In part 1, we covered the six fashion mistakes you won’t want to make in 2021, and without further ado, here are the next six.
Fashion Mistake #7: Too Little Color
We know how easy it is to get into a rut of black, white, or neutrals. Getting dressed in the morning is a snap, but also ... it’s a little dull, and you aren’t showing the world who you are. Step out of your comfort zone. Start with a few bright accessories for a pop of color. Move on to a bright clothing piece as your confidence grows, and when you are ready to up your game, experiment with multiple bright and contrasting pieces for a look that is unique to you.
Fashion Mistake #8: No Accessories
Jewelry, purses, hats and hair pins, and shoes — these small things can do so much. They give outfits a polish and pull disparate pieces together. Discrete jewelry pieces will balance out a wild ensemble, while bold ones will elevate a tame one. And accessories by themselves offer lots of opportunity for play: mixing metals is a jewelry trend that is here to stay. Not having any accessories at all looks like you didn’t finish putting together your look.
Fashion Mistake #9: Not Flattering Your Assets
Have you seen The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? Four girls, one pair of jeans that make them all look sensational, and one summer of growth, tears, love, and friendship. It’s a sweet movie. We love the fairy tale quality … while at the same time, we know that in real life, each girl has her own shape, and each shape calls for different clothes and different cuts to flatter her. In the same way, you have your own shape, and knowing yours means knowing how to emphasize your best features and downplay the rest.
Fashion Mistake #10: Overlooking Flaws in the Garment
Have you ever bought an item because it was almost perfect ... almost? There’s just that one thing ... Ignoring that one thing never works, and doing so will only result in you not wearing the outfit. If some element of a piece isn’t right for you, then it’s better to pass. (And we discussed the importance of a good fit in part 1 of this post. A poor fit counts as a flaw!)
Fashion Mistake #11: Ignoring Comfort
Straight skirts, high heels, light-colored suede shoes, teeny purses — these pieces may appeal, but keep in mind that what looks great on the runway may not play out in the real world.
A pair of sky-high heels or light-colored suede shoes for a fancy event that will involve a taxi both ways? Sure, that works. Sky-high heels or light-colored suede shoes for a day in the park? Oh no. A straight skirt for dinner and a movie? That works too — but during a day of sightseeing,
you might find yourself struggling to keep up or too occupied by tugging the skirt down that you miss the sights.
The more you have to fuss with an outfit, the more distracted and uncomfortable you will be — and the less polished and confident you’ll look to others.
Fashion Mistake #12: Ignoring Your Personal Style
Why yes, we’ve just listed a bunch of mistakes and told you how to avoid them. But do you remember how we began this two-part post?
There are no fashion rules.
There are many fashion rules.
Both these statements are true.
Fashion is all about communication. When you put on an outfit, you’re telling the world who you are. No matter how popular an item may be — or how tried and true a piece of fashion advice may be — if it doesn’t suit your own personal style, give it a pass. Whatever you are wearing, make sure it’s something you like. Ultimately, personal style is an experiment!
There you have it: Our fashion mistake list. We say that it’s for 2021, but actually, we think this advice is perennial and will take you far not only this year, but every year.