Fashion mistakes to avoid

19 Nov, 2017 - 02:11 0 Views
Fashion mistakes to avoid

The Sunday News

eye of fashion new new

Rutendo Chidawanyika

Playing it safe
IF you are the type of girl who only buys one colour and your closet is a sea of black and grey, then you are playing it safe. When you’re playing it too safe you will most likely be a culprit of boring style.

Don’t be afraid of vibrant colour or a sexy print! It’s amazing how certain colours and delicate florals will not only brighten your complexion, but also your attitude. Start slow and bring in pieces you love but never thought you could wear. If your closet is full of neutrals, start small and add a flattering print blouse. Throw in a bright blazer or cardigan over your classic little black dress. If this still seems like a big step, start with a bright coloured shoe or belt.

Not trying it on before purchase
Do not buy something online or off the rack before trying it on. It can look fabulous on the hanger, but less than amazing on you. You just never know until you try. If you’re familiar with a store or brand you know fits your body type and style, then go for it! But do take that extra five minutes and slip on the silk blouse before you spend $78 and realise it’s too small and you can’t return it.

Buying clothes bigger than your size
This does not, in fact, hide your problem areas but accentuates them and can make you look like a bag of potatoes, actually. Being stylish has nothing to do with being a size 10. Yes, some silhouettes won’t be as flattering on you as say Gabrielle Union, but you’re beautiful and you need to cherish and rock the body you have! If you have a problem of buying things that are too large, start by trying a size or two smaller. Let it soak in, and be open to showing off your best assets. Nobody is saying you need to buy a bandage dress, but your jeans should curve around your behind. If you spend half your day pulling your jeans up, they are too big. No saggy bottoms, please.

Over accessorising
You do not need a statement necklace, dangly earrings, a belt, and an oversized bag — it’s too much. Keep it chic and simple. Focus on clean silhouettes and sprinkle in one show-stopping accessory at a time. Think about balance and proportion. If you’re wearing a low cut blouse, throw on those statement earrings or a necklace. (One, not both!) If you’re wearing a high neck top, rock an arm full of heavy bangles and slick your hair back. If you’re wearing mainly neutrals, don’t be afraid to grab a bold leopard belt or oversized bright blue bag. It’s all in the balance.

Buying clothes that are too small

Stop deceiving yourself into thinking squeezing your body in a 10 when you are a 14 makes you a 10! If you keep buying clothes three sizes too small, you will look like Winnie the Pooh. When you buy clothing that fits your body, you will look thinner and feel better. It’s much better than the constant battle of trying to keep everything sucked and tucked in all day. Remember sizing across brands is extremely varied — you could be a size 12 at Zara, and a 14 at Truworths. So forget the number! Think about how it looks and feels.

Not creating time to shop
When you continually wear the same five outfits to work because you just don’t have time or hate fighting crowded malls, this is no longer an acceptable excuse! It’s almost 2018 and there are several online clothing stores which make clothes to fit your body and style, and you don’t even have to leave your house. AliExpress, EBay, and Zando etc this makes your life easier.

Ignoring care and cleaning instructions
It can be exciting to buy a new dress or a pair of shoes but then completely ignore how to care for and maintain these expensive items. You’ve spent a lot of money and time cultivating your closet, so be sure and follow instructions that come on the piece. It’s always a good idea to check labels and ask store associates, but here is a quick list to help:

— Use felt hangers. Wire hangers cannot support heavier fabrics and will leave little points in the shoulders of your clothes.

— Never machine dry your bras or delicates. The heat will ruin the elastic. Always lay flat to dry or draped over a hanger between the middle of the cups. If you let your bra hang from a strap on a door handle, it will stretch the cups and change the fit.

— Never iron delicate fabric. The heat from an iron can very quickly leave prints on your new blouse. Instead steam out the wrinkles with an iron or let hang in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes.

— Stop ignoring Dry Clean Only

Not everything has to be dry cleaned but be aware there’s a difference between Dry Clean and Dry Clean Only. If the label says Dry Clean you’re most likely still safe to hand wash and hang dry.

Not buying for your body type
It doesn’t matter how cute it is, a dropped waist jumpsuit is going to look horrible on 98 percent of the population. Don’t get caught up in some of these trends! The whole point is to make yourself look good and feel good. Pick silhouettes that will flatter your best features. Whether you want to emphasise a small waist or camouflage a problem area, think about a cut and how it hits your body. Also be aware of colour and pattern. Coral is a colour that looks good on almost all skin types, but be careful with mustard as it can really wash some people out. The same goes for large-scale prints.

If you’re petite, a big print maxi can overtake you if the silhouette is too covered. If your smallest point is your waist, dresses that cinch or emphasis the natural waist will flatter you the most. If you tend to carry more weight around your stomach but have great legs, try a flirty A-line dress that hits a few inches above the knee. Be aware that a few inches can make all the difference in looking messy or chic. So, if you’re wearing a tunic with pants, the tunic needs to be shorter than mid-thigh. If you go longer, it throws off the proportions of your body and you look like you couldn’t decide between pants or a dress.

These mistakes may seem insignificant but they do make a whole lot of a difference. Before you dive and get yourself the latest fashion trends the above points will help you achieve the chic and sassy style. —Additional information from Online.

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