The world of fashion is inundated with a seemingly endless list of rules, that some consider as valuable words of wisdom and others perceive as mere restrictions that are imposed by the fashion police and therefore need to be broken.

The international fashion police is a force to be reckoned with. Armed with a seemingly endless list of rules, it dictates all the do’s and don’ts and acts as judge and jury in dealing with those guilty of committing a fashion faux-pas. But while some of the rules that are enforced by the fashion-conscious are nothing short of ridiculous, others serve more as words of wisdom that can prevent people from committing a crime against fashion. This book contains fifty-one rules like “Dress Your Age", "When in Doubt Wear Red", "Shoes and Bags Must Always Match” and “Never Wear Tights with Open-toed Shoes”, which can be twisted, broken or ignored altogether.

Our aim is not to list all the rules that you need to adhere to. Nor do we take sides in the whole rules debate. After all, creativity knows no bounds and therefore it seems rather ridiculous to restrict that creativity by sticking to a couple of age-old rules. However, in some cases the rules seem more like the basic principles of dress that should be loved, honored and obeyed. Rest assured that whichever side of the fence you sit on in this whole fashion rules debate, you’re bound to find this book a source of inspiration, comfort or joy. 

Anneloes van Gaalen Anneloes van Gaalen is a writer, enterpreneur and all-round creative.

After receiving her MA and MPhil in English, American Studies and Cultural Analysis, Anneloes van Gaalen started writing for a wide variety of international publications including Wired Magazine, Dazed & Confused, ID Magazine and Surface. She also worked as editor-in-chief of LE COOL magazine Amsterdam. These days she writes for Amsterdam-based newspaper Het Parool.

Anneloes van Gaalen has written several books on (street) art, design, fashion, advertising, branding, new media and travel. She wrote and edited the popular Ridiculous Rules books and Indie Brands