Keeping It Relaxed: When It's Worth Breaking Style Rules
A clothing style is essentially a defined way of combining wardrobe pieces into one cohesive outfit. By understanding a particular style concept, you know which accessories will suit, for example, a chosen girls' dress, and how to create the right composition. Sometimes, however, it's worth breaking the rules to create something completely unique and dazzling.
What exactly is style?
Many people enjoy dressing according to the principles of a chosen style. This approach not only makes clothes shopping easier but also saves considerable time when selecting daily outfits. Most wardrobe elements complement each other, so you can freely mix and match them without wasting energy on devising new combinations.
However, fashion isn't a concept measured with a ruler (though in its case, we might say "measured with a tailor's tape"). It doesn't like rigid patterns, escapes from them, and creates completely new compositions from which further style types emerge. This is fashion's very essence, and that's why it's sometimes worth breaking a rule to be remembered for a long time afterwards.
According to dictionary definitions, style is "a set of characteristics typical of the art of a particular era, region, or creator". It can be found in:
- Works of art
- Architecture
- Painting
- Literature
- Sculpture
- Music
- Everyday objects
- Fashion
What fashion styles do we distinguish?
There are very many types of styles, and it's impossible to list them all. However, the most fundamental and popular ones include:
- Formal and casual
- Preppy
- Folk
- Ethnic
- Boho
- Retro
- Parisian
- Classic
- Hippie
- Sporty
- Romantic
- Rock
- Vintage
- Glamour
Would you like to learn more about them? You can read about these and many other styles on our BLOG. In our range, you'll also find many girls' dresses that you can match to your child's favourite style. Check out our latest collection now and visit our NEW ARRIVALS section!
Style versus fashion – similarities and differences
The question remains: are style and fashion the same concepts? Not entirely, though some people use them interchangeably.
Fashion is dynamic and more widespread. Fashionable clothing is defined as new whilst simultaneously reflecting modernity. However, if a particular way of dressing (such as off-the-shoulder dresses for girls) spreads quickly and many people adopt it, there's a high probability it won't survive long. This is because, firstly, it destroys individual uniqueness, and secondly, maintaining interest requires constant changes. It's like constantly chasing a rabbit, where the greatest thrill comes from the chase itself, not the main goal.
Style, compared to fashion, is more unique and represents the wearer's identity and personality. Moreover, it's also independent of time – it's up to you how long you'll dress your child in their favourite styling, such as a particular girls' dress. Here, creativity and courage in creating clothing combinations matter most.
However, these concepts cannot be separated by a thick line, because without fashion there would be no styles, and vice versa. Sometimes, though, one must break a clothing rule for something new and simultaneously permanent to emerge.
Does breaking clothing patterns influence a child's development?
From the very beginning, a child learns to live within an established social framework. They have specific behavioural rules and roles they must absorb to be accepted in society. However, constantly following rules kills creativity, individualism, and a person's sense of agency. Therefore, it's good to show your little one that in some cases, it's worth bending the prevailing rules.
Creating a child's wardrobe is an ideal opportunity for this! Jointly composing outfits, discussing clothing rules, and attempting to create your own combinations using, for example, girls' dresses, will allow the child to understand prevailing rules whilst simultaneously providing appropriate space to express their personality. Additionally, such activities will support the development of self-worth and decision-making skills.
When can you break style rules?
Rules are made to be broken, but it's not always appropriate to do so. Fashion etiquette precisely defines the cuts, lengths, and colours that should be worn in specific situations – for instance, nobody would wear a pink outfit to a funeral. Proper dress is a mark of respect towards the place, situation, or person. Although children are often treated more leniently in this regard, they should learn fashion boundaries from the very beginning.
So when is it best to experiment with clothing? If you want to have a bit of fun with styling, choose everyday fashion for this purpose. With this type of attire, there aren't as many binding rules, so you can relax a bit and have fun with appearance.
Parties such as fancy dress events, birthdays, or celebrations will also provide excellent opportunities. However, don't try this at family gatherings – unless you really want to have a row with your favourite aunt.
Combining clashing patterns – how to do it sensibly?
If you've chosen a polka-dotted dress for your child, does this mean the entire outfit must now be in matching polka dots? It could, but it doesn't have to be. There are certain tricks whereby patterns that don't match at first glance can together create a genuinely intriguing effect.
You can combine plain elements with patterned ones using one shared colour. However, if you're counting on a contrast effect, match clothing in complementary shades using the colour palette. These rules also apply to stripes and monochromatic patterns.
When combining two different patterns, try to choose ones that aren't from the same category or the same size. An example? If you want to pair two floral patterns together, let one of them be smaller, or connect them with the same colour. This way, you'll avoid a mismatched effect.
Now you know when you can allow yourselves a bit of fun. Nothing remains but to get started! Best of luck!
Also, take a look at our other articles on similar topics:
- Boho Dresses for Girls: A Trendy Twist on Classic Styles
- The Ultimate Guide to Formal Dresses for Girls
- How to Find the Perfect Fashion Style for Your Girl
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