5 Things You Should Never Wear, According to a Professional Stylist

Whether we like it or not, fashion trends come and go, but certain fashion faux pas like sporting the wrong size, cheap-looking or super-material can make even the most expensive clothes look, well, cheap. Whether you're starting from square one with your wardrobe or just trying to maintain your style, sidestepping these fashion fails will allow you to look sharp and feel confident during any season.

In this post we are going to look at the Top 5 clothing mistakes that you might be making, and how you can solve them. By the end of this article, you will have a clear sense of what to steer clear of, as well as how to build a wardrobe that functions for your lifestyle, body type and budget.

Mistake #1: Wearing The Wrong Size And Fit

For me, the worst fashion faux pas you can make is wearing clothes that don't fit you. Slouchy and unflattering clothes can also make you lose the advantage of wearing the best clothes.

Fit is Everything, Not The Brand Names

Many people get a little obsessed with designer labels, and forget that a $30 shirt that fits you properly will always look better than an expensive shirt that is either too large or too small. Fit is important not just in the way others view you, but also in the way that you feel in your clothes.

Typical Fit Issues to be Vigilant About

Shirts and Tops:

• Shoulder seams that droop past your shoulders or shoulder seams that pull tight

• Sleeves that are too long or too short

• Shirts too baggy at the waist or too snug across the chest

• Necklines that gape or pull in an unflattering way

Pants and Bottoms:

• Waistbands that pinch or won't stay put

• Pants that are too long or too short at the ankles

• Fitted pants that pull across the hips or thighs

• Baggy pants that make you look frumpy

How to Find Your Perfect Fit

Solutions for Better Fit

• Know your measurements: Have your measurements professionally measured at least once a year

• Try on before you buy: Never buy clothes without trying them on, always wear what you are about to buy even if you are certain you know your size

• Invest in tailoring: A great tailor can take care of almost any fit issue for not much money

• Shop various brands: Different brands have varying sizes, so make sure you get the ones that are best for your body type

Mistake #2: Hopping on Every Single Trend Without Thinking About It

Social media can tempt you into buying everything you see, but when you mindlessly follow trends you end up with a wardrobe full of outfits you never wear, and a style that really doesn't reflect who you are.

The Problem with Trend Chasing

Trends come and go so quickly, and just because something looks fabulous on an influencer doesn't mean it's going to work for your lifestyle, body type, personal style etc. And when you chase every fad, you get:

• A jumbled closet of things you almost never wear

• A waste of money for items that quickly become outdated

• An inconsistent style that's not true to you

• Difficulty getting dressed each morning

Smart Ways to Incorporate Trends

The 80/20 Rule for Fashion:

• 80% of the pieces in your wardrobe should be classic investment pieces that you can style up or down

• 20% may be fashionable items that reflect current trends

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy:

• Can I wear this with three things I already have?

• Would I still be willing to wear this in six months?

• Is this look the most flattering for my body and lifestyle?

• Do I want to buy this because I love it or because everyone else has it?

Building a Trend-Proof Wardrobe

Concentrate on these classics that never lose their edge:

For Everyone:

• Classic fitted jeans in dark wash

• White button-down shirts

• Black trousers or pants

• Neutral-colored sweaters

• Classic trench coat or blazer

Accessorizing with Trends: Instead of buying completely new outfits, try the new look with some small trendy accessories, such as:

• Scarves in seasonal colors

• Statement jewelry

• Trendy shoes or bags

• Belt styles that match the latest fashion trend

Mistake #3: Forgetting About Color Matching and Clashing Combinations

Color is fashion's biggest weapon, but it's also where most people go wrong. Even the finest outfit can look cheap when you wear colors that clash or don't go well with your skin.

Basic Color Theory for Fashion

• Primary Colors: Red, blue, yellow – these are strong and draw attention

• Secondary Colors: Green, orange, purple – made by combining primary colors

• Neutral Colors: Black, white, gray, beige, navy – these go with just about anything

Color Combinations That Always Work

Colors to Avoid Together

Certain color combinations can look jarring or unflattering:

• Bright red and hot pink (too much intensity)

• Orange and purple (colors make our eyes fight for dominance)

• Bright yellow and lime green (too much and hard to look at)

• Brown and black (often looks dirty unless it's done intentionally)

Finding Colors That Flatter You

Warm Skin Tones (golden, yellow, or peachy undertones):

• Best colors: Earth tones, warm reds, orange, yellow, olive green

• Try to steer clear of: Icy blues, bright whites, jewel tones

Cool Skin Tones (pink, red, or blue undertones):

• Best colors: Blues, purples, emerald green, pure white, cool gray

• Stay away from: Orange, yellow-based shades, warm browns

Neutral Skin Tones (neither warm nor cool):

• Best colors: Most colors work, focus on medium intensity colors

• Avoid: Super bright colors or overly muted colors

Quick Color Coordination Tips

• Begin with neutrals: Build outfits with neutral items and add pops of color

• Use the one-color rule: Use only one bright color per outfit

• Match metals: Coordinate jewelry metals (all gold or all silver)

• Think about the context: Brights for casual, neutrals for work

Mistake #4: Wearing the Wrong Undergarments

The key to any fabulous outfit starts with the right foundation. Bad or ill-fitting undergarments will ruin even the prettiest of garments, and cause you discomfort all day.

The Importance of Proper Undergarments

Good undergarments:

• Create smooth lines under clothing

• Provide proper support and comfort

• Help create a better shape for your body

• Give you confidence that everything is where it should be

Common Undergarment Mistakes

Bra Fit Issues:

• Wearing a bra in the wrong band size (most common issue)

• Choosing bras with visible lines under tight clothes

• Not owning different bra styles for different outfits

• Wearing old bras that don't fit anymore

Underwear Problems:

• VPL (visible panty lines) when wearing tight clothes

• Wrong underwear style for the outfit

• Uncomfortable materials that cause irritation

• Colors showing through light-colored clothing

Solutions for Better Undergarment Choices

Getting Professionally Fitted:

• Have a professional measure you at least once a year

• Always try on bras before buying, even if you think you know your size

• Remember: sizes can vary from brand to brand

Choosing the Right Style:

Building an Undergarment Wardrobe

• 2-3 everyday bras (in nude and black)

• 1 strapless bra for off-the-shoulder or sleeveless shirts

• 1 sports bra for active wear

• Nude and black seamless underwear

• 1-2 special occasion sets

Comfort and Function Tips

• Replace often: Bras should be replaced every 6-12 months if worn regularly

• Rotate your bras: Don't wear the same bra two days in a row

• Choose good materials: Cotton and modal are breathable and comfortable

Consider shapewear: A well-fitting piece can enhance your silhouette for special occasions

Mistake #5: Ignoring Care And Maintenance

Even the most expensive, perfectly tailored clothes will look terrible if you don't take care of them. Poor maintenance makes you look cheap, old and unprofessional.

Signs of Poor Clothing Care

• Wrinkled or rumpled appearance

• Faded colors from improper washing

• Pilling on sweaters and knitwear

• Preventable or removable stains

• Stretched-out shapes from incorrect drying

• Missing buttons or loose threads

Essential Clothing Care Basics

Reading Care Labels: All clothes have care instructions. Follow these basic symbols and your clothes will last longer:

• Machine wash signs indicate water temperature

• Triangle symbols indicate bleach guidelines

• Square symbols show drying instructions

• Iron symbols show heat settings

• Circles are for dry cleaning

Washing Best Practices

Storage and Organization Tips

Hanging vs. Folding:

Hang: Blazers, dress shirts, dresses, pants, and delicate items

Fold: T-shirts, sweaters, jeans, heavy knits

Seasonal Storage:

• Clean everything before storing

• Store in breathable garment bags or cotton covers

• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to prevent moths

• Keep in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight

Maintenance Schedule

Daily:

• Put away clothes worn that day

• Look for stains and treat them immediately

• Use a lint roller on dark clothing

Weekly:

• Do laundry before clothes become too dirty

• Look for missing buttons or minor repairs needed

• Organize and put everything back in your wardrobe

Monthly:

• Purge your closet and donate anything you haven't worn

• Inspect shoes and polish leather ones

• Repair what is broken

Seasonally:

• Rotate seasonal clothing

• Professional cleaning for special items

• Replace worn-out undergarments and basics

Building Your Perfect Wardrobe: Next Steps

Now that you know what not to do, here's how to create a wardrobe that works for you:

Step 1: Closet Audit

• Get rid of everything that doesn't fit right

• Purge items you've gone more than a year without wearing

• Identify gaps in your wardrobe

Step 2: Invest in Basics

• Focus on quality over quantity

• Choose versatile, neutral colors

• Prioritize fit and comfort

Step 3: Add Personality

• Choose just a few on-trend pieces you really love

• Include colors that make you feel confident

• Add accessories that reflect your style

Step 4: Maintain Your Investment

• Establish a regular care routine

• Address problems immediately

• Store clothes properly to make them last

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How frequently should I refresh my wardrobe? A: Focus on refreshing your staples when necessary and adding 1-2 new pieces per season. Unless there has been a radical shift in your lifestyle or body size, an entire wardrobe overhaul is not always required.

Q: What is the most important piece of clothing to get right? A: Well-fitting undergarments, particularly bras. They're the foundation that influences the look and feel of everything else.

Q: How much is appropriate to spend on clothing? A: Think about cost-per-wear, not original price. A $100 blazer worn 50 times is $2 per wear, while a $20 shirt worn twice is $10 per wear.

Q: Can I follow trends without spending a lot of money? A: Yes! Experiment with trends through accessories, thrifting or modernizing your existing pieces with fashionable styling. Don't go for expensive trendy items you won't wear long-term.

Q: How can I tell if something fits properly? A: You should be able to move freely without having to pull at it or adjust. Seams should lay flat and there shouldn't be pulling or gaping anywhere.

Q: What colors should I avoid wearing? A: There are no hard and fast rules, but stay away from colors that make you look washed out or tired. You can never go wrong with neutrals when in doubt.

Q: How do you make inexpensive clothes look more expensive? A: Focus on fit, care and good undergarments. A clean and well-fitted thrift store coat will always look more expensive than a wrinkled coat that cost a thousand dollars.

Q: Should I take everything to the dry cleaner? A: No, only items that specifically need to be dry cleaned. Over-dry cleaning can ruin fabric and is costly. Many "dry clean only" items can be hand washed or professionally wet cleaned.

Conclusion: Your Path to Better Style

Fixing these 5 clothing mistakes can help transform the way your wardrobe looks and feels. Remember: The key to great style is knowing what works for you (and what doesn't), and style is largely based on trial and error.

Start with the basics: Make sure everything fits you well, wear colors that flatter you and take good care of what you have. Then you can add trendy pieces and accessories that reflect your personality.

The long-term solution to style confidence is building a wardrobe slowly and with intention. Focus on quality over quantity — the best-dressed people often aren't wearing the most expensive clothes, they're wearing well-maintained garments that fit perfectly.

Be patient with yourself while making these changes. Your future self will be grateful for the investment in looking and feeling good daily. Fashion is a way to express ourselves, and when you avoid these common mistakes, you can do it confidently and authentically.