While the world may be leaning toward more casual attire, there are still a number of fashion faux pas you need to avoid regardless of the occasion or dress code. Wardrobe and image consultant, Diana Pemberton-Sikes, points out 10 frequent mistakes.
10 Common fashion mistakes
Wearing the wrong colors
Wearing the wrong colors is a common fashion faux pas. All skin tones are not created equal. The lime green or hot pink that you saw on the runways may look fabulous on the models, but horrible on you.
Experiment with different colors and stick with the palettes that look best on you, regardless of what’s au courant. Don’t waste your money on clothes that make you look pale, sallow, jaundiced or washed out.
Find out how to use color to make yourself look thinner >>
Wearing a size too small
Another common fashion mistake is wearing clothing that is too small. If your clothing doesn’t fit, don’t wear it! Squeezing into a size eight may feed your vanity, but it will make you appear overfed to everyone else.
Shop by FIT, not by size.
If you can’t sit down or you feel as trussed up as a turkey, you’re not going to look your best. Why put yourself through that kind of torture? Find clothes that fit or have them tailored to fit and stack the cards in your favor.
Inappropriate makeup
Too much makeup and inappropriate makeup is among the most common (and most noticeable) beauty mistakes. A good makeup rule of thumb is to go light during the day, heavier during the evening, and sheer for sports or other strenuous pursuits.
You wear different clothes for different activities in you life; your makeup should change accordingly. And if you’re still doing the Cleopatra eyes, it’s time to turn the page and see what’s happening THIS century in makeup styles.
Find the best makeup tips for you organized by eye color and hair color >>
Wearing the wrong color of hose
Women commonly pair the wrong color of panty hose with their outfits. So what’s a professional gal to do?
You’ll look taller and trimmer by matching the color of your hose to your shoes and your hem. Wearing a black skirt and shoes? Opt for sheer black hose. Have a bright blue dress and taupe shoes? Go for the taupe-colored hose. What? You only wear black hose because they hide things you don’t want people to see? Well, guess what: unless your whole outfit is black, you’re CALLING ATTENTION to your legs. If that’s not what you want, it’s time to rethink your plan.
Rundown shoes
You look great… from the ankles up. Don’t let tired, torn and ragged shoes ruin your look. 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 put a piece of soft carpet under your feet when you drive. And most importantly, invest in a good pair if you’re going to wear them every day. With shoes, you get what you pay for!
Maybe it’s time for a new pair? Check out the cutest shoes of the season >>
Broken nails, chipped polish
Chipped nail polish and jagged nails are big fashion don’ts.
Keep a nail file in your purse and at your desk at work. Paint over chips or remove all polish and start fresh. If you’re in a business environment, stick with conservative nail polish colors and save the sparkly/neon/funky shades for weekends and vacations. Dragon-lady lengths are never appropriate for business.
Check out the latest in nail care and color >>
Slips that show
Don’t let your slip show. That’s a huge fashion no-no. Unfortunately, one length does NOT fit all. Buy slips in several lengths and replace them once the elastic wears. For the most discreet linings, buy slips in the colors you wear most often, like black, navy, beige, and white. You want to mute the sheerness of your garment-not all attention to the color of your slip.
Underarm stains
Pit stains are a common fashion faux pas. We’ve all seen those unsightly stains — make sure you are prepared to avoid them.
First, buy deodorant/anti-perspirant that works with your body. You may have to try a few to find the best one for you, and you may need to change every now and again if your chemistry changes, like after having a baby, starting new medication, going through menopause, or the like. My personal favorite: Mitchum solid. If you perspire heavily or need a surefire method to prevent stains, consider using dress shields.
4 More style mistakes to avoid >>
Visible bra lines
Don’t let your bra straps show. That’s a major tacky fashion mistake!
Make sure your bra fits properly. If it rides up in back, slips of the shoulders, or lets 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 around for an appointment.
Learn now to find the right bra size >>
Outgrown roots
Oh those yucky out-grown roots — that’s anoter big fashion mistake!
Hair color can do wonderful things for you, but it can also be hard on the budget. If you can’t afford the regular maintenance required by allover color, consider getting highlights instead. And whatever you do, make sure your hair color matches your skin tone.
Find 6 more hair care dilemas solved >>
Remember: Take a few minutes to attend to the style details. These fashion mistakes are easy to avoid! Why spoil your look when looking great is nearly as easy?
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