Black and blue together? Matching leathers and metals? Graphic tees? It’s time to start breaking these outdated rules.

When you search the internet for style advice, you often find a list of rules.

Always wear this. Never wear that.

It can start to feel a bit prescriptive and overly rigid.

Yes, many of these men’s fashion “rules” exist for a reason, and there’s at least some truth in most of them. But many style rules aren’t meant to be followed religiously, and some are simply outdated and no longer relevant.

I’m not saying you should ignore the rules. Learn the rules, understand why they exist, and then feel free to bend (or break) them.

Here are 10 style rules to break:

Rule #1: Black Shoes for Formal Events

Some menswear purists swear black shoes should be reserved for formal events, and brown shoes are too casual for dress occasions like business meetings and weddings.

It’s true that some formal events require a strict black tie dress code, and sometimes black shoes are the only good option. For example, if you’re wearing a black suit or tuxedo, you need to wear black shoes.

But if you’re wearing a blue or grey suit to a job interview or wedding, you can definitely wear brown shoes.

Even in formal business meetings full of people in charcoal suits, brown shoes are totally fine.

On the other hand, black shoes can be worn casually – everything from black bluchers and boots to black leather sneakers.

Depending on the overall color palette of your wardrobe, black shoes might be your best option.

Rule #2: Never Wear Black and Blue Together

Here’s another common misconception that truly stylish men ignore. I hear it all the time:

Black and blue clash.