While the world may be leaning toward more
casual attire, there are still a number of fashion mistakes and
faux pas you need to avoid regardless of the occasion or
dress code. They include:
1. Wearing The Wrong Colors
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 currant". Don't waste your money
on clothes that make you look pale, sallow, jaundiced, or
washed out. You may even want to consider color analysis if you're
uncertain which are your "best colors."
2. Wearing Too Small a Size
If it doesn't fit, don't wear it. Squeezing into a size
8 may feed your vanity, but it will may you appear overfed
to everyone else. Shop by FIT, not by size. If you can't
sit down or feel as trussed up as a turkey, you're not
going to feel 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.
3. Inappropriate Makeup
Light for day, heavier for evening, sheer for sports or
other strenuous pursuits. You wear different clothes for
different activities in you life; your makeup should change as well.
And if you're still doing Cleopatra eyes, it's time to
turn the page and see what's happening THIS century in
makeup styles.
4. Wearing The Wrong Color of Hose
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's black, you're CALLING ATTENTION to your legs.
If that's not what you want, it's time to rethink your
plan.
5. Rundown 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 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. Don't buy them
at the 5 and Dime and then wonder why they don't last.
6. Broken Nails, Chipped Polish
Keep your nails clean and evenly
trimmed. To make repairs quickly, have clippers and
a nail file in your purse and desk at work. Paint over
chips or remove all polish. If you're in a business
environment,stick with conservative nail polish colors
at work and save the sparkly/neon/funky looks for
weekends and vacations. Dragon-lady lengths are never
appropriate for business.
7. Slips That Show
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.
8. Underarm Stains
First, buy deodorant 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.
9. Visible Bra Lines
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.
10. Roots
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.
Most fashion mistakes are easily avoided by 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 nearly as easy?
