10 Fashion Rules to Break in 2024

Now that we’ve collectively spent a week getting acclimated to 2024, it’s time to leave 2023 well and truly in the past. This might apply to your New Year's resolutions, but it’s equally applicable when it comes to the outfits hanging in your closet. Saying goodbye to 2023 also means shedding the fashion rules that kept you from living your best and boldest fashion life.

To get the ball rolling, we spoke to celebrity stylists and experts about the fashion rules they’re erasing from their style hard drives this year. From abandoning outdated body standards to embracing sartorial experimentation, these are the 10 fashion rules to break in 2024.

"Keep Sweatpants Casual"

In 2024: Bust out your athleisure for fashion week.

In 2023, celebrity stylist Leah Taylor declared that sweatpants can and should be worn outside the house, telling InStyle that these cozy bottoms are "comfort meets couture." This year, Taylor's statement still stands. In fact, Danyul Brown, stylist to the A-list likes of Lucien Laviscount and Ava Max is bringing even bigger athleisure energy in 2024. Brown tells InStyle, "Sweatpants for me are my safe place; I wear them everywhere."

In terms of when and how to wear sweats in 2024, Brown embraces these comfy staples for any and all situations. "So many of us second guess whether we should or shouldn’t wear sweatpants out of the house. The simple answer is yes. They're comfortable, easy, and trendy."

"Dress for Your Age"

In 2024: Erase "age-appropriate" from your fashion vocabulary.

There are too many societal expectations placed on people — and women especially — to count, especially when it comes to how we express our age. According to Brown, age is a just number and should have no bearing on what you wear or how you wear it. "I hear so often from people that they’re concerned they look like they’re trying to look younger," he says, "but dressing up should be fun and experimental. If you wear something with confidence, you'll look great."

"Don't Wear Tights With Open-Toed Sandals"

In 2024: Show off those stockings!

We've said words on the socks with sandals debate before, but Gen Z stylist extraordinaire and founder of MÉGA Jewelry, Dani Michelle, whose clients include Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, is reiterating what we already know. In 2024, she's calling for everyone to "not be afraid of stockings with open-toe heels."

"Choose Menswear or Womenswear"

In 2024: The more your look bends gender, the better.

Gender may not be the final fashion frontier, but blurring its lines and pushing its bounds of expression is a rich source of sartorial inspiration. For Reginald and Matthew Reisman, a fashion power couple that has styled, designed, and tailored looks for everyone from Rihanna to Meghan Thee Stallion and Cardi B., gender is the stage for style experimentation in 2024. “Our fashion rule to break in 2024 would be to encourage everyone to shop outside of societal gender norms," they tell InStyle. "There are great finds for everyone in all departments which expand your personal style, wardrobe, and uniqueness.”

"Wear Seasonal Colors"

In 2024:  Don't let the time of year dictate your color palette.

While moody tones for winter weather and brighter shades in spring and summer are all well and good, our experts recommend not cleaving too closely to the colors of the season. "The one rule I would do away with for 2024 is which colors are assigned to a specific season," says Mickey Freeman, “who has styled Keke Palmer, Brandee Evans, and Jelani Alladin.”. "These assigned colorways are merely restrictions. People should be allowed to freely express their emotions through color without being perceived as off-trend or out of season." In other words, do you, year round.

And, in case you were wondering, that also applies to that age-old rule about wearing white after Labor Day. "Not true," says Candice Lambert. Having lent her style expertise to musical superstars like Kelly Clarkson and Shirley Manson, Lambert knows a thing or two about fashion color theory, explaining that "white is a versatile color and is brilliant at enhancing outfits any time of the year."

"Cinch Your Waist to 'Flatter' Your Figure"

In 2024: Ditch the hourglass obsession and have fun with silhouettes of all shapes and sizes.

Fashion influencer Bella Gerard is here for a snatched silhouette but suggests looking beyond this singular shape in the New Year. "Don't get me wrong—I'm a sucker for anything with a nipped-in waist to show off an hourglass silhouette, but it's not the only option for your 2024 wardrobe," she says.

Gerard goes on to explain that there are bigger and better silhouettes to explore, no matter your body type. "Playing with proportions and opting for impact over what looks 'most flattering' can be fun! While I've got a lot of great belts on standby for all cinching opportunities, I'm using this year to explore the notion of a baggier, more effortless silhouette."

"White Tights Are Only for Children"

In 2024: Bold tights are in—from vibrant hues to pearly whites.

Standout tights are having a moment this year and the vibe extends from vivid reds to creamy neutrals. While beige or white tights might put you in mind of flower girls or erstwhile easter dresses, that's not the case in 2024. "White stockings are no longer just for little girls," says Michelle.

"Save Special Outfits for Special Occasions"

 In 2024: Live in the moment!

In the words of Tabitha Sanchez, known for styling Tate Mcrae, Chloe Cherry, and Reece Feldman, among others, "every day is a dress-up day." Sanchez tells InStyle that, "I end up not wearing half my clothes because I want to save them for something bigger than what I’m doing in the moment." In 2024, she'll be ditching the idea of saving an outfit for a special occasion and recommends we come along for the ride.

"Stick to One Aesthetic"

In 2024: Remix as many aesthetics and styles as you please into a single look.

 Marissa Pelly, who has styled Jeannie Mai and Ice Spice, among others, is done adhering to a single aesthetic or style. "As stylists, we can sometimes feel this immense pressure to clearly define our personal style, but I love trying new things and mixing it up."

Unsure where to start? Pelly has suggestions. "Trade heels for Jordans with soft luxury looks, or pair your favorite faux fur with a comfy sweat set," she advises. Whether you're blending streetwear with couture or luxury pieces with thrift store finds, the goal of this rule-breaking is simple: Have more fun when getting dressed and not overthinking it.

"Take Off One Accessory Before You Leave the House"

In 2024: More is more.

If the trends from the 2024 runways have taught us anything, it's that more is more this year. From over-the-top ultra-femme looks to statement sequins, extra is in and that sentiment extends to accessories. Of the oft-repeated fashion rule that you should take off one accessory before you leave the house, Lambert says, "not true. One word: Iris."

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