While the world may be leaning towards more casual attire, there are still a number of fashion mistakes and missteps to avoid, regardless of the occasion or dress code. These include:
1. Using the wrong colors
All skin tones are not the same. The lime green or hot pink you wear on the runways might look fabulous on the models, but awful on you. Experiment with different colors and stick with the palettes that look best on you, regardless of what “au currant” is. Don’t waste your money on clothes that make you look pale, sallow, jaundiced, or faded. You might even consider color analysis if you’re not sure what your “best colors” are.
2. Wearing a size that is too small
If it doesn’t fit you, don’t wear it. Squeezing into a size 8 may fuel your vanity, but it may seem like you’re overfed to everyone else. Shop by FIT, not by size. If you can’t sit up or feel as tied up as a turkey, you won’t feel your best. Why submit to that kind of torture? Find clothes that fit you or have them tailored and stack the cards in your favor.
3. Inappropriate makeup
Light for the day, heavy for the night, transparent for sports or other strenuous activities. You wear different clothes for different activities in your life; Your makeup should also change. And if you’re still doing Cleopatra’s eyes, it’s time to turn the page and see what’s going on THIS century in makeup looks.
4. Using the wrong hose color
You’ll look taller and trimmer if you match the color of the tights to the shoes and hem. Are you wearing a black skirt and shoes? Opt for a transparent black hose. Do you have a bright blue dress and taupe shoes? Go for the taupe hose. That? Do you only wear black tights because they hide things you don’t want people to see? Well guess what: unless your entire outfit is black, you are CALLING ATTENTION to your legs. If that’s not what you want, it’s time to rethink your plan.
5. Deteriorated shoes
You look great… from the ankles up. If your shoes have seen better days, find a good shoe repair shop and put them in for some TLC. Polish them regularly. Use a felt-tip marker on scuffs and place a soft piece of carpet under your feet when you drive. And most importantly, invest in a good pair if you’re going to wear them every day. Don’t buy them at 5 and Dime and then wonder why they don’t last.
6. Broken nails, chipped nail polish
Keep your nails neat and evenly trimmed. To make repairs quickly, keep a nail clipper and nail file in your bag and desk at work. Paint over the chips or remove all the glaze. If you’re in a business environment, wear conservative nail polish colors at work and save the bright/neon/funky looks for weekends and vacations. Dragon lady lengths are never appropriate for business.
7. Briefs that show
Unfortunately, one length does NOT fit all. Buy briefs of various lengths and replace them once the elastic wears out. For more understated liners, shop for combinations in the colors you wear most often, like black, navy, beige, and white. You want to mute the transparency of your garment, not all the attention to the color of your petticoat.
8. Stains in the armpits
First, buy deodorant that works for your body. You may need to try a few to find the best one for you, and you may need to switch from time to time if your chemistry changes, such as after having a baby, starting a new medication, going through menopause, or similar. My personal favorite: Solid Mitchum. If you perspire a lot or need a safe method of preventing stains, consider using clothing protectors.
9. Visible bra lines
Make sure your bra fits you well. If you pucker up in your back, slide off your shoulders, or let your breasts sag instead of offering support, then it’s time to seek professional help. You can usually find trained fitters in the lingerie departments of better department stores. Call for an appointment.
10. Roots
Hair color can do amazing things for you, but it can also be hard on your budget. If you can’t afford the regular maintenance that all color requires, consider getting highlights instead. And whatever you do, make sure your hair color matches your skin tone.
Most fashion mistakes are easily avoided with a quick glance in the mirror. So take a few minutes to attend to these fashion details. Why spoil your look when looking great is almost so easy?