Rules Weren't Always Made to be Broken

    For my trip back to school, I picked up the August issue of "In Style" magazine.  The issue featured an article about "10 Style Rules to Break NOW!", and I have to disagree with the editors.  Perhaps edgy dressing like that may fly in the fashion world, but real women (especially preppy ones like me) should not dress like this.  Here are some of In Style's suggestions that I take issue with:

1. "Match your shoes to your bag - and to your clothing."  Coordination is one thing, but total matching?  It would leave you looking like the little girls in my sisters "Colorful Crayons" dance number when she was 5.  Head-to-toe in one pattern is not ok.
2. "Wear summer fabrics in autumn."  I don't have so much of a problem with this one.  However, I would add one condition: follow the weather.  If it's warm, wear light fabrics!  If it's cold, wear heavier ones.
3. "Go big, really big" - specifically, big blazers.  Big t-shirts may be a southern sorority girl staple, but big blazers look goofy, not professional.  Whether you'd wear it to class or a job, you would just look like you don't know how to find clothes that fit.
4. "Try lots of barrettes at once."  The look which inspired the In Style editors was inspired by the movie "Tron" (see top of the list).  Less is more.  That is all.
5. "Use a single color around your eye."  I suppose if you're going to wear eyeshadow, this is the way to do it.  But I would only wear it for special occasions, and then stick with a neutral color, not the magazine's green.
6. "Shop the boys' department."  Menswear styles may be big for women, but there is a reason that they are all made-over for us: fit.  Unless you are built like a boy, stay out of the boys' department!
7. "Embrace culottes."  There is a reason these "split skirts" died.  No, they are not sexy.
8. "Mix black and brown."  These two shades are so similar that matching them is very difficult!  I would stay away from it - better safe than sorry.
9. "Grow your nails long."  Yes, but do so at your own peril.  Mine break too easily to get very long.
10. "Shine during the day."  Yes, but in moderation!  Remember - less is more.

What do you think?  Am I too harsh?  Would you break any of those style rules?