'As a stylist, there are 4 dated fashion "rules" I tell every client to break.'

There's a reason outdated style rules have stuck around.

They sound logical, they're easy to remember, and they've been passed down like family recipes: Always wear black to slim; shoes should match your handbag; never mix metals…

But the thing is, those rules are not helping you. In fact, they're usually the reason your wardrobe feels flat.

Speaking of breaking rules, here's why the 'wrong shoe' might be the key to getting your outfit right. Post continues below.

When I work with women, one of the first things we do is throw the rulebook out so we can build from scratch. Because by now we know great style isn't about following someone else's checklist — it's about creating your own.

I like to think of it as setting the boundaries of a playground. Once you know what feels good, you have the freedom to play.

That's when clothes stop being about "getting it right" and start being about feeling right.

Here are five of the most common style rules I break with my clients, and what I recommend instead.

Rule 1: Black = slimming.

We have been told for years that black is "flattering" because it hides. But hiding is not the same as feeling confident.

If you're ready to ditch black as your safety blanket, here's what I suggest instead:

• Soften the black by opting for dark but rich tones like deep navy, forest green, or chocolate brown. The difference you'll notice is incredible.

Tina is wearing clothes and accessories that are rich tones, like deep navy jeans and a chocolate brown bag. Image: Supplied.

• Play with placement. Where you put texture, shine, or detail in an outfit shifts how the eye travels and changes your proportions. That gives you much more freedom than sticking to boring black.

• Wearing a similar-toned top and bottom is also a great way to draw the eye up and down the body.

Tina wearing a top and bottom with a similar tone. Image: Supplied.

Which leads me to the next rule…

Rule 2: Dress for your body, not the "shape".

Traditional advice tells pear-shaped people to hide their hips, apple types to avoid belts, and rectangle body shapes to add volume.

Notice how all of these rules really mean the same thing: make yourself look slimmer. Flattering and slimmer have become interchangeable. And it's such a dated concept.

What I suggest instead:

• Use body shape guidelines as a tool, not a rule. They are there to give you options, not take them away. Some days you will want to highlight your waist, other days you will want to lean into oversized comfort. Both are valid.

• Use clothing as a tool to create the silhouette you want.

• The examples below show me either highlighting my hips by wearing print on my bottom half, or balancing them out by adding structured layers to my top half. Your choice.

Tina wearing a print midi skirt and a denim jacket to add structure. Image: Supplied.

Rule 3: Opt for matchy-matchy accessories.

This is one of those rules that sounds neat in theory, but makes outfits feel stiff in practice.

What I suggest instead:

• If your belt has a gold buckle, try adding a hint of gold elsewhere, through jewellery or hardware on shoes or a handbag, to tie the look together. Below I've tied my gold thongs into the look by adding a hint of gold at the neckline. Subtle details like this are what help a look feel effortless.

Tina matched her jewellery and sandals, all in gold. Image: Supplied.

• Or, pick a colour or texture in your clothing and match that with your accessories. In the example below, my brown belt doesn't match the rest of my accessories but ties in with the colour of my top.

Tina wearing a brown top that matches with her brown belt. Image: Supplied.

Rule 4: Comfort = sloppy.

Somewhere along the line, we were told that to look stylish we had to suffer. Think heels that hurt, jeans that dig in, or fabrics that crease the second you sit down.

When you are comfortable, you carry yourself differently. And that confidence is the real "styling trick."

What I suggest instead:

• Comfort and style are not opposites. They can absolutely work together.

• Start with practical pieces: breathable fabrics, elasticised waists, and shoes you can walk in. Then, add one polished piece to pull it together. A pair of statement sunnies, a fun pair of shoes, a jewellery stack or a go-to lip gloss helps elevate the comfy pieces. Hair is also a big one. I often do a slicked-back bun to instantly feel more put together.

Tina is wearing statement sunnies, shoes she can walk in, breathable fabrics, and a slicked-back bun to look and feel more put together. Image: Supplied.

• Pair softer fabrics with structured ones. Think linen wide-leg pants with a denim jacket or blazer, or a cotton shirt with structured denim. Think simple pairings that balance comfort with polish.

Tina wearing a cotton shirt with structured denim and linen wide-leg pants. Image: Supplied.

What rules will you break this week?

Outfits should reflect you, not an outdated list of dos and don'ts.

Think of it like that playground again. Once you set the boundaries that feel good to you, everything inside becomes fair game. 

So, which one of these rules will you break? Drop me a DM at @tinaabeysekara or @styleonpurpose on Instagram and let me know!

Feature image: Supplied.