Fashion rules to break right now -The Asian Age

Red and pink clash: Somewhere along the way, these two shades got a bad reputation, but when paired purposefully, they can actually look quite modern and eye-catching. To break this fashion rule, keep the red true, and add any shade of pink, from pastel to fuchsia.

Navy and black don't go together: This fashion rule still has its fair share of subscribers, but let us make it clear: Navy and black look super-chic together. The combo first started making waves during the Fall 2012 collections, as scores of designers including Carolina Herrera, Miu Miu, Gucci, Prabal Gurung and Céline incorporated black and navy into runway looks,while It-gals like Alexa Chung, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were quick to team up the hues. Even if it's only adding a pair of opaque black tights to a navy blue dress, it's a rule worth breaking.

Shorts are only for summer: False. There's something incredibly cool and fuss-free about rocking a pair of shorts in the winter paired with opaque black tights and ankle booties. Stay away from shorts in summery fabrics like eyelet and cotton, but go ahead and rock shorts made from  leather, wool, jacquard, even denim cutoffs, which look super-cool paired with ankle boots, tights, and a chunky sweater come fall and winter.

You have to wear silver or gold jewelry, not both: As we've seen on countless bloggers, street style stars, and celebrities, mixing metals when it comes to jewelry can look fresh and very now. The trick? Make it look deliberate as opposed to haphazard. The easiest way to do it is to up your arm-swag game by stacking bracelets in varying widths and shades of silver and gold. Same goes for rings: layer several in silver and gold that are both thick and thin. To really go for it, toss some rose gold in the mix, too.

Petite girls can't wear maxi skirts: It's common fashion folklore that small women simply can't wear floor-grazing skirts and dresses, but luckily that's been proven entirely false. In fact, a well-cut maxi skirt can actually give you the appearance of looking taller, as evidenced by petite gals like Rachel Bilson, Rachel Zoe, and Mary-Kate Olsen. Choose solid versions that skim the length of your body, which will create a long vertical line (forego anything with thick pleats or too many layers.) Be sure to keep your top fitted-a tucked-in T-shirt and a cropped leather jacket, for example-so as to not drown in fabric. Also, make sure the skirt's hemline is as long as you can go without tripping, and add a pair of wedges or heels underneath.

Horizontal stripes make you look larger: Horizontal lines making you look wider is a pretty cliché "rule." Yes, a skin-tight shiny Spandex bodycon dress emblazoned with horizontal lines might only look good on a model, but pieces that are made well and fit well-think a classic cotton Breton striped shirt tucked into dark jeans, or a ladylike full skirt with horizontal stripes-flatters every woman.

You can't wear red to a wedding: This somewhat ridiculous fashion rule was put into place during more conservative times when red was thought to be a way-too-sexy, attention-stealing color. Yes, you might want to stay away from wearing a skin-tight red plunging spandex gown to a wedding, but you probably don't want to wear that in any color. These days, there are tons of high-style red dresses that look perfectly acceptable at weddings.

Sneakers are only for the gym: As recent trends have proven, the right pair of sneakers can take you way beyond the gym. Between wedge sneakers, slip-on sneakers (a huge trend for fall), and the rise of top bloggers and fashion insiders rocking sporty Nikes, New Balance, and Adidas kicks with everything from sleek skirts to leather pants, it's clear that when styled with dressier pieces, sneakers can add a modern twist to an outfit that's not comprised solely of sweats.

You need shampoo to wash your hair: As curly girls well know, shampoo can actually strip thick and spirally hair of necessary oils, and be way too harsh for delicate hair. Oftentimes, water and the right conditioner is enough, but if you feel you have excessive product buildup, try using a little apple cider vinegar beforehand.

Dresses and pants don't mix: While you might not wear a gown over a pair of trousers, there's something very modern about pairing a swingy mini-dress with skinny jeans, or a flowing chiffon midi dress with leather leggings, a look we've been seeing on runways and on street style stars lately.
You should always match your shoes, bag, and belt: That might have true in your grandma's day, but it's total a non-issue in this day and age. In fact, matching all your accessories perfectly can make you look dated and matronly, whereas mixing things up looks fresh and modern, and adds interest to an outfit.
Red lipstick is only for evening: At one time, bold beauty choices-a scarlet lip or a smoky eye, for example-were considered way too "evening" for daylight, but a bright red lip (or orange, pink, or deep plum) can act as its own accessory and liven up any daytime look. If you do go with a statement-m aking lip or eye while the sun's out, be sure to keep the rest of your makeup minimal, and your outfit polished.
Tall women shouldn't wear heels: This mandate isn't only silly, but a little sexist, too. Stemming from a whole bunch of antiquated notions including abundant height isn't feminine, and a woman shouldn't draw extra attention to herself, this rule is one no woman should ever follow if they don't want to. We know plenty of women who are almost six feet tall and still rock three-inch heels with grace. (excerpt) The writer is the editorial director at www.stylecaster.com

-Perrie Samotin