7 Avoidable Style ‘Mistakes’ People Make Most Often — And How To Fix Them
Most people don’t look effortlessly stylish. Unless you were born with natural talent or spent years learning the ins and outs of fashion, chances are you make some style mistakes. Some of these mistakes are more common than others. Many can easily be fixed if you know what to look for.
That doesn’t mean everyone needs to look the same. “Style is about finding out what works for you,” says fashion designer Alexander Lehr. Finding a way to elevate your style isn’t all about vanity.
“I think deep down you know when a look isn’t right and when you’re making a mistake. Your confidence drops a bit,” and it can spill over into other areas of your life, says stylist Bella Hignett.
We asked some top fashion designers and stylists to tell us the style mistakes they see most often — and how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Not using the rule of thirds
There is one rule that can make everyone look better, no matter their shape or size — yet stylist Charlie Carlson says many people overlook it.
“The rule of thirds is a style rule that divides your outfit visually into three sections,” she explained. To dress according to the rule of thirds, the top portion occupies one-third of your body, and the bottom portion occupies the remaining two-thirds, or vice-versa, she explained.
For example, tucking a shirt in to cover roughly one-third of your body instead of half creates a more visually appealing look. Wearing a long cardigan that goes about three-quarters down your body and hits mid-thigh instead of a sweater that cuts you off at the waist creates a similar effect. Carlson explained that using the rule of thirds creates “a more balanced and flattering silhouette” for everyone.
Mistake #2: Neglecting fit
According to Matt Jefferson, a style consultant at Tweeds suit shops in Florida, no matter how expensive clothing is, if it doesn’t fit well, it won’t look good. He believes that everything about style is secondary to fit. “A cheap outfit that fits well will always look better than an expensive outfit that fits poorly,” he said.
However, finding clothing that fits well can be a challenge because there are only so many sizes available. “Unless you’re a mannequin, it is literally impossible to get a perfect fit off the rack,” he said. That doesn’t mean clothing needs to be custom-made. A local tailor should be able to help. Even a few adjustments in fit can help make clothing look much better on your unique body, Jefferson said.
Mistake #3: Not using accessories to their full potential
Many people start with mediocre outfits that could be elevated with the right accessories. Learning how to “embrace the power of accessories,” such as a unique watch, eye-catching tie or jewelry, can help improve anyone’s style, said celebrity stylist Amanda Massi.
She suggests curating a collection of statement pieces and experimenting with them to add “depth and personality to looks” and help you stand out. Stylist Charlie Carlson adds that many people put their favorite outfits on repeat and style them in different ways. Accessories can help you get the most use out of your favorite clothing you already own.
Mistake #4: Dressing to hide your figure
Too often, stylist Ali Lees of Inspired Styling sees people dressing to hide their figure instead of enhancing it. “Baggy, shapeless clothes aren’t that flattering, even though you might think they’ll hide your body-conscious bits,” she said.
Instead, Lee recommends “dressing for your silhouette with balance and proportion.” If you aren’t sure where to start, Lees recommends looking at fashion magazines for inspiration. “Be kind with the way you think about your body and celebrate your gorgeous self,” she said.
Mistake #5: Treating footwear as an afterthought
Shoes are often the last thing we put on, but they can make or break an outfit, according to stylist Amanda Vargus with Wave and Woven Style House, which offers styling services in the Boston area.
“Most people do not own enough options or have the variety to style the different lengths of dresses, skirts and pants we own,” she added. Some people may also wear shoes that show signs of wear that can bring down the look of the entire outfit, she said.
Vargus explained that pants should skim the top of the shoe, and cropped jeans should be paired with flats or tennis shoes to show the ankle — or a bootie that doesn’t show any part of the leg. She recommends wearing skirts and dresses with higher boots, a pointed-toe pump or kitten heels. Hignett also recommends wearing shoes in a “complementary tonal shade or a similar shade to your outfit” to complete your look.
Mistake #6: Being too concerned with trends
Too many people don’t have a clear sense of their personal style and rely too heavily on trends, said stylist AK Brown with Style Connector. She suggests having a mix of staple pieces and trend pieces in your closet.
“If you only buy trend pieces, you essentially won’t have anything to wear when that trend goes out of style,” she explained. Moreover, relying too heavily on trendy clothing may indicate a lack of confidence since it’s easier to buy into viral trends than to develop your own look.
Moreover, stylist Kristine Anigwestresses that not all trends will work for everyone’s body type and skin tone. If this describes your wardrobe, Brown suggests taking the time to explore what type of style you like the most. Then, sell some of the trendy items in your closet and invest in quality staple items that align with your personal style instead. “Nothing beats having those timeless, elegant pieces that will last a lifetime,” Anigwe said.
Mistake #7: Not taking risks and having fun with style
People often find a look that works for them and stick with it, sometimes to a fault, Lehr said. You can tell you are in a fashion rut if your closet is a sea of beige or black, you’ve worn the same style of shirt or bottoms more than three times a week, or if people can guess what you’re wearing the next day, he said. These are all indications it’s “time to have some fun with style again,” Lehr said.
If you find yourself in a fashion rut, Lehr suggests buying “the odd or interesting piece that catches your eye.” Even if you aren’t fully committed to making changes, Lehr recommends taking something new and different home and trying it on with clothing you already own. “You may end up surprising yourself, and that’s the best,” he said. If not, you can always return the piece that didn’t work.
