Fashion faux pas: no one is immune to them. Whether you’re walking on the red carpet or around your own streets, style mishaps are common occurrences. Despite the ever-changing trends, mastering classic style is still no easy feat. So, what are the top fashion faux pas to avoid? How can we correct common style mistakes? It’s time to brush up on fashion 101 with this guide to tackling fashion’s biggest missteps.
1. Why Style Matters: An Overview of Common Fashion Faux Pas
Outdated Styles
Style is a reflection of personal and cultural identity, and it’s important to stay on trend and give off a modern, polished appearance. Keeping up with the latest trends gives people the opportunity to revitalize their fashion, giving them a boost of confidence. Dressing dated can take away from an individual’s credibility and a business’s authority. It’s an uncomfortable combo when someone wears a style from the wrong era.
Bad Colors and Patterns
Picking the wrong colors can send the wrong message, or look plain unappealing. Certain occasions require dress more formal/neutral than others. Colors that are too bright, or don’t match, can be off-putting or unpleasant on the eyes. Patterns should also be chosen with caution – big prints are best, and bold stripes can work in moderation.
Tacky Touches
Two trendy accessories that can be age-inappropriate are statement jewelry & animal prints. It’s a fashion rule of thumb to match your jewelry to the occasion. Animal prints can give the impression of being ostentatious, childish, or wholesale inappropriate.
- Statement jewelry
- Animal prints
The Wrong Fit
When not tailored correctly, clothing can appear sloppy & poorly made. An ill-fit also leads to a silly look. Men should be conscious of their baggy trousers & t-shirts, while women should go for a slimmer fit. Wearing clothes that are too tight or clingy can also give off a different message. Clothes that are too loose can make a person look bigger than they actually are.
The Finale
Overall, fashion faux pas can be the main reason why individual’s and businesses’ appearances are affected. Being aware of this and being mindful of the subtle elements that can make or break a style can have a dramatic effect.
2. Fumbling with Formal Wear: How to Create the Perfect Professional Look
Dressing the Part
An effective professional look is more than just a tailored suit or blazer. It’s an overall image of respectability, organization, and dependability. It’s a way to convey a certain level of authority and maturity to your peers and your audience. So, if you’re ever stuck trying to figure out how to put together your perfect business-forward ensemble, here’s a few fashion tips on how to do just that:
- Invest in quality fabrics – Quality fabrics that are lightweight and breathable will not only stand the test of time, but also instantly elevate an outfit. Be sure to look for fabrics that are comfortable and wrinkle resistant. Also, opt for darker colors such as navy, gray, or black for more formal settings.
- Get the fit right – Whether you’re buying off the rack or having something tailored, nothing looks worse than an ill-fitting outfit. Focus on the fit, not size, and keep the look clean and sharp. If there are too many unnecessary features, the focus will ultimately be taken away from your important words or body language.
- Choose subtle accents – Jewellery, watches, and other accessories can add a bit of colour and personality to an otherwise bland look. But be sure to keep the accents classic, subtle, and minimal to complete the look without overwhelming it.
- Pair with the right shoes – Slightly more formal shoes such as dress boots or monkstrap shoes look better than traditional loafers. Just remember to keep the colour of your shoes within the same family as your suit.
With these considerations in mind, you should have no problem creating a functional yet stylish professional look. If you’re ever in need of inspiration, just take a look at some of your favorite thought leaders and influencers for fashion cues. And don’t be afraid to mix and match pieces in different shades, textures, and cuts for a more edgy and unique look. When in doubt, however, stick to the timeless foundations of formal wear and always remember the impact that your wardrobe choice can have on the way you’re perceived.
3. Quirky Accessories: When To Leave Unique Pieces at Home
Bold jewelry; loud patterns; bedazzled belt buckles. When it comes to quirky pieces of accessories, rocking these everyday is a style choice for many. But what about when it’s not a style choice but an occasion dictating it? Knowing when to leave certain items at home can be difficult, so here are three guidelines to follow:
1. Stay away from Clashing Colors
When going for a dressier look, loud colors are best left behind. Contrary to popular belief, trying to match two different bold hues will usually clash. When in doubt, keep to a color palette of two or three complimentary colors.
2. Keep Patterns Simple
Unique and eye-catching patterns on accessories can really take an outfit to the next level, but can also be easy to overdo. Animal prints, paisley prints, and other statement designs are great, but should be kept to a minimum. Stick to one pattern or two patterned items (e.g. a patterned dress with a patterned purse).
3. Know the Occasion
Every event has its own traditional dress code. Before deciding on what to wear for a formal occasion, consider the set dress code and pick pieces accordingly. While on the same hand, for a casual event make sure to consider the surroundings and environment of the event. No matter the dress code, unique accessories should be simple, tasteful, and most of all, appropriate.
Knowing what quirky accessories to sport for any type of occasion can be challenging, and there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Stay away from clashing colors.
- Keep patterns simple.
- Know the occasion.
While some may want to push the boundaries of fashion and style when it comes to unique pieces, it is important to make sure to assess the event and environment before doing so. Rock the look right and know when to leave certain pieces at home.
4. Wear the Right Colors: Coordinating Your Look in an Attractive Way
When it comes to what you wear, colors can be just as important as the cut and style of your clothing. Coordinating your look goes beyond matching blues and whites. You need to craft your ensemble in a way that flatters your figure and brings an aesthetic to the ensemble. Here are a few tips for coordinating colors in an attractive way:
Choose Neutral Colors as an Anchor. Neutral shades such as beige, gray, navy and olive are great for pairing with louder hues. They can serve as a practical backdrop while allowing for you to add a little spice with the right accent colors.
Mix Colors That Complement Each Other. Put a little time into researching color palettes and design schemes, or take a look at photographs of celebrity “street style” to get an idea of what colors look good together. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- If you’re wearing a blue top, choose a neutral bottom in an earth tone such as beige or tan.
- For a black and white look, add a muted color like navy, gray or maroon.
- Choose cooler colors like blues, greens, and purples, to provide a classic chic look.
- When pairing a monochrome look, opt for a complimentary color such as yellow or purple to add a fresh dimension.
Balance the Look with Accessories. A great way to make a color ensemble more interesting is to accessorize. Look for ties, scarves, necklaces, and earrings in colors that compliment your outfit colors. Choose shoes and belts that provide balance and don’t drown out the colors in the rest of your look.
Choose Your Colors and Turn Heads! With the right mix of colors, you can easily skillfully craft a look that is uniquely your own and create a stunning and flowing fashion statement. Ultimately, no matter what colors you choose, the key is to show what colors make you feel more confident, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
5. Make It Last: Tips for Keeping Your Look Fresh Over Time
Invest in Quality
When shopping for an outfit, it’s always best to buy the best quality you can afford. Quality clothes and accessories tend to last longer and look better over time so you won’t have to replace them as often. Plus, you don’t want your look to become outdated or dull due to cheaply made fabrics and materials. If you’re on a budget, look for timeless pieces like a well-tailored coat or leather shoes that will stand the test of time.
Accessories Can Make All the Difference
When it comes to adding a bit of flair to your wardrobe, accessories are your best friend. Think of accessories like jewelry, hats, scarves, and bags as the cherry on top of your look. A few select pieces can quickly change the vibe, making what you already have last much longer. Plus, they are easy to find in stores or DIY at home.
Dress for the Occasion
Knowing what to wear for each occasion can help you determine what outfits are worth investing in and what pieces you can afford to replace down the line. If you’re attending a formal event, then invest in a good fitted blazer or full-length dress. But for a more relaxed gathering, you can afford to try something more affordable or even rent or borrow from others. That way, you have the perfect outfit for any event without breaking the bank.
Avoid Fads
It can be tempting to want to follow the latest trends, but they usually come and go very quickly. Instead, focus on traditional pieces that can last several seasons. Try sticking to classic pieces like a crisp white blouse or dark jeans with minimal embellishments. That way, you can stay fashionable and timeless without having to constantly buy new clothing.
Mix and Match
An easy way to keep your look fresh is to mix and match different pieces together. Rather than wearing the same thing day in and out, try combining different pieces of clothing for a completely new look. For instance, a red dress can be paired with a jean jacket or a plaid shirt with khaki shorts. This creative approach will help you get more use out of the clothing items you already own.
Whether your style is contemporary or retro, avoiding fashion faux pas is always important. With the right combination of confidence and conscience, you can blaze your own trail down the runway. Strive for a fashion-forward look that showcases your personal flair and you won’t make a misstep in your style journey.
