Rules are made to be broken – and none more than those that dictate what we can and cannot wear.
Take seasonal colour edicts. If you like them, own them, but if you don’t, simply bask in your pared-back wardrobe, like many of the fashion greats.
If only etiquette were as straightforward.
Recently, I was lucky enough to bag one of those dream plane seats: near the front, next to the window with plenty of leg room.
Feeling chuffed, I was about to start reading my novel when the passenger allocated the seat beside me (a middle-aged American bloke) appeared.
Joanne wears top and trousers, The Fold London. Belt, Bottega Veneta
As a woman, I find there are certain people – always men in my case – who think they have an automatic right to your nice seat.
This guy thrust his ticket in my face and charmlessly asked that I swap with his wife, who was in an aisle seat a few rows back.
Now, I’m not a meanie; earlier this summer, I happily gave up my better seat so that a man could sit with his children, and flew home wedged into a corner, away from my own family. But I was not in the mood for this guy.
Why didn’t he swap his own good seat to go and sit beside his wife? I replied with a polite ‘sorry’, explaining that my own husband was already sitting several rows back.
He looked shocked, clearly not used to anyone refusing to bend to his will, then turned and shouted to his wife – and everyone else on the plane – ‘I tried Cathy, I tried. I just wanted to let you know. I tried.’
Astonishingly, his wife came over soon after and started stroking his inner leg to see if that would persuade me to move. Inhaling deeply, I ordered a G&T and gazed out of the window.
The truth is, sometimes being nice or following certain etiquette just gets you a rubbish seat in life.
And on that rebellious note, back to fashion, and the rules to enjoy breaking this season…
Joanne discusses the the fashion rules to enjoy breaking this season, including mixing navy and black and wearing flats to a party
Mixing navy and black Parisians, Phoebe Philo and the Olsen sisters at The Row have trashed this outdated no-no.
A navy cashmere sweater, smart black jeans and black loafers come together for an elegant outfit.
Wearing flats to a party Ballet pumps and Mary Janes are now just as chic as heels and are big players this autumn. Expect flats galore on red carpets.
Wearing black at a wedding This is not the Victorian era and black is no longer reserved for funerals. Nor will it curse the happy couple.
Gender assigned clothes Snore! I love a tux – and a trouser suit. And boys in feather boas. Whatever it takes.
@thestylistandthewardrobe
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Waistcoat, £69.95, massimodutti.com
Mad about Massimo
Massimo Dutti has really upped its style game recently, and pared-back pieces from its talented team are now a firm favourite among the fashion set.
The tailored separates are particularly lust-worthy. This pinstripe waistcoat is on my wish list.
The Meghan effect
The Duchess of Sussex is returning to social media soon – expect lots of style updates and brand collabs.
I wonder if Sienna Miller, who is the new face of M&S, is about to do the same.
Her insta account @siennathing, which has over a million followers, has been dormant since 2017. Watch this space…
Trews love
Trousers, £125,. beaumontorganic.com
With its passion for sustainability, I’m loving the latest carefully curated collection from Beaumont Organic.
These soft organic cotton trousers are my favourites. Pair with a blazer and heels for a fun twist.
