While the world may be leaning towards 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 colours
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 colours 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 colour analysis if you’re uncertain which are your "best colours".
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 favour.
3. Inappropriate make-up
Light for day, heavier for evening, sheer for sports or other strenuous pursuits. You wear different clothes for different activities in your life; your make-up 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 make-up styles.
4. Wearing the wrong colour of hose
You’ll look taller and trimmer by matching the colour 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-coloured 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.
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 colours 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 colours you wear most often, like black, navy, beige, and white. You want to mute the sheerness of your garment – not all attention to the colour 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 favourite: 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 colour 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 colour, consider getting highlights instead. And whatever you do, make sure your hair colour 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?
Ms Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of Wardrobe Magic, an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes. Visit her online at www.fashionforrealwomen.com.