8 Common Outfit No-Nos to Avoid at All Costs

We all make fashion mistakes from time to time. Whether it’s an outfit that doesn’t quite work or an accessory that doesn’t match, it happens to the best of us. The good news, however, is that these mistakes can usually be avoided with a little bit of planning and understanding of what works for your body and personal style. So don’t stress too much about it and just try to have fun with fashion and rock your own unique look.

1. Visible sweat stains

One mistake people often make when dressing up is to wear clothes that trap sweat against their skin. Those stains can be unsightly and make one look unprepared. To avoid this faux pas, choose clothing made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. And make sure to use a stronger antiperspirant instead of deodorant.

2. Loose pieces

Skin-tight clothes are known to make us feel uncomfortable or even suffocated. But this doesn’t mean that we should go to the other end of the spectrum and wear things that are too loose. Instead, we need to choose pieces that are the right size and have the correct silhouette for our body type. Another trick is to pay a visit to the tailor more often to get your clothes altered, so they fit better.

3. An open zipper

Fashion mistakes can be embarrassing, especially since they often happen in public settings. One mistake that can be particularly mortifying is when the zipper of your pants unexpectedly opens by itself.

Since it’s better to be safe than embarrassed, consider securing the zipper of your pants with a key ring to keep it up.

4. Torn tights

One fashion mistake that can be especially frustrating is wearing torn tights or pantyhose, especially since they are prone to tearing no matter how careful we are. Not only do torn tights look unsightly, but they can also be uncomfortable and even dangerous if they get caught on something. Luckily, there are now many available options for resilient tights that are designed to be more durable.

5. Torn zippers

One of the worst things that can happen to a zipper is for it to suddenly get torn. Not only does it downgrade the outfit, but it also affects one’s mood. If you end up with an exposed zipper and don’t have the time to fix it, try pulling your hair over the exposed area. If that’s not an option, consider putting on — or even borrowing — a coat or scarf.

6. Impractical high heels

Heels are beautiful. They make us taller, elongate our legs, and accentuate the curves of the body. But as wonderful as they are to look at, impractical high-heeled shoes can be torture to wear for long periods of time. To avoid ending up with sore feet and having to take them off and walk barefoot, find a middle ground and opt for comfortable heels that will elevate your style.

7. Inconveniently long dresses

While long dresses may remind us of fairy-tale princesses, they can be impractical in real life. Their length can restrict movement and make them prone to getting dirty. Additionally, the risk of heels getting caught in the skirt can lead to inconvenient and potentially embarrassing moments. It’s best to get it altered to fit one’s height.

8. Old shoes

While it’s totally understandable to want to keep a favorite pair of shoes for as long as possible, it’s important to remember that they can be uncomfortable and even unhealthy to wear. Aside from the aesthetic aspect, they can hurt your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back. So, if you’re wearing a pair of shoes that are showing signs of age, it might be time to consider investing in a new pair.

What is a fashion faux pas that you’ve learned to avoid? How do you make sure that you always look polished? Share your wisdom in the comments.