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While plenty of fashion trends continue to come and go, there are some overarching rules that have dictated our outfits for years. But in my opinion, they aren't always fair.
Take the "never mix brown and black" rule, for instance. Avoiding this so-called fashion faux pas might've been drilled into you by your mother or even grandmother. Yet, today, younger generations are pushing back and showing that these two neutrals can be paired together (and look super chic).
That's not the only thing Gen Zers and even Millennials are calling out, either. TikTok, the go-to platform for beauty inspiration and tips, has also become a hub for creators to speak out against outdated fashion rules that simply don't make sense anymore. Here are five that I personally couldn't agree with more.
Scroll to see the outdated fashion rules TikTok is so done with in 2025!
1. You Should Never Mix Metals
Anthrolopologie
Gone are the days when you had to pick between gold and silver. The new rule is that there are no rules when it comes to selecting your jewelry. Finally!
Mixing metals isn't just acceptable in 2025. It's now a popular technique to tie together stylish and modern outfits. So, whether you prefer to stack rings, layer necklaces, or wear a bronze watch with a nickel bracelet, rock your contrasting accessories with pride.
The trick to pulling this off seamlessly is balance. Instead of stopping at just one piece in each tone, you can create harmony by repeating each metal at least once. When your mix feels deliberate, it becomes a fashion statement as opposed to a "faux pas." Just look at this Anthropologie necklace stack — trés chic!
2. Visible Logos Aren't Tasteful
Macy's
Remember when T-shirts with "Abercrombie" and "Hollister" plastered across the chest in large letters were "in?" Following this Y2K trend, the pendulum swung the other way, and the minimalist wave made us think we needed to hide any sign of branding.
Spoiler alert: some visible logos, like on your sneakers, sweatshirt, or bag (check out this adorable denim Coach!), aren't considered "tacky" anymore. With that being said, there's still an art to pulling off a logo-infused look.
The most important thing to keep in mind is moderation. You can let one or two branded pieces take center stage while keeping the rest of your outfit more understated. For instance, pair a Miu Miu sweater with neutral pants or a monogrammed designer belt with a crisp white T-shirt and jeans.
3. Sneakers Don't Go With Dresses
Now that summer is right around the corner, this outdated fashion rule couldn't be leaving at a better time. Who wants to spend scorching days walking around in a dress and uncomfortable sandals (or, even worse, heels)?
The dress-and-sneaker combo got kind of a bad rap after the early-2000s Disney Channel star style came and went. Back then, dresses, sneakers, and even jeans were somehow all mixed into the same outfit.
We're fine with leaving the dress-over-jean layering in the past, but sneakers with dresses? This pairing deserves the comeback that TikTokers are rooting for right now.
Not only is it comfortable, but when done right, it can make outfits look effortless and cool. Pair a sundress with crisp white sneakers or a slip dress with platform trainers. The secret is thinking about proportions and how your footwear balances the rest of your look. I mean look how adorable these Golas are with a skirt?!
4. Basics Are Supposed To Be Pricey
Amazon
It's about time we let go of the idea that your basics need to be expensive to look good. They are called basics for a reason, and in order to stock up on a variety of neutral garments, like T-shirts, tanks, and bodysuits, they sort of need to be more affordable.
Not to mention, no one can even tell how expensive your plain black trousers or white cami were! The truth is that you can build a timeless wardrobe on a budget, so invest where it makes sense for you.
If you know that you like to rock fitted tees every single day, perhaps you'll want to spend more money on high-quality fabric that will survive countless runs through your washing machine. Otherwise, you shouldn't feel pressured to splurge on every so-called "essential" when you can get something that looks the same for way less.
5. Outfits Need To Be Flattering
Anthropologie
Finally, we have to get one last thing straight: outfits do not always have to be "flattering." The very idea of what flattering even is remains subjective based on the person. Plus, at the end of the day, fashion is about expressing who you are, not achieving what anyone else deems acceptable.
So, forget the notion that you need to do things like "define your waist" or "make your legs look longer." If you feel more comfortable wearing oversized outerwear, a ton of layers, or baggy pants (look how cute this Anthro outfit is!), go for it. Plenty of celebs have already leaned into this (like Billie Eilish), and the result is still edgy and cool.
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