Fashion Rules to Break in 2016

1 Hide Your Socks

Image Source: Mark Iantosca

Show them off by pairing them with pumps and sandals. It's an unexpected take on a classic look.

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2 You Can Only Wear Dresses and Skirts With Heels

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Dress down fancy ensembles with a cool pair of kicks.

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3 Everything Must Match

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Stripes, leopard, and polka dots are practically neutrals at this point. Wear them with other fun prints of a similar scale to mix things up.

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4 Ditch All-White Looks After Labor Day

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Winter whites are a big trend this season, so don't pack up those pants and skirts just yet.

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5 Labels Are Very Important

Image Source: ShopStyle Photography

These lace-up heels aren't designer: they're actually from Aldo! Shopping at fast-fashion stores is a great way to try a popular trend without breaking the bank, and even editors are able to find most of their wardrobe at places like Zara.

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6 Suits Should Stay at the Office

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From the red carpet to date night, suits are being worn in place of superfeminine dresses. Keep things casual with a graphic tee or skip a shirt altogether, showing off a lacy or strappy bra, Jennifer Lawrence style.

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7 Metallics Only Work at Night

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Sequins and pops of gold make everyday looks a lot more interesting, helping you steal the spotlight and stand out in a crowd.

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8 Less Is More When It Comes to Accessories

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Stack your jewels — especially those rings! — for a look that's equal-parts edgy and glam.

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9 Go With the Affordable Knockoff Rather Than Designer

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Whether it's a bag you've been lusting after, a versatile leather jacket, or a classic pair of pumps, making an investment is oftentimes worth it. Especially with pieces from trusted and well-known designers, you're paying for better material and overall quality, and it'll probably last you for years to come.

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10 Make Sure Your Bra Isn’t Showing

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If your shirt's a little baggy or — gulp! — see-through, don't fret. Just add a lacey, strappy, or colorful bra and let it peek out from underneath your outfit, creating a sexy (yet covered up) ensemble.

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11 Curvy/Petite/Tall/etc. Women Can’t Wear Certain Styles

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Grace Hitchcock

Forget the rules — it's all about the fit. Look for over-the-knee boots/a jumpsuit/striped shirts that work for your body and flatter your figure, then find some outfit inspiration on the feeds of your favorite bloggers.

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12 Never Wear Colored Tights

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Give basic black a break and opt for another dark neutral like wine or navy.

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13 Overalls Are Meant For Children

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Just like a jumpsuit, this one-and-done item will help you get dressed in a flash, pairing well with basic t-shirts and sweaters. Looking for an option you know will look good? This pair from Madewell flatters every body type.

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14 Throw Out Items 6 Months After Not Wearing Them

Image Source: ShopStyle Photography
Product Credit: Tibi Sweater, Demylee Charcoal Sweater, Rebecca Taylor Sweater, 3.1 Philip Lim Sweater, Vince Sweater, Stella McCartney Sweater

Even celebrity stylists agree: if it still looks good but isn't quite on trend anymore, hold onto it. You never know when it'll come back in style or if you'll find another way to rock it.

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15 A Button-Down Is Just a Basic Staple

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Wrap and tuck it, wear it as a dress, turn it around: there are a ton of ways to style this classic item. Get creative, and try something new!

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