Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Apparently obsolete fashion rules that you stick with regardless

480 replies

Echobelly · 05/10/2021 11:46

For me it's 'Leggings must be worn with something that COVERS YOUR BUM'

I'm sorry, even with teenagers with lovely pert derrieres, leggings and top that stops at your waist look like you haven't got dressed properly, and on those of us with less than gravity-defying butts (such as myself) it just looks horribly unflattering, especially if you wear cheapass leggings where the fabric goes all see-through when stretched.

What rules do you stick to, even if out of fashion?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
Pigtailsandall · 05/10/2021 21:13

@TomBradysLeftKneecap Right?
I feel it's fun to discuss breaking rules like green and blue together, or white after Labor Day, quite the other to call someone's dress sense whorish or to condemn "fat" people to wearing sleeves all summer long because of people's prejudices Confused That's not a fashion rule, that's just unkind.

HappyDays101010 · 05/10/2021 21:18

I am in the latter end of my mid 40s Grin do you mean nearly 50?

Standrewsschool · 05/10/2021 21:19

I don’t like wearing open toed shoes to work either.

BlameItOnTheBlackStar · 05/10/2021 22:12

@escapeyou

I agree with nude underwear and definitely with white trousers.

No navy and black together. Not nice.

No to sleeveless tops if you are anything bigger than a size 12 or so. Same with cold shoulder tops. Just unflattering.

I say fuck rules that only apply to women of certain sizes. Our job is not to make ourselves looks smaller and less than we are at all times.
naichick · 05/10/2021 22:25

@StrychnineInTheSandwiches

I thought I was the only one still sticking to that 🤣

TomBradysLeftKneecap · 05/10/2021 22:50

@HappyDays101010 Nearly 50?! How very dare you. I’m 48! 😂

NeverDropYourMooncup · 05/10/2021 23:05

Men's Rules? Oh, there are hundreds - I'll try to think of some of them, bearing in mind that it's going to be inherently a very white ethnocentric list;

#1 No Novelty Ties.
#2 No Novelty Socks.
#3 See Rules #1 and #2.
#4 Black Suits are for funerals, waiters and musicians on their way to a gig. And should never be worn with a black shirt unless you want to give off that Hired Heavy/Door Supervisor effect.
#5 Grey suits, blue suits or tweed suits = brown or tan shoes.
#6 Shoes and boots should be chunky or sturdy, not delicate. Unless you're going for a pub lunch, when Dark Brown suede (or clean brown walking boots in the countryside) is acceptable with dark blue jeans, a shirt (not white) and a sweater.
#7 Shiny and checked suits are for used car salesmen.
#8 Unless you are holidaying in the tropics, always choose the heaviest fabric and weave for a suit that you can afford, as it will drape better.
#9 Take that bloody hat off before you walk in the door. And the coat immediately afterwards. Unless you are required to keep your head covered at all times, which is obviously more important.
#10 White sports socks are for tennis, not the workplace. Other colours are for football, rugby, running or the gym. Workplace socks should complement the trousers in tone. If you can't find workplace socks, do not step out from behind your desk at any point - but sports socks are better than no socks at all in that rare disaster.
#11 Shorts should come no higher than the start of the quadriceps muscles and NEVER be made of a shiny, silky type fabric at any length unless you're about to step into the ring for Round #1.
#12 If you haven't got time to iron it properly, don't wear it.
#13 It's better to buy too large and get it altered to fit than too small and look as though you're about to burst out of it like The Hulk.
#14 Your belt is for completing the look, not scaffolding your abdominal adipose tissue.
#15 Skinny cuts are for skinny teenaged boys. If you have a muscular physique, it's better enhanced by a wider cut - especially if you're not a fan of Legs Day - and anybody over 24 will project greater gravitas if they aren't emphasizing twig like limbs.
#16 If there's more scalp than hair, the hair goes unless you have religious or cultural reasons for not doing so; if you do, crack on.
#17 Jackets/Blazers should never have the bottom button fastened.
#18 Shirt cuffs should meet the base of the wrist above the watchstrap, jackets a half inch above that.
#19 Digital watches, especially those with plastic straps or in bright colours, are for children who haven't got the hang of telling the time yet. If you have a smart watch, always replace the strap with a metal or leather one so it looks more like a traditional watch.
#20 Pockets are not for keys, phones, fags, lighters, bus passes, earphones and other paraphernalia of daily life; Men are allowed to have bags now without having doubts cast upon their sexuality (which is damned offensive, by the way) - buy a leather one in a dark colour (not black). The exception is where your wallet and phone (always in a case) fit perfectly in your inside breast pocket without dragging the fabric down - see #8 regarding the weight of fabric.
#21 Novelty cufflinks are the sign that somebody didn't have a clue what to buy you for Christmas and couldn't be bothered to ask.
#22 Trousers should break across the laces.
#23 Coats should be between hip length and just below the knee. And puffas are for moorland expeditions, mountain climbing and watching sport in the depths of winter.
#23a Camouflage gear is for people hunting, shooting, fishing or combating an enemy assailant in accordance with the terms of the Geneva Convention. NOT a trip to a suburban pub or a date.
#24 A baseball cap is not acceptable under any circumstances unless you're about to face a pitcher.
#25 If it's particularly hot and it's been a hard day at the office, carefully fold your shirtsleeves to just below your elbow. Short sleeves are not smart enough.
#26 Glasses and sunglasses frames should never be any colour other than a neutral metal or brown/tortoisehell. You are not Elton John, nor are you the T-1000 Terminator, so mirrored pilot frames are also unacceptable.
#27 It is perfectly acceptable to wear a checked/tartan/plaid shirt at the weekend in a bright colour and rolling up the sleeve is fine, just as it is to wear a T shirt underneath. But no 'amusing' comments or offensive slogans.
#28 Long hair, short hair or no hair. There are no other lengths of hair for white males. Everybody else, it's your hair, wear it exactly how you like.
#29 Unless you have religious or cultural reasons to leave your facial hair uncut, keep it carefully trimmed at all times.
#30 Keep the accessories down to the minimum that meets with your cultural or religious tradition.
#31 Sandals. If you're doing them for some reason beyond getting showered at the gym, it's after regular pedicures. Nobody wants to see black sock fluff in yellowing, thickened nails and half an inch of callused, cracked skin on your heels.
#32 Unless you are a musician who plays particular string instruments or Howard Hughes, you don't need long nails. Clip them.
#33 Clothing and accessories associated with particular cultures, religious belief or practices that are not your own are NOT a means of signalling how quirky, cosmopolitan and well travelled you are.

I think that's probably offended enough people for one night.

DietrichandDiMaggio · 05/10/2021 23:10

@DeJaDont

My teeth itch when I see a woman, any age- wearing trainers and a skirt or dress. A skirt isn't sports wear!! Just NO!!
I never understand why people are so bothered about what other people choose to wear; there are lots of styles of clothes/footwear that I don't like and would never wear, but why would someone else wearing them 'make my teeth itch'? I wear trainers because I like the look of them and they are comfortable. I have totally different ones for running or going to the gym, to the ones I wear day to day, and I don't think when I am wearing Stan Smiths to work anyone thinks I am dressed for a game of tennis.
StCharlotte · 05/10/2021 23:36

Bloody Trinny and Susannah can get in the bin. Ever since they put a woman with a pronounced stomach in a bias cut slip skirt - they might as well have put the poor love in a rubber ring.

I also refuse to buy skincare from someone who's had more work than Big Ben. It's like adding lash inserts to mascara adverts.

midsomermurderess · 05/10/2021 23:55

Oh God, this has fully gone off the rails now.

Randomneim · 06/10/2021 01:31

I'm really anti the whole 'full beat' face of makeup thing! I just think all that heavy contouring looks bad and weird in the day! On the one hand, good on your with your artistry and decorative rather than ameliorative approach to your looks, but also, not keen on that heavy look for myself AT ALL.

Randomneim · 06/10/2021 01:32

so, sorry, being unclear, I guess the outdated rule I still adhere to is making your makeup look kind of light and natural rather than stagey.

HappyTimeTunnelDinosaur · 06/10/2021 04:39

Scrunchies are for children, not adults.(advice from my Granny)
Show legs or boobs, never both. (advice from my mum)
Leggings are to be worn instead of tights, not as trousers unless for sport/gym type activities.

I break lots of the rules though - still love skinnies, wear black with a colour etc. It's more important to me to feel comfortable in what I wear than to be particularly fashionable.

PostItNow · 06/10/2021 04:45

@SirChenjins

According to DD(22) eyeliner under your eyes is dated, as is mascara on your bottom eyelashes. In eye make up terms I’m older than Yoda.
Omg! Finally I’m in fashion!
MatildaIThink · 06/10/2021 04:50

I would never wear double denim, or sock with sandles. I know that sock with sandles (or "sliders" as some people now call them) is thought fashionable by some, but it is just fucking awful and it inspires some form of irrational hatred in me.

catinboots123 · 06/10/2021 05:06

@NeverDropYourMooncup

GrinGrinGrinGrinGrinGrin

Newestname002 · 06/10/2021 05:34

@PuppyMonkey

Don’t mess too much with your eyebrows. Grin

Now that's one I should have listened to! These days I have to draw in my eyebrows 🌹

isthismylifenow · 06/10/2021 05:38

@NeverDropYourMooncup

Men's Rules? Oh, there are hundreds - I'll try to think of some of them, bearing in mind that it's going to be inherently a very white ethnocentric list;

#1 No Novelty Ties.
#2 No Novelty Socks.
#3 See Rules #1 and #2.
#4 Black Suits are for funerals, waiters and musicians on their way to a gig. And should never be worn with a black shirt unless you want to give off that Hired Heavy/Door Supervisor effect.
#5 Grey suits, blue suits or tweed suits = brown or tan shoes.
#6 Shoes and boots should be chunky or sturdy, not delicate. Unless you're going for a pub lunch, when Dark Brown suede (or clean brown walking boots in the countryside) is acceptable with dark blue jeans, a shirt (not white) and a sweater.
#7 Shiny and checked suits are for used car salesmen.
#8 Unless you are holidaying in the tropics, always choose the heaviest fabric and weave for a suit that you can afford, as it will drape better.
#9 Take that bloody hat off before you walk in the door. And the coat immediately afterwards. Unless you are required to keep your head covered at all times, which is obviously more important.
#10 White sports socks are for tennis, not the workplace. Other colours are for football, rugby, running or the gym. Workplace socks should complement the trousers in tone. If you can't find workplace socks, do not step out from behind your desk at any point - but sports socks are better than no socks at all in that rare disaster.
#11 Shorts should come no higher than the start of the quadriceps muscles and NEVER be made of a shiny, silky type fabric at any length unless you're about to step into the ring for Round #1.
#12 If you haven't got time to iron it properly, don't wear it.
#13 It's better to buy too large and get it altered to fit than too small and look as though you're about to burst out of it like The Hulk.
#14 Your belt is for completing the look, not scaffolding your abdominal adipose tissue.
#15 Skinny cuts are for skinny teenaged boys. If you have a muscular physique, it's better enhanced by a wider cut - especially if you're not a fan of Legs Day - and anybody over 24 will project greater gravitas if they aren't emphasizing twig like limbs.
#16 If there's more scalp than hair, the hair goes unless you have religious or cultural reasons for not doing so; if you do, crack on.
#17 Jackets/Blazers should never have the bottom button fastened.
#18 Shirt cuffs should meet the base of the wrist above the watchstrap, jackets a half inch above that.
#19 Digital watches, especially those with plastic straps or in bright colours, are for children who haven't got the hang of telling the time yet. If you have a smart watch, always replace the strap with a metal or leather one so it looks more like a traditional watch.
#20 Pockets are not for keys, phones, fags, lighters, bus passes, earphones and other paraphernalia of daily life; Men are allowed to have bags now without having doubts cast upon their sexuality (which is damned offensive, by the way) - buy a leather one in a dark colour (not black). The exception is where your wallet and phone (always in a case) fit perfectly in your inside breast pocket without dragging the fabric down - see #8 regarding the weight of fabric.
#21 Novelty cufflinks are the sign that somebody didn't have a clue what to buy you for Christmas and couldn't be bothered to ask.
#22 Trousers should break across the laces.
#23 Coats should be between hip length and just below the knee. And puffas are for moorland expeditions, mountain climbing and watching sport in the depths of winter.
#23a Camouflage gear is for people hunting, shooting, fishing or combating an enemy assailant in accordance with the terms of the Geneva Convention. NOT a trip to a suburban pub or a date.
#24 A baseball cap is not acceptable under any circumstances unless you're about to face a pitcher.
#25 If it's particularly hot and it's been a hard day at the office, carefully fold your shirtsleeves to just below your elbow. Short sleeves are not smart enough.
#26 Glasses and sunglasses frames should never be any colour other than a neutral metal or brown/tortoisehell. You are not Elton John, nor are you the T-1000 Terminator, so mirrored pilot frames are also unacceptable.
#27 It is perfectly acceptable to wear a checked/tartan/plaid shirt at the weekend in a bright colour and rolling up the sleeve is fine, just as it is to wear a T shirt underneath. But no 'amusing' comments or offensive slogans.
#28 Long hair, short hair or no hair. There are no other lengths of hair for white males. Everybody else, it's your hair, wear it exactly how you like.
#29 Unless you have religious or cultural reasons to leave your facial hair uncut, keep it carefully trimmed at all times.
#30 Keep the accessories down to the minimum that meets with your cultural or religious tradition.
#31 Sandals. If you're doing them for some reason beyond getting showered at the gym, it's after regular pedicures. Nobody wants to see black sock fluff in yellowing, thickened nails and half an inch of callused, cracked skin on your heels.
#32 Unless you are a musician who plays particular string instruments or Howard Hughes, you don't need long nails. Clip them.
#33 Clothing and accessories associated with particular cultures, religious belief or practices that are not your own are NOT a means of signalling how quirky, cosmopolitan and well travelled you are.

I think that's probably offended enough people for one night.

This gave me a good chuckle 😀
Claudethecat · 06/10/2021 06:45

NeverDropYourMooncup's list is going to piss off a LOT of woke hipsters...😀

StarlightLady · 06/10/2021 07:19

Seemingly, l break almost every rule in the non existent book!

I wear blue and green, I sometimes wear tops that end at the waist with leggings, l have red nail varnish on my toes. Bra straps show in summer, but l opt for colourful bras not greying “once white”.

If a bra shows all it means is that you have a bra on, likewise a knickerline means you have knickers on, which many of us do.

But l never refer to other women with offensive names by what they choose to wear.

justasking111 · 06/10/2021 08:52

40 denier tights does anyone still wear them?

StartupRepair · 06/10/2021 08:58

I've been wearing black trousers with a coloured top since the 90s. Among other things.

Juancornetto · 06/10/2021 09:11

@JumperandJacket

For many years I didn't wear black shoes with blue jeans, only brown ones. Not sire this was a fashion rule generally but it was at my school.

Another one here with big boobs and a wardrobe full of V-necks, thanks Trinny and Susannah.

I don't feel right if I wear black boots or shoes with lighter blue jeans, I only really wear them with dark indigo jeans. Else I feel like Simon Cowell
madamceladon · 06/10/2021 09:27

@NeverDropYourMooncup
Loved that men's list - especially number 33.

Reminds me of a very witty little book I read, the ABC of men's fashion by hardy amies from 1962 (he is fascinating, dressed the queen and did costumes for 2001: space odyssey), here's some quotes from him;

“Scarf. The young can wear long woollen scarves with great effect. A short woollen scarf is as nasty as a small whisky.”
“Sweater. …. Men of all ages wear it for occasions for which an earlier generation would have regarded a tweed jacket as barely acceptable. The young literally live and, I suspect, sleep in one.”

thescentfulapprentice.co.uk/advice-on-male-grooming-from-1964/

KirstenBlest · 06/10/2021 10:18

I'm glad you lot don't know me IRL. There would be a need for anti-itch toothpaste.