Some of the ways to not make fashion mistakes is learning how to avoid them in the first place, which may sound simple, understanding your body type and what you should wear and not wear.  There are several things you should avoid if you want to look your best.

1. First, wear clothes that actually fit you.  If you are a size 14, do not try to squeeze yourself into a size 12, because it will not only be uncomfortable for you to wear, but others will know you are wearing too tight of clothing.  Avoid clothing that is too loose, because this will make you look sloppy and it will actually make you look heavier then you are.  Even thin people when they wear ‘loose’ may appear 10 pounds heavier.  The proper fit is your first step to dressing your best.
2. Creating Mish Mash, by buying odds and ends.  We have been lulled into thinking that off price merchandise as minor purchases won’t blow our wardrobe concept or budget.   The mish mash I am referring too makes our dressing in the morning stressful and often we walk away thinking we have nothing to wear, finding that our minor purchases has cost us quite a bit, not only in our wallet, but also in our confidence in dressing successfully.
3. Wearing Black, Head to Toe!  Black is a woman’s basic go to color.  Are you comfortable with the basic and easy dressing concept? Sometimes we are too comfortable wearing the old standbys.   Shake it up a bit, consider adding a well-placed block of color, bold or not, add a fun top, or even a pop of color in your shoe!
4. Choosing the wrong undergarments.  I recommend that you have a professional bra fitting every year.  Purchase three new bras, you only need three, one to wear, one that is in the laundry and one to spare. Hand wash or gentle cycle washing your bra will help them last about a year.  Lying them flat to dry, as hanging them causes them to stretch out.  Never put them into the dryer. Consider wearing a sleep bra as well, this will prevent sagging, and keep things from shifting, even a woman as young as 15 should be wearing a sleep bra, if you aren’t wearing one now, it’s not too late to begin prevention of additional sagging and shifting.
5. If you are interested in trying a new trend, jump ahead in small does, love the look of the wider jean leg, then try the mini bell or slight flair in the pant.  Some trends have a short shelf life, be sure that you feel confident in the piece and that you have items in your closet that will mix and match with the items you are bringing home.
6. Forgetting to update your hair and makeup.  Alter it if you haven’t done so in the last three years.  Change your makeup colors every season, especially if you are prone to tan in the summer, remember to ask the experts to help you.
7. Remember to finish your looks with the right type of footwear.  Remember that your footwear is part of your outfit.  Your shoes need to flatter your outfit, not stand apart from it.  The right footwear will enhance your outfit.
   It’s the little things that kill your wardrobe!  Avoiding certain fashion mistakes will help you enjoy dressing in clothes that fit and flatter you, which makes you not only look better, but feel better.  Boosting your closets style file doesn’t need to break the bank.  Adding a few investment pieces will exponentially expand your wardrobe and even increase the value of some of your other over looked treasures.

Thank you to our fashion tip contributor Karen Toutant, Karen’s journey in the fashion industry began 17 years ago.  When her children were young, she was introduced to a concept of selling clothing directly to women, in the comfort of their home: a travel collection, called Weekenders.  Karen quickly moved up the success ladder, as a Sales Manager with a team of 50 women that she mentored and trained. During the 12 years as a Sales Manager, she quickly developed a leadership skill that she could share with other women, who had a desire to make a significant income, with the flexibility that Karen enjoyed.  If you would like to request a consultation with Karen please complete our contact form and we will have her get in touch with you.