Real Simple staffers fondly recalled their mothers' fashion advice — from the practical to the curious — and a panel of eight wardrobe authorities weighed in on whether those rules should be obeyed or ignored.

The Experts

Laura Bennett is a designer and an architect in New York City and was a 2006 Project Runway finalist.
Lloyd Boston is a style contributor for NBC’s Today show and the author of Before You Put That On (Atria, $18, www.amazon.com).
Dana Buchman is the designer of the Dana Buchman Collection and the Casual and db Life lines. She is based in New York City.
Nanette Lepore is the designer for her eponymous label and is based in New York City.
Deborah Lloyd is the executive vice president of design and product development for Banana Republic, in San Francisco.
Stacy London is a cohost of What Not to Wear and a Today show style expert. She is based in New York City.
Jenna Lyons is the head women’s designer for J.Crew, in New York City.
Malia Mills is the designer of Malia Mills Swimwear, in New York City.