Avoiding fashion faux pas for women may seem difficult at times, but you can usually make the right choices with a little bit of planning. No one wants to be viewed as a fashion "don't." While style rules seem to change from day to day, savvy women know how to put a wardrobe together so that they're always appropriately dressed. Avoid some common fashion mistakes and you'll be a fashion "do" wherever you go.
Eight Worst Fashion Faux Pas for Women
Even stylish divas can sometimes take a wrong turn when getting dressed, but these style missteps are easily avoided if you take care with your clothing choices. Don't let these eight fashion faux pas for women happen to you.
- Mixing prints: Florals don't complement plaid and paisley doesn't work with polka dots. When it comes to prints, you can be daring; just don't clash. Choose one pattern you love and wear it on a body part you want to emphasize. This is your outfit's focal point and the best way to draw attention there is to keep the rest of your ensemble more subdued. Wear a ruffled, polka dotted top if you want to show off a great neck, but keep your pants or skirt solid.
- Panty lines: With the many underwear choices available today, no woman should be caught out with panty lines showing through her skirt or slacks. Wear thongs under clingy bottoms and low-cut underwear beneath low-rise pants. A quick peek in your mirror before you leave home should tell you whether or not your panties are showing.
- Evening wear during the day: Sequins and rhinestones only belong on rodeo queens during daylight hours. Otherwise, save your bling-bling garments for after five.
- Not dressing your age: There's a reason many department stores separate Junior fashions from Women's styles -- younger women dress differently than their mothers. Low-rise hipster jeans and lace leggings are more appropriate to the younger set. This doesn't mean that women over a certain age must dress in a dowdy fashion. There are elegant and stylish choices for women of all ages. Don't make the mistake of dressing like the teenage girl next door if you've already waved bye-bye to your 20s.
- Too many accessories: Your jewelry will pack a bigger punch if it's not lost among a sea of other accessories. A pair of earrings, a bracelet or watch and a couple of rings are all you need to get through any occasion. Chunky jewelry, especially, should be kept to a minimum. Select one big piece as a focal point and leave it at that.
- Following the wrong trends: Many runway trends don't make it to stores because they're so extreme. If you're a slave to fashion, don't make the mistake of following every single fad. Style-smart women know which trends work for their body types and which don't. You'll need to figure out what looks best on your body shape and then shop accordingly.
- Bad fit: You should always feel comfortable in your clothing. Constantly tugging, pulling and adjusting your outfit are all signs of a poor fit. Women need to be realistic about their true sizes -- don't buy a size 8 when you know you're a size 10. Your clothing will be tight and uncomfortable, which takes away from a confident appearance. Similarly, don't buy sizes that are much too large; they will just create the appearance if extra weight.
- Too much skin: There's a time and a place for cleavage or sheer clothing, so make sure you pick the right time and place. Meeting your boyfriend's parents for the first time, a church picnic or the workplace are not places to wear your most revealing clothes. Even if your bustline is your best asset, a little modesty goes a long way toward making a good first impression and looking like a professional.
The Right Style for You
It's important to identify your unique fashion style before hitting the stores. Once you know which cuts and colors flatter you, build a wardrobe around neutral pieces that can easily mix and match. Next, choose pieces with punches of color that will jazz up a basic ensemble. Stick to what feels comfortable for you, even if it's not "in" that season. By sticking to your unique style, you'll feel more confident in your choices and may avoid being that fashion "don't" walking down the street.
