15 Fashion mistakes you should never commit in the city

Putting on heels… without knowing how to walk in them

1/15
Putting on heels… without knowing how to walk in them
There is nothing worse for your feet and ankles than wearing heels that give you trouble. If you can’t walk in them, you are going to have a hard time. Some advice? Practice at your own pace in the comfort of your own home. Imagine following an invisible line drawn on the ground as you pace around in them. Do not go straight for extremely high heels; start with lower block heels, which are much more comfortable.
Other things you should banish: Shoes that are too big for you. They will cause significant rubbing on your feet and might even give you blisters. You can stuff the end with cotton, or include in-soles. This way, you don’t have to feel like you’re always fighting with your shoes while walking!
2/15
Flesh-coloured stockings
Flesh-coloured stockings (the opaque type) are to be banished from your dressing room! They give the optical illusion of thicker legs, as well as give your legs a very unnatural look. If they don’t perfectly match your complexion, others might think you’ve had a “tanning accident”. To top it all off, some stockings can even shimmer under certain light. It is better to choose black or transparent stockings.
3/15
Low-waist pants
These are high-risk pants that can easily reveal your bum crack or a section of your underwear. Not very classy, right? Choose cuts that reach up to the naval — they tend to act as “push ups” so your buttocks look more toned. You don’t need the low-waist to have a beautiful behind!
4/15
Sandals that are too small
Sandals that are too small for your feet will cause your toes to very unattractively protrude far from the edge of your footwear. In addition to looking inelegant, it will also cause discomfort, so why hurt yourself?
5/15
Abusing prints
Wearing prints — be they stripes, florals, geometric, or otherwise — can grant you an original appearance to your taste. But to don yourself with too many prints? This might induce headaches in the people who look at you. Avoid wearing horizontal stripes on top and vertical stripes on the bottom, and definitely avoid combining circles with squares. Some prints work well together, but make sure they are subtle combinations. When in doubt, only wear one pattern at a time.
6/15
Only wearing black
Though black is elegant, one should not swear by it. In addition to looking severe, black used in excess has the disadvantage of accentuating areas that are shadowed, such as dark circles and dark patches on your skin. To bring a little vibrancy to your look, bet on accessories that will bring touches of colour.
7/15
Open footwear without having a pedicure done
If the urge to put on open-toe shoes is strong, check the condition on your feet first! It is essential to ensure your toenails aren’t chipped or broken… or way too long! People look at feet, too!
8/15
Mixing too much colour
A little colour = wide awake and cheerful. Too much colour = clown. The rule here is not to wear more than three colours at the same time, unless they are part of the same colour chart. Primary colours (red, yellow, blue) are strong colours, so avoid abusing them and tone them down with more neutral tints.
9/15
Too much transparency
A pretty transparent top can be very chic, but beware not to step from elegance and into vulgarity. There’s a fine line! Be careful not to reveal too much!
10/15
Transparent bra straps
Not only do they feel uncomfortable because they are usually made of plastic, transparent straps have a tendency to yellow. Two good reasons to keep them locked away in your closet forever. Bet on removable bra straps — very practical.
11/15
The wrong size
It is tempting to wear oversized and baggy clothes to ‘erase’ your curves. Don’t do it! Because of the optical illusion, this will only make you bigger by giving you the air of someone who doesn’t take care of what they wear. Of course, you must also avoid wearing too-tight clothes as this will constrict your body and, of course, give you unwanted muffin tops and lumps. Pay close attention to your underwear — panties that are too tight under a skirt or dress can give a very unflattering effect.
12/15
Overdoing your accessories
Be careful not to pile on too many things! Wear only one statement piece at a time and accompany it with basics. The risk in wanting to overload on your chunky rings and your oversized glasses and your statement bracelets is that this will end up making you look like you’re going to a costume party!
13/15
Wearing accessories that are the same colour as your outfit
The goal is not to turn into a chameleon. Accessories are there to bring a touch of individuality and contrast to your look. Not to blend into your ensemble and disappear from sight!
14/15
Wearing those comically bright crocs
Blindingly coloured shoes with holes in them are a no-no in the city. Unless you’re going to the beach, ditch them.
15/15
Trying to look “too sexy”
The border is thin between looking sexy and looking distasteful. Avoid a plunging neckline with six-inch stiletto heels, especially if you’re wearing a mini skirt. Everything is a matter of balance!

Think you've got fashion figured out? Well, depending on how eye-catching and head-turning you want yourself to look, there might very well be no right or wrong answer to how you style yourself. That said, for the everyday woman, there are just some fashion rules that you should really be following without question, and some mistakes you should never get caught doing. From pulling on those opaque flesh-coloured stockings to wearing black, black, and only black, we've come up with a long list of fashion no-nos you really ought to take into account before you step out your front door every morning.

Head up to the gallery to acquaint yourself with them, and then figure out which ones you're guilty of committing! Time to make a change.

Clara Crochemore & Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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