Have you ever heard of certain style rules that have been around for so long you don’t even know or remember where they may have come from? Some feel like they came from your granddad, others from a random GQ headline in 2004, but either way–times change. And if you’re still dressing by those old commandments, you might be holding your personal style back.
The truth is, good style evolves. It’s more about knowing how to balance than blindly following someone else’s do-or-don’t list. Let’s talk about a few “rules” that deserve to be retired–if not totally reversed.
1. Don’t Mix Brown and Black
If you look at certain aesthetics like “old money” and modern minimalism, brown and black are often intentionally paired. Black jeans with brown Chelsea boots? Yes. A camel coat over a black turtleneck? Definitely yes. The trick is contrast and texture–don’t mix a dusty brown with a shiny black and expect magic. But when the tones are rich and intentional, the combo looks luxe and grown-up. It’s not about rules anymore–it’s about harmony.
2. No White After Labor Day
This one’s hanging on by a thread, and honestly, it’s time to cut it loose. White in fall or winter can look incredibly crisp and sophisticated, especially when layered with wool, leather, or earthier tones. Think white jeans with a camel coat, or a chunky off-white sweater under a charcoal blazer. The old rule was about seasonal practicality, not style. But we’ve got stain removers and dry cleaning now–so wear white whenever you want.
3. No Wearing of Black and Navy Together
Similar to the no mixing of brown and black rule, this one comes down to tone and intention. Black and navy actually make a sharp, modern combination when done right. A navy suit with a black turtleneck? Very sleek. Black jeans with a navy overshirt? Clean and understated. The only time this pairing goes wrong is when both colors are too close in shade and make it look accidental. Otherwise, it’s an easy move that reads smart, not sloppy.
4. Always Tuck in Your Shirt
Untucked shirts have their place–and it’s not just at the beach. If a shirt is designed to be worn untucked (shorter hem, more casual cut), there’s no need to force it into a tuck. On the flip side, tucking in a very casual shirt can sometimes age you or look awkward. Know your shirt’s cut and dress code. Clean lines and good fit matter more than blindly tucking everything in.
5. Men Don’t Wear Pink
Anyone–no matter their gender identity–can wear pink; it’s only a matter of understanding your tone and what type of pink looks best on you. If you’re warm-toned, go for corals and salmon pinks. If you’re cool-toned, try mauves and dusty rose. Real confidence comes from wearing what works for you, not avoiding a color because of some outdated macho standard. And pink looks amazing under a navy suit–just saying.
6. Formalwear Means a Full Suit Only
Depending on what the given dress code is, a full suit may be overkill–and more importantly, modern tailoring has evolved. Smart separates like a blazer and tailored chinos, or even a knit polo under a sports coat, can be just as refined. Think “smart casual” and “business casual” as flexible zones where you can still look polished without sweating through three layers.
7. Pattern Mixing is Always a No
Pattern-on-pattern can indeed look crazy, especially if the prints are clashing in scale or tone. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid it entirely. Try mixing a subtle stripe with a windowpane check, or floral with a microdot. The key is to vary the pattern sizes and keep the color palette tight. Done well, it reads as confident and fashion-forward–not chaotic.
8. No Denim on Denim
Unless you’re pulling a Britney and Justin-inspired costume, there’s actually a way to do double denim that feels effortlessly cool. Mix shades–light denim on top, darker denim on bottom (or vice versa). Throw in modern silhouettes like a relaxed trucker jacket or tapered jeans, and it works. The Canadian tuxedo has been redeemed–it just needed a little balance and some modern accessories.
9. Don’t Mix Gold and Silver Jewelry
When done right, mixing metals can make your outfit look incredibly sharp. You don’t need to go full-on Mr. T, but pairing a silver watch with a gold ring or layering chains in different finishes adds depth. Just try to repeat each tone once–so it looks intentional. These days, “clashing” metals isn’t clashing–it’s layering, and it can elevate even a simple white tee and jeans.
10. Loafers Are for Old Men
Some of the most stylish and dressy shoes for men out there are loafers, so don’t fall for the lie that they’re for your grandpa. Leather penny loafers, suede horsebits, chunky soles–loafers now come in modern cuts and tones that can be dressed up or down. Wear them with a suit, wear them with jeans, even wear them sockless with tailored shorts. They’re timeless for a reason.
11. No Graphic Tees Past College
Vintage tees and well-designed graphics can add personality to an otherwise plain outfit. The key is fit and quality–no one’s saying to bust out your high school band shirt with holes in it. But a graphic tee under a blazer, or layered with a cardigan and jeans? It tells people something about your taste. And yes, it can look way more interesting than a plain crewneck.
12. You Must Be Clean-Shaven to Look Professional
If you keep your beard well-trimmed and shaped to suit your face, you can absolutely look professional. In fact, a well-kept beard can make you look more confident and intentional–like you know your face and how to style it. The scruffy look may not fly in all offices, but we’re well past the era of beards being seen as “lazy.” Grooming is what matters, not shaving it all off.
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