Yeah, you have probably outgrown a lot of really awful styles you picked up when you were younger but you may find yourself stuck in a few bad habits that are holding you back from being your fiercest. Take a look at the top ten bad fashion habits and if you find yourself guilty of some of them, then it is time to turn your style around.
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1. Wearing one go-to fashion item all of the time
Denims can be a staple but be sure to dress it up to reflect your style
There are a few fashion items that falls in the “Looks-Like-You- Didn’t-Try” category and these include: flip-flops, sweatpants, tights and sometimes denim. These are the items you reach for when you don’t feel like putting any effort into choosing an actual outfit. Many women also turn to these things for comfort and convenience. They’re the clothes you know you can fit and look relatively decent in public. These pieces are OK for a quick run to the corner store but if these items make up more than 30% of your wardrobe, then you should better start making some changes.
Denim is the exception. If you have several styles and washes that you can dress up and down, then you get a pass. Make sure that your closet contains a nice mix of all things fashion including dresses, skirts, and pants that aren’t denim.
2. Packing your purse like you’re going on vacation.
Less is more, even when it comes to packing your stuff.
Remember how your mom complained that your school bag was way too heavy and you were going to hurt yourself? Well, You’re essentially doing the same thing to your shoulder. Muscle spasms, back pain and headache are just a few of the health hazards that carrying a heavy purse daily can cause. Adults should not carry more than 10% of their body weight in their bags. The solution? Buy a smaller purse that will force you to only carry what’s needed.
3. Playing matchmaker.
Be creative with colors
Matching your shoes to your purse is one thing, but buying the socks, hat and gloves to match is completely different. When it comes to fashion, pieces should complement each other. When they are all identical it comes off as cheesy and sends the message, “I didn’t know what the hell I was doing so I just got the whole set.” Try choosing colors in the same color family at first if playing with different colors makes you uncomfortable.
4. Defining your” individuality” by following trends.
Recreate the trend to come up with a look that suits you
Your fav celebs don’t follow trends, they make them and they break all of the fashion rules. It’s one of the reasons we envy their savoir faire. Just because Vogue is telling you that 70’s-style high-waisted flares are in doesn’t mean you need to set fire to all of your skinny jeans. The thing about fashion is that you have to choose what works for you. When you feel confident in what you’re wearing, the world is your runway. With that in mind, there are some things that will always look ridiculous like platform sneakers and denim that is destroyed to the point of annihilation. Trends are something to be tried and then enhanced with your own personal touch.
5. Dressing inappropriately for the occasion.
If you are unsure what the dress code is, all you have to do is ask.
You don’t want to be the girl at the amusement park in stilettos. We all have a style that defines us, and while I for one love a good pair of heels, I also realize that there is a time and place for them. If you’re unfamiliar with the dress code of a certain venue or function, the general rule is to dress up. For everything else, don’t be afraid to accommodate your look to the situation.
6. Wearing clothes that fit poorly.
your clothes should fit right
If your behind is playing peek-a-boo out of your low-rise jeans or your belt looks as if it’s hanging on to the loop by solely the grace of God, it may be time to find a better fit or at least a bigger size. You may be in denial about your size, but the truth is wearing clothes that fit poorly only brings more attention to your size. Be honest with yourself. If you find yourself rolling around on the bed like your pants are on fire to button them, then they don’t fit; donate them.
Try doing the t-shirt test:
Lift your arms straight over your head. If you can see your navel, then it’s too small. Toss it.
The same rule applies to baggy clothes as well. If the cuffs of your jeans drag across the ground and under your feet then they need to be tailored or you need a better fit.
7. Making your pieces compete.
Keep it clean and trendy
When it comes to fashion, you’ve heard it before, but less really is more. You want to choose one feature to highlight and one statement piece. For example if you’re rocking a killer pair of flashy YSL pumps. The last thing you want to pair it with is a busy blouse or a glam dress. The rest of your outfit should be sexy, but subdued to allow the pumps to have the spotlight.
When it comes to highlighting a feature you want a man to at least be able to focus on what you’re saying at some point. Letting a little cleavage show? Don’t wear the shortest skirt you have with it and vice-versa. Your look should subtly whisper that you’re sexy not scream for men to take a number to be served at the meat market.
8. Sticking to the same color palette.
explore colors
Wearing the same two or three colors definitely makes for easier shopping especially when you are a sucker for neutral colors. When you fall in love with a piece when shopping, if you can’t think of three things you already have you can wear with it, you shouldn’t buy it. This doesn’t mean that you can’t find ways to add pops of color. Try a bright red pump or some brightly colored tee’s to break up the predictability of your look.
9. Holding on to anything that you haven’t worn in a year.
Don't be a clothe hoarder
For those of us who love to shop, we can sometimes get caught up in quantity not quality. It feels somewhat satisfying to peruse through your closet and see stacks of jeans and towers of shoe boxes knowing you don’t have to repeat an outfit for months. But in actuality, how many of these pieces are you actually wearing? Really take a look at your clothes, if you haven’t worn any item in a year (that doesn’t hold sentimental value like a wedding dress) then it’s time to donate. You’ll have a lot more room in your closet for all of your future shopping if you do this.
10. Wearing your hair net, rollers or shower cap anywhere outside your home.
this is unattractive and downright tacky
The point of all of the items above is to protect and maintain your hairstyle for when you want to rock it in public. They most certainly shouldn’t be seen by the outside world. If you don’t feel like letting your hair down, a great solution is opting for a pretty little scarf which would only take but a minute to put on, no effort necessary.
November 27, 2011
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