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Need a style refresh or a hair update? Then it’s time to ditch those old-fashioned adages that have worked their way into our collective consciousness.
To mark the beginning of a very special collaboration between marie claire, Schwarzkopf Brilliance Gems and marie claire Style Set member, TV presenter, writer and producer, Carissa Walford, we’re debunking seven fashion and beauty rules that no longer apply.
Rule 1 To Break: You can’t rock a ponytail in the PM
It doesn’t get more red-carpet than the Oscars – which is where Jennifer Lopez wore her classic pony. Whether you go for a textured style or one that’s slightly sleeker, juxtaposing a formal outfit with casually pulled-back hair is totally modern.
For an on-trend take on the ponytail, look no further than the sky-high, swept-up pony that Gisele Bunchden wore at the Met Gala earlier this year, which speaks to the current vogue for French beauty, where stylists leave one element undone, for an effortless look. Or try a few twists or braids to add interest. (For a seriously sophisticated look, consider “braid-chains”, last spotted on actress Vanessa Kirby to devastating effect.)
Rule 2 To Break: You should never do black and blue
The street-style set begs to differ. This sophisticated combo – specifically navy and black – was everywhere at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, and looks super modern in an outfit of clean-lined separates.
Rule 3 To Break: Redheads shouldn’t wear red
Love statement hair? (Us too!) Celebrities like Emma Stone, Julianne Moore and Amy Adams have proved time and again that redheads look gorgeous in everything from scarlet to burgundy. Just don’t match your dress to the exact shade of your hair, and keep your skin tone in mind, too.
Thinking of going red? For your best red ever, try Schwarzkopf Brilliance Hypnotic Red or look to Schwarzkopf’s new Brilliance Gems range, which offers five metallic shades all inspired by gemstones for luxurious depth and brilliant metallic shine. We love Fiery Topaz for a coppery shade like Christina Hendricks (below).
Whatever you do, don’t fall for the old adage that redheads can’t wear red lipstick. As long as you keep the rest of your make-up minimal, warmed-toned red heads (think Jessica Chastain and Julianne Moore) look modern and sophisticated with a bright pop of red lipstick on their lips.
Rule 4 To Break: Hair accessories aren’t for grown-ups
A well-chosen accessory, from a headband to something sparkly, works at any age. The key is in the placement: bands should be pushed back from the crown, and clips should be fixed so as to appear almost like an afterthought.
Worried about keeping your accessory in place? Shake a little powder to the roots of the required area and then backcomb with a fine-tooth comb so the clip has something to grip.
Not sure which accessory to choose? Romantic velvet ribbons are having a moment, thanks to the resurgence of ponytails, and we adored the jewel-encrusted crowns at Dolce & Gabbana earlier this year.
Rule 5 To Break: Women over 40 should wear their hair above their shoulders
Yes, hair does become thinner as it ages, but if yours is still shiny and lustrous then don’t feel compelled to reach for the scissors once you hit your 40s. Take Demi Moore, who, at 55, is still rocking a long, sleek, dead-straight style that suits her perfectly.
The trick with pulling off long hair (at any age) is ensuring it’s in perfect condition… which is where a colour treatment can make all the difference. For a shade close to Demi’s – that will add an on-trend iridescent, healthy-looking shine – we love Schwarzkopf’s Brilliance Gem Collection in Cool Sapphire.
Rule 6 To Break: Bright eyeshadow screams “stuck in the ‘80s”
A one-note wash of bright colour on lids or applied closely to your lash line is a fresh and fun way to experiment with colour in the warmer months.
Rule 7 To Break: Socks and sandals is a sartorial no-no
Kendall Jenner re-wrote fashion rules by wearing an epic Giambattista Valli gown with open-toed sandals and sheer socks on the Cannes red carpet. Try it for yourself with an LBD on your next night out.
Rule 8: Metallics are just for your wardrobe
For many years, matte makeup ruled the beauty world – matte lips and matte eyeshadow were the building blocks of any woman’s makeup kit. But metallics are back – and this time around the trend applies not only to your eyelids and lips, but to your hair colour, too.
Take one glance at your Instagram feed and you’ll see that shimmery silvers, iridescent purples and violets, and coppery blonde tones are having a moment. The best bit? You don’t have to head to the salon for a metallic makeover; Schwarzkopf has created a Brilliance Gem Collection range that you can try at home. The collection’s metallic shimmer will add a healthy sheen to your hair, minus the two hours spent at the salon.
Try the Schwarzkopf Brilliance Range today.
Cool Sapphire Black
Dark Amethyst
Fiery Topaz
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