Here at RMRS, I always try to teach you the men's style rules to help you stand above your peers.

You’ve been learning the rules and looking better and better each day.

I would say you’re almost a pro… which is why today I’m going to tell you the style rules you should break to look even better.

I can hear you now – “Antonio, why have I been learning all of these rules if I can just break them?!”

As Pablo Picasso once said, “Learn the rules like a pro so that you can break them like an artist.”

Today, you’re becoming an artist – and here are the 10 men’s style rules you must break to look like a style pro.

1. Everything Must Match (Leather, Metals, Etc)





2. No Brown in Town





3. No White After Labor Day





4. Don't Mix Black With Brown





5. Never Buy A Matching Set (Pocket Sq & Tie)





6. Never Wear More Than Three Colors/Certain Colors Are Off Limits





7. Always Wear a Tie When You Ask For Money





8. Belt Must Match Your Shoes





9. Only Wear Oxfords with a Suit





10. Socks Should Match Your Trousers

Style Rule You Should Break #1 – Match Your Metals and Leathers

<figure class="aligncenter size-full"></figure>

This rule is there to set a standard for the novice. In theory, that's great, but let's be honest…

People have:

• Wedding rings





• Class rings





• Family heirlooms





• Signet rings





• Watches that have been in the family for generations

Breaking this rule allows you to incorporate more accessories into your outfits. Just because your wedding band is gold – that doesn't mean you can't wear your stainless steel watch.

Much like wearing double denim, the contrast has to be bold. This is critical as metals or leathers that are very close in color can look like you don't know how to match.

You want the contrast to be bold. Announce to the world – yes, I know the rule, but I'm choosing to break it.

Style Rule You Should Break #2 – “No Brown in Town”

<figure class="aligncenter size-full"></figure>

This old British adage held that men should not wear brown clothing or shoes while he was in the city. Brown was considered the color of the countryman. Think tweed and felt hats.

For the English, business meant black – especially as the color of shoes. So if you were wearing brown shoes you would be thought to be off-duty and not ready to work.

The brown shoe has since been accepted and loved. It isn’t easy to go to a professional environment nowadays and not see a brown shoe. Black is still the color that is most worn for formal occasions.

Style Rule To Break #3 – No White After Labor Day

<figure class="aligncenter size-full"></figure>

This inane rule has its roots in classism.

It’s believed that white was reserved for the financial and social elite. White garments were costly.

After the depression ended and the economy began to rebound, folks who couldn’t afford to wear white suddenly could.

Some say the rule was set in place so that those with “new money” would be noticed and potentially ostracized.

There are elements of this fashion faux pa that are still around. Notice that you don’t see white a lot in stores during the fall and winter months. White shows up in fashion and style when the weather gets warm.

I can’t think of anyone who follows this rule to the letter. Many may do it out of practicality (not wanting to get white clothes dirty during cold and wet seasons), but it’s really not that serious.

Style Rule To Break #4 – Don't Mix Black With Brown

<figure class="aligncenter size-full"></figure>

One of the most common men's style rules, this is there to protect the novice.

Black is the most formal of colors, while brown is considered a little more casual. You can easily go wrong with this combination if you opt to wear lighter color brown with blacks. 

But If you know what you're doing, it can work if you:

• Are dark skin complected.





• Make sure the colors are dark enough not to contrast.

For example, you can wear a black leather jacket and add a dark brown chocolate Chelsea boot. Go for it. 

Dark colors work well with each other. It is essential to pay attention to proportionality when wearing these colors.

Style Rule To Break #5 – Never Buy A Matching Set (Pocket Square & Tie)