Breaking the Fashion Rules with Print Mixing and the Ageless Style Link Up
When Bettye suggested “breaking the fashion rules” as our Ageless Style theme, I was all in. Of course, I feel like I break the rules all the time, so I had to find out what the rules really were. This article talks about 50 of them, so these are the ones that Lesley, Charlotte and I took cues from for our outfits.
Quote of the day: “It’s a new era in fashion-there are no rules.” Alexander McQueen
Now I realize that it’s hard to go against those fashion rules that you’ve been taught since childhood. I get that. But I would beseech you to really analyze what the rule is saying and if it really makes sense. Too many times we take a “rule” as the only way to style ourselves especially if it’s delivered by an authorize figure.
Insider tip: When you tell yourself you can’t wear something, stop, and ask why? Some rules were started because of logistics back in the day, while others were written by young journalists who don’t have an inkling of what it’s like to be whatever age you are right now.
For my outfit as a fashion rule to break, I chose Stylcaster’s #44 that mixed prints are too busy. I also added in #15 saying no short skirts after age 40 (granted these are shorts and not a skirt, but I figured that’s all the same idea). I even carried a backpack, which can be thought of as a young girl’s accessory!
Lesley broke 2 different rules also and Charlotte broke a color combination rule.
Breaking Fashion Rules with Print Mixing
Shorts: Loft~~ Top: Asos~~ Shoes: Walking Cradles~~ Necklace: thrifted ~~ Purse: Target ~~Hat:
I realize that print mixing is one of those combinations that has many women running scared. It’s understandable because it can seem very scary and crazy. That makes it perfect for me since I’m a tad crazy, LOL!
Yet, I think it’s one of those style combinations that can be not only good for our brain, but also a great way to have more outfits in our closet. We have styled ideas to get you print mixing on the blog before. One of the easiest ways is with black and white. Another easy way is when the prints are not super close to each other like with shoes and a top, a scarf and pants or even a purse and your top.
Insider tip: Men print mix all the time with their print shirts and ties. If guys can do it, so can we. AND we can do it better!
One way to get used to the idea of breaking these fashion rules, especially for print mixing is to have a dress you like with two different patterns in it. I found a couple at the bottom of the post that you might like.
Let’s Talk Accessories
I’ll admit that I haven’t been wearing my necklaces as much when the weather gets hot, but in this instance it really finishes off the look so nicely by pulling up the color from my shorts.
Insider tip: Sometimes our accessories need a little fix. I bought this necklace at the thrift store and the pendant was a slider which would move all over the place. This was extremely annoying so I super glued the silver rings in place on the larger silver bar.
When we go exploring around our area, I do prefer either a belt bag or backpack for a hands free experience. I’ve shown 5 ways to wear your belt bag recently because I am enamored with them. Yet if they aren’t your thing, you might consider a backpack. There are fashionable ones that fit lots of stuff.
Shorts for Women over 40
Trust me that I am surprised I am wearing shorts. Heck, when I was working and 10 years younger, I thought my short wearing days were over. But then I started blogging and realizing that my body is just fine, even with the crepey skin and all kinds of imperfections.
I especially love that Lesley still wears shorts too, which you can see when we went apple picking. Granted, my shorts keep getting a tad longer over the years, but we wear swim suits, so why not shorts?
Insider tip: I’ve learned that I prefer the 5 inch inseam lately. However, this pair was a 4 inch inseam, so I took out the hem and lengthened them.
Insider tip: If you like the longer shorts, you might look at the “Tall” versions too. Below are some available in “Tall”.
Exploring Shoes
After talking about 4 brands of comfortable shoes recently, I’m sure you’re going to be seeing those companies over and over again. Now that we can get out and go places, I’ll be sticking to more comfortable shoes for walking.
This pair is a Walking Cradles sandal that I purchased for our Caribbean cruise. I have this same shoe in bright pink (which you can see how I wore them here) and I almost wore the pink ones with this outfit. However, I thought it might be too matchy matchy, so I opted for the cognac pair.
If you ever want to try out this brand, use the code JODIE15 for 15% off your first pair. And if you go through my link, I will receive a small commission.
Hat Love
I hear many complaints about hats, yet they can be the best thing for sun protection, bad hair days, along with adding flair to an outfit. One frustration I find is the fact they can fly off when it’s windy.
Insider tip: You can add your own cord to many hats easily. This one I showed earlier this year in this post. Sewing a shoe lace to the back half of the lining made for an easy fix.
The cord also made it easy to attach the hat to my backpack when I didn’t need it. It’s almost like a fun decoration from the back.
Insider tip: Just as many people see you from the back view. Give them something fun to look at.
Photo credit: Rob Filogomo
Ageless Style Group
Make sure to visit the other women in the group to see their ideas about breaking the fashion rules. Each of us has a different style and different body, so you can get so many different ideas for each of us. And we are ALL ageless!
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest
Bettye ~ Fashion Schlub Blog, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Daenel ~ Living outside the stacks Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter
Debbie ~ Fashion Fairy Dust Bloglovin, Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter
Jennie ~ A Pocketful of Polka Dots Blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Bloglovin
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter
Julia ~ When the Girls Rule Blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram
Kellyann ~ This Blonde’s Shopping Bag Blog, Instagram, Bloglovin, Twitter
Shelly ~ The Queen in Between Blog, Instagram, Bloglovin, Pinterest, Facebook
Shugunna ~ Nzuri N* Simplicity Blog, Pinterest, Instagram
My Goal
Thank you for visiting my space on the internet. I like to showcase how it’s never too late to look great for women of any age, size or working with any budget.
I feel I’m here to help move beyond the fashion rules of yesterday and evolve. Style and clothes are made to give you joy. Not cause us stress because we are worried about what other’s think.
My hope is that you get ideas and inspirations from Charlotte, Lesley and myself. It’s not about copying what we wear, but about using what you already have and updating items along the way.
Most of all it’s getting us to think differently and dare I say, have fun?
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that the text that shows up in a different color is usually a link to either another post, another site or a product? Some of these links are affiliate links. Meaning, if you click a link and make a purchase, Jodie’s Touch of Style gets a small commission at no extra cost to you. I do appreciate you supporting the brands that make this blog possible!
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