Advice | Allow Yourself to be a Fashion Rebel

This post was written by Gabriella Rangel

With all of its rules and harsh critiques, it can be hard to be a fashion rebel. Especially between our friends, the general public, and media outlets, it can be difficult to ditch the rules and feel confident in what we wear. Being a fashion rebel and investing in a capsule wardrobe may seem difficult, but it’s seriously SO easy! Instead of going along with the status quo, show off a little spunk in your capsule wardrobe. Sometimes it can be easy to play by the rules, but isn’t it more fun to break them? Here are some rules that you can definitely ditch this season.

YOUR BAG AND SHOES MUST MATCH

An important question without a doubt, because it’s basically asking, do I have to have matching shoes and a purse for basically every outfit I own? No! Your bag should complement what you’re wearing, and I don’t think there are any requirements on what is acceptable. Splurge on a neutral color bag and you can use it every day. Your investment will pay off before you know it! I love wearing a nude or black bag with gold or silver accents and pairing it with a bold colored shoe to add color to an outfit. This isn’t an exact formula, and that’s the whole point! Whether you choose to complement the colors of your shoes and outfit or not at all, a bag is an accessory that you have flexibility with. One bag is enough for your whole wardrobe!

ONE PRINT PER OUTFIT

Mixing prints can look chic or like you dressed in the dark. While it is a riskier trend, have no fear. Once mastered, mixing prints opens up your closet to its full potential and is easier than you think! You can start with a staple piece, such as a blazer. You may not have tons of staple pieces incorporated in your capsule wardrobe, but a neutral jacket is all you need to rock some prints. Make sure you choose two prints in the same color family. You’ll be making a statement, but still blending your prints together. Try a patterned scarf or some bold flats! All you need are a few pieces and you can mix them with all neutral color outfits. Lastly, pay attention to the scale of your prints. If you’re wearing a large dominant print, make sure you pair it with a smaller print that will blend. Have fun with mixing prints! It’s not impossible and is something you should try at least a few times.

NO WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY

One of the oldest rules, and most old-fashioned, Labor Day is the cut-off point for all white clothing, or is it? It’s a rule that was created way before our time and I see no reason we should be so worried about what people will think if we don’t follow it. Especially when at the beginning of November it’s still 80 degrees outside, depending on where you live. So don’t pack away all your white after Labor Day. Try pairing them with a neutral sweater or that navy blue blazer. You can pair a white sweater with leather leggings or a fur vest. But most importantly, don’t put away your white denim just yet! There’s no reason you can’t wear white denim through the winter, especially paired with a purple or black sweater. There are tons of white accessories you can wear too, don’t be ashamed to have white be a part of your capsule wardrobe this winter!

SAY GOODBYE TO BRIGHTS & PASTELS

Just like white jeans, sweaters, or jackets, your bright color pieces and pastels don’t have to go anywhere! By all means, go for it – but make sure you have a similar tone from your shoulders to your ankles. It can be a little difficult to incorporate pastels and bright color pieces with the typical fall and winter shades, but not impossible. If you have a few pieces in your wardrobe, such as a bright peacoat or dramatic skirt, you’ll be amazed how easily you can incorporate your entire closet with these items. The easiest way to do so tastefully is to put emphasis on your colorful piece. For example, that amazing blush coat or a deep skirt. Make sure to limit your staple colors and to complement them with neutral colors. You can also color block, as long as the colors blend together. There’s tons of inspiration you can find online!

SHORTS & SKIRTS ARE FOR WARMER WEATHER

Winter makes us feel like we have to give up so many things, but fortunately, our shorts and skirts are not included. So yes, you can keep those shorts that give elongate your legs, way after summer comes and goes. As long as you layer and bundle up, you’ll stay warm and can rock your favorite skirt or pair of shorts for as long as you want. Try your favorite pair of shorts, with stockings or tights. Tights are an absolute must, and you can never have enough. There are a few other options that you might want to think about doing for a little extra warmth for the really cold months. You can try your favorite long coat that will give you an extra layer of warmth, or even an oversized sweater. Knee-high boots or over the knee boots are also a great option!

Fashion should be about self-expression and self-confidence. So it’s important that you accomplish that however, you see fit. Don’t feel like you have to shop for a new wardrobe this winter, and enjoy your year-round capsule wardrobe. You may not be a fashion rebel, but hopefully, these rules have minimized the clothes you can’t wear until next year.

Style | 3 Steps to Finding Your Style and Owning It

What are some of your favorite pieces to mix with your capsule wardrobe? Are you a fashion rebel? Leave comments below!

XO

Gabby

Check out Beth’s ebook “How to Curate and Cultivate Your Dream Wardrobe” to learn more about building your perfect closet. Her 168 YEAR-ROUND OUTFITS EBOOK will show you how to start a basic wardrobe with essential classic pieces to make year-round outfits.