1.3 Vso is not a universal rule even for the same plane.  First is extra weight, which requires higher AOA for adequate lift at the same speed, or greater speed at the same AOA. Approach a little faster if heavy.  Next is CG.  If CG is near limits, a little extra speed will help aerodynamic trim as you slow down.  Finally, there is weather. Gusting winds or wind gradient (head wind dropping as you near the ground) should make the pilot consider adding a few knots to approach speed as well.

The best policy is to do what is safe for your plane.  A very slow plane that lands at 25 knots may be more like 1.5 or higher, especially on a windy day.

1.3 Vso is a fairly good approximation for a plane that stalls around 50 knots, approaching 
at 65 knots.

Another consideration in approach is safely banking in the pattern.  Stall speed increases with bank angle as follows.

Load factor G = 1/(cos bank angle)
Stall Speed (Accelerated) = Vs x Square Root G

For 30 degree bank:  G = 1/.8662 = 1.155  (thought I had it here for a second!)                
               Accelerated stall speed = Vs x 1.07

For 45 degree bank:  G = 1/.7071 = 1.414
               Accelerated stall speed = Vs x 1.18

For 60 degree bank:  G = 1/.5000 = 2.000
              Accelerated stall speed = Vs x 1.414

So we avoid steep turns in landing patterns as well!  Yet another reason to add safety margin 
to approach speed.