Let’s talk wardrobe taboos — those unspoken “rules” that seem to have come out of nowhere. Somewhere, someone decided that loud colors are “too much,” that sequins are only for parties, or that you can’t wear sneakers with a dress. But who exactly made these rules, and why do we still treat them like gospel? Style isn’t meant to fit inside tidy boxes. It’s about presence, play, and personality. If a look makes you feel grounded, powerful, or simply you, that’s the only endorsement you need.

The truth is, most wardrobe taboos stem from fear — fear of standing out, of being judged, of wearing something “wrong.” But fashion loses its magic when it’s trapped in other people’s expectations. So wear that color clash, layer prints like artwork, repeat your favorite outfit unapologetically. Dressing isn’t about blending in; it’s about showing up as your truest self, one outfit at a time.

Collage by Heather Polk, “What is Taboo? 2.26.2026”, torn magazine pages on watercolor paper, 12 in x 9 in