Fashion is a form of self-expression, but even the most stylish among us make little mistakes that can take away from a polished look. Sometimes, it’s easy to overlook small details that can make an outfit feel less cohesive or flattering.
Whether it’s the way we style our clothes or the choices we make in accessories, a few minor tweaks can make all the difference. Here are 15 common fashion mistakes you might not realize you’re making—and how to fix them for a more refined and confident look.
Wearing Clothes That Don’t Fit Properly
Ill-fitting clothes can make even the most fashionable outfits look sloppy. Clothes that are too tight or too loose can distort your body shape, making you appear unpolished. Get items tailored to your measurements for a perfect fit.
Choosing the Wrong Neckline
The neckline of your top or dress can greatly impact your overall look. Wearing a neckline that doesn’t complement your face shape or upper body can throw off proportions, making you look shorter, broader, or more tired than you are.
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Over-Accessorizing
Adding too many accessories can overwhelm your outfit. While accessories are fun, piling on necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings all at once can make your look feel cluttered. Instead, focus on a few standout pieces.
Wearing the Wrong Shoe Style
Shoes complete an outfit, but the wrong style can throw it off-balance. Wearing shoes that clash with your outfit—like pairing dress shoes with athleisure—can confuse your overall style and create a mismatched look.
Ignoring Undergarments
Undergarments play a big role in how clothes fit and look. Visible bra straps, panty lines, or ill-fitting shapewear can disrupt even the most put-together outfit.
Choosing the right undergarments will make your clothes sit better on your body.
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Sticking to One Color
Wearing one color from head to toe can create a monochrome look, but it can also feel flat. Add depth by mixing textures, shades, or accessories in complementary colors to keep the outfit visually interesting.
Wearing Outdated Trends
Staying in the past with outdated trends can make you appear behind the times. Incorporate updated pieces into your wardrobe and style them with classics for a more current look that feels fresh and fashion-forward.
Neglecting Outerwear
Outerwear is often the first thing people see, yet it’s easy to ignore its impact. Wearing a casual coat with a formal outfit or vice versa can create a jarring contrast. Choose outerwear that complements the overall look.
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Wearing Too Many Prints
Prints are fun, but mixing too many at once can overwhelm your outfit. Bold patterns are best paired with solids or subtler prints to let them stand out without competing with each other.
Choosing the Wrong Bag Size
Carrying a bag that’s too big or too small for your outfit can mess with your proportions. Oversized bags can swamp smaller frames, while tiny bags can look out of place with bulkier outfits.
Find a bag size that complements your look.
Ignoring the Power of Tailoring
Simply throwing on store-bought clothes without considering fit adjustments can leave you looking less polished. Tailoring jackets, pants, and even t-shirts can elevate an outfit, making you look more refined and put-together.
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Wearing Clothes That Don’t Suit Your Body Type
Certain cuts and styles flatter different body shapes. Choosing clothes that don’t work with your figure can hide your best features or emphasize areas you’d prefer to downplay.
Get to know what works best for you.
Forgetting to Maintain Shoes
Scuffed or dirty shoes can detract from an otherwise polished outfit. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your footwear keeps your overall look sharp and shows attention to detail.
Not Experimenting with Layering
Layering can add depth and interest to any outfit, but many people shy away from it. Combining layers—like a blazer over a turtleneck or a vest over a dress—adds sophistication and dimension, making your style more dynamic.
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Ignoring Your Hairstyle
Your hairstyle is part of your outfit, and an unkempt look can clash with even the chicest clothes. A quick style touch-up or hair accessory can make your outfit feel intentional and elevate your overall appearance.
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