7 of Your Grandmother's Fashion Rules That Still Apply ...

Fashion rules—we've all heard them, some of us from the pages of glossy magazines and others from the comforting voice of our grandmothers. It's the year 2024, and fashion trends have taken some wild twists and turns, but guess what? Your grandmother's pearls of wisdom about style are just as relevant now as they were decades ago. I've got a couple of anecdotal stories and some, shall we say, ‘interesting’ personal fashion choices that prove how timeless these rules really are.

So, picture this: it's early Saturday morning, and I’m rummaging through my closet like a raccoon looking for the last piece of pizza. I've got a dinner party to attend and absolutely nothing stylish to wear. Cue the mental playback of my grandma's voice: “When in doubt, always go classic.” Oh how right she was, bless her fabulous soul. I reach for a little black dress—yes, the veritable timeless pieces that she always advocated for. Grandma's Rule Numero Uno: classic styles never go out of fashion.

Speaking of stylish, how many times have we woken up to find that the hottest fashion trend involves some outrageous pairing, like socks and sandals, or perhaps a too-bright neon jumpsuit? I remember the early 2000s and let’s just say, not the finest hour for my personal closet. But this brings us to Grandma's Rule Number Two: prioritize quality over fads —she believed in good fabrics and impeccable tailoring, something I discuss later in prioritize cuts and materials. Why? Because, honey, a well-tailored blazer will still be rocking the scene long after that trendy holographic jacket gets relegated to costume parties.

Another golden nugget of wisdom was about fashion accessories. I'll never forget her advice: “Accessories can make or break an outfit.” Whenever I feel like my outfit is lacking that extra oomph, I imagine her pointing at my bare ears or wrist and throwing shade in the most loving way possible. And let’s be real, accessorizing isn't just about bling; it's about knowing when to let a statement piece shine, or when to layer simple items to create that coveted effortless chic look. More details on this in importance of accents and details.

Let’s not forget Grandma's take on color and patterns. She had this uncanny knack for choosing just the right shades to bring out the best in anyone. She was a strong advocate of diversified but balanced palettes, skillfully avoiding the catastrophe of a technicolor nightmare. Her wisdom extends even to the current year’s trends—hello, fashion sustainability, anyone? Knowing your colors and patterns isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating a harmonious look that works for you and our lovely planet.

So yes, as much as the fashion trends have evolved into the sometimes delightful, sometimes bewildering array of options we see today, the core principles laid down by our grandmothers haven't aged a day. Let’s dive deeper and see exactly how these seven timeless rules still apply today.