— Do wear white all year long. We all remember the "rule" of NOT wearing white before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Well, that was then. Today, white is right at any time of year. Ditto for white jeans. Of course, you still don't want to wear white linen in freezing winter temperatures, but it's always sunny somewhere, right?

— Do wear clashing colors. There was a time when getting "just the right match" of that navy skirt with that navy jacket was critical, but not anymore. Fashion designers now take extra pleasure in teaming up black and navy; red and pink; and purple and blue. Color blocking with clashing colors is a major trend this season.

— Do wear black or navy to a wedding. It's OK. There was a time when it was considered bad luck to wear your favorite little black dress to a wedding, but take a cue from Victoria Beckham who turned up at the royal nuptials of Kate and William in a navy blue dress from her own collection.

— Do mix patterns and prints. Go for it. Yes, you can team up those stripes with those flowers: the more contrast, the merrier in many designer collections. Make your own bohemian statement with this unique look. And remember, the best way to do this crazy mixed-up fashion thing is to keep your patterns and prints all in the same color family.

— Do wear accessories that don't match. I still remember my Mom and her friends all dressed up for church wearing their matching shoes and handbags ... polished off with white gloves. These days, the "matchy-matchy" look is gone. Get creative with your accessories and forget about the match game. Anyone want a bright orange handbag? Live a little!

— Do wear shorts to work. Again, the matching game is over, even when it comes to professional wear at work for women. Designers even touted the "short" suit for career girls this year. But whether you feel like you can wear shorts to work or not, you can definitely change up the stiff suit look with non-tailored pieces like sweaters, blouses or belted tunic tops.

— Do show off your shape. The days of baggy clothes are gone, even if you're pregnant. Those big, shapeless tent tops and huge sweatpants are so yesterday. Dress to show off your curves and don't worry about a bump or two. If that bothers you, there's always body-slimming Spanx — another big "Do" that our Mothers didn't have. Do we dare mention the words "girdle" or "pantyhose" — two more "Don'ts" that have gone the way of visible undies and muffin tops?

— Do replace your Mom jeans. We had to throw that one in. After all, we're talking about our dear Mothers here. So, if your Mom is still stuck in those unflattering high-waisted jeans that she's worn for the last 10 years, here's your chance. Take her shopping and find a new pair of jeans that show off her figure no matter what size. Team them with a fitted jacket and a dressy pair of shoes for a whole new "Do" for Mom.

Image: White is a fashion "Do" all-year long. For summer months, the white linen wrap dress is a classic favorite like this style by Calypso St. Barth for Target. Photo courtesy of Target.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association.