metallics. Yes, gold and silver can be worn together. Toss together plastic and wood bangle bracelets. Layer chunky necklaces with subtle strands of pearls. Just don't do everything simultaneously; utilize your jewelry box but don't wear it all at once.

4. Never mix brands or designers.

Exclusivity is for serious relationships, not for one's closet. No one will know that an entire outfit didn't come from the same place. Unless, of course, you've got an array of labels and emblems strewn about your chest – which you absolutely should NOT. We don't care that you spent $80 on a T-shirt from Abercrombie & Fitch. It looks kind of ridiculous.

Sorry, someone had to say it.

5. Never wear white after Labor Day.

This one just makes me mad. Since when was Labor Day that great of a holiday anyway? Couldn't the rule have been never wear white after Thanksgiving? Or at least Halloween?

White is timeless. End of story.

If you disagree with any of the above assessments, consider this column an open invite to personally approach me with your concerns the Tuesday after Labor Day.

You know what I'll be wearing.

mekita rivas is a junior news-editorial major. reach her at mekitarivas@dailynebraskan.com.