Feel like there’s something “off” about your outfit, but you’re not sure what it is? We’ve all made outfit mistakes before, which results in an unflattering and unfashionable look. Maybe an effort to avoid these faux pas will upgrade your look and help set you apart from the pack. Here are 12 common outfit mistakes to avoid:
- Choosing the wrong size of clothes.
Wearing clothes that are too large or too small isn’t just unflattering, it’s also uncomfortable. You should be able to wear the clothes without any buckling, pulling or gaping. Nor should the clothes be so large they make it hard for you to move or keep getting caught on things. Sometimes, a slightly oversized look can work, but you don’t want it to swallow you.
- Not measuring before you buy clothes.
If you do a lot of online shopping, then you know how hard it is to predict what size you will be without being able to try on the clothes. Size charts vary between brands, and items don’t always run true to size. Make sure to always measure yourself and compare it to the size chart before ordering anything online so you can make sure that you’re getting the right size.
- Selecting the wrong underwear.
Underwear can make or break an outfit. The wrong undies can cause bunching, chafing and unsightly lines, while the wrong bra can be downright painful to wear. Start your outfit with a foundation of comfortable, flattering panties that makes you and your clothes look good. If you’d like a little more shaping support, then consider getting some shapewear to flatter your figure and further boost your confidence.
- Never getting anything tailored.
Tailoring will change an outfit from “meh” to amazing by making the little tweaks that will flatter your body: taking the hem up or down, nipping in the waist, shortening the cuffs and so on. Tailoring can get pricey, so prioritize your favorite, high quality pieces that you’re planning on keeping for years.
- Not dressing for your body type.
Not every type of clothing looks great on every body type—and that’s perfectly okay! Learn what your body type is (hourglass, rectangle, apple or pear) and what shapes and silhouettes flatter it the most. If you feel like every piece of clothing you try on doesn’t look good, then you might be shopping for the wrong body type.
- Carrying a bag that is too small.
Sure, small handbags can be trendy, but it’s not a good look if you have to stuff a bunch of extra items in your pockets because your bag literally isn’t large enough to hold everything. Instead of worrying about fitting everything into a tiny little clutch, choose a larger handbag or even a tote that is still stylish but big enough to hold everything.
- Slipping into uncomfortable shoes.
We’ve all purchased shoes that were adorable to look at but painful to wear. No matter how great the shoes look, you’ll probably find yourself gravitating towards other, more comfortable shoes in your closet. Make it a point to buy shoes that are both cute and comfortable and you’ll never have to compromise yourself again.
- Forgetting to check the weather.
Shivering or sweating is a sure way to look unfashionable fast. Yes, it can be tempting to wear that cute outfit on a day when the weather isn’t cooperating, but you’ll be grateful you saved it for a more favorable day. Check the forecast before choosing your outfit for the day, and make sure to grab a jacket if you need one!
- Neglecting your garments.
Pilled or discolored garments will make your outfit look messy and unkempt. While removing deodorant stains or getting rid of fabric pills aren’t regular parts of most people’s clothing maintenance routines, they absolutely should be. Not only will this prolong the life of your garments, it will also keep you looking sharp.
- Wearing pants you can’t sit down in.
We all have a pair of jeans that look awesome while standing, and are maybe even comfortable to wear while walking around—but as soon as you sit down, it’s game over. This is a common problem with stiffer, high rise pants, which can cut into your stomach when you sit or bend over. Make sure to always test each pair of pants while sitting down before buying them to avoid this problem in the future.
- Shopping for Instagram.
Are you buying that expensive handbag because you actually want it, or because you want to take a picture of it for social media so other people will know that you have it? While Instagram is a great place to get inspiration from other people’s fashion, it can also fuel a habit of keeping up with the Joneses and spur you to make unnecessary purchases that you wouldn’t otherwise consider.
- Dressing for other people and not yourself.
When you select clothes, do you think about what you want, or what other people will say when they see you wearing it? If it’s the latter, then you probably aren’t going to be happy with your outfit no matter how good it looks objectively. Instead of worrying about what other people think, focus on what clothes make you feel good in your own skin.
Avoid these 12 common outfit mistakes and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a fashionista in your own right. Fashion mistakes, both large and small, make your outfit look less flattering and distract from the awesomeness that is your taste in clothes. Keep these tips in mind to create your best looking outfits yet.