Personal stylists reveal the fashion mistakes you’re making
Photos: Getty
Fashion is a fickle thing. We’ve all been there – standing in front of a wardrobe filled with clothes, and yet somehow there’s nothing we’re excited to wear. Reaching for your old favourites, but they don’t feel as effortlessly chic as they once did. Even if you spend big on new, expensive items, or stick with the same pieces you’ve been donning for 20 years, you might still be wearing clothes that don’t flatter you as much as they could.
It’s not just about looking good – it’s about feeling good. Studies reveal that 73% of people say their clothes directly impact their self-esteem. Fashion is a big part of how we present ourselves to the world, and can make or break our confidence. But how can we make sure our styling choices aren’t holding us back from our full potential?
Sometimes we all need a bit of help from the experts. Whether it’s insights into the outdated trends that are ageing you, or unflattering silhouettes that don’t do you justice, there are plenty of upgrades we could all make to take our fashion choices to the next level – and bring our confidence right up with it.
These personal stylists come armed with years of experience and all the advice you didn’t know you needed to hear.
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Mistake 1: Choosing poor-quality fabrics
‘Nothing says “cheap, cheap, cheap” like shiny polyester where the pattern is stretched or fading at the seams, and the hem is curling at the bottom!’ explains personal stylist Shauna Colaci. ‘Ill-chosen fabrics can make even a well-designed piece look low-end and unflattering.’
Plus, after only a few washes, these items start to lose their shape, no longer giving you that flattering, polished look like they did in the shop changing rooms.
SOLUTION:
‘Opt for natural fibres like cotton, linen or wool where possible,’ says Shauna. ‘They breathe better, last longer, and drape beautifully. If you do buy synthetics, look for higher-quality blends and check the finish: patterns should align at the seams, fabric should feel substantial and there should be no puckering or pulling.’
There are a few red flags to look out for when checking if a fabric is low quality. If you hold it up to the light and it looks almost transparent, it probably won’t be very durable. Surprisingly, even the sound of the fabric can be a tell: higher-quality fabric blends are usually softer and move more fluidly, while cheaper ones tend to be unusually stiff, making a rustling or crunching sound.
Mistake 2: Opting for clothes that don’t fit properly
Ali Lees, personal stylist and founder of Inspired Styling, explains that one of the biggest mistakes we make is wearing ill-fitting clothes. ‘Baggy, shapeless clothing might feel safe, but it rarely flatters,’ says Ali.
Shauna notes that striking the right balance with fit is key. ‘Too tight and you risk looking uncomfortable, too loose and you risk looking shapeless.’ You want to avoid any extremes that distract from your natural shape and take away from the overall effect.
SOLUTION:
‘Learn how to dress for your body shape and focus on balance and proportion,’ suggests Ali. ‘Structured blazers, well-fitting trousers and tops with the right neckline for your frame can help highlight your best features. Confidence is key, and dressing to celebrate your shape is a powerful step.’
According to Shauna, ‘Tailoring is your best friend’. She says: ‘Even small adjustments, like taking in a waist or shortening a sleeve, can completely change how polished you look. Tailoring is really not as expensive as it sounds – and once you find a good seamstress or tailor, you will honestly wonder how you ever managed without them’.
It’s also advised to always try on clothes where possible, and don’t get hung up on the size you’re selecting. ‘When you’re shopping, ignore the number on the label and focus on the fit on your body – the right cut will always look better than the ‘right’ size,’ says Shauna.
Oversized styles like boxy blazers and wide-leg trousers are trending right now – you’re likely to spot them in every high street shop you come across. Shauna advises on how to win at this trend without sacrificing your frame. ‘Deliberately oversized outfits can look effortlessly chic, but without balance, they can also overwhelm your shape or create a heavy or shapeless look.’
If you love this style, Shauna’s solution is to let one piece be the star. ‘If you’re wearing an oversized blazer, pair it with slim trousers or a fitted skirt. Wide-leg trousers? Go for a more tailored top. The key is contrast – when one part of your outfit is loose or oversized, keep the rest streamlined so you still look intentional and polished.’
Mistake 3: Wearing outdated, overly formal styles
When it comes to fashion, old habits die hard. But what once was considered à la mode might no longer be the most up-to-date option. Ali says that certain styling choices can make you look older than you really are. ‘Relying on old-fashioned styling, such as overly coordinated outfits or rigid tailoring, can make your look dated.’
She explains that if you want to avoid styles that age you, dressing formally all the time is a big no-no. ‘Wearing overly formal outfits in casual settings can create a sense of disconnect and make you appear older or over-serious.’
SOLUTION:
Ali offers her advice on how to update your styling to feel more on-trend. ‘Modern styling techniques mix up dressier pieces with more casual items for a unique and eclectic textured look. Softening formal pieces with casual textures and accessories helps you look stylish, approachable and modern. A silk blouse with jeans or a sequin skirt with a chunky knit can look effortlessly stylish.’
Accessories are gold dust when it comes to updating your look, Ali explains. ‘Refresh your accessories regularly with modern updates. A slouchy hobo bag, contemporary gold teardrop earrings and layered gold or silver necklaces would work well. Colourful trainers such as Adidas Sambas can elevate your look instantly.’
Mistake 4: Neglecting your wardrobe
When was the last time you did a thorough declutter? It’s a good idea to conduct regular clear-outs of your wardrobe to make sure you’re not hanging onto items that no longer work, says Ali. ‘If an item has been in your wardrobe for more than 15 years and isn’t stylishly vintage or back in fashion, it may be ageing you.’
Shauna agrees, adding, ‘A wardrobe full of clothes you don’t love, don’t wear, or that don’t fit, is like visual noise! It clouds your decision-making and dampens your style confidence, meaning you’re less likely to wear what you own. You end up defaulting to the same small rotation of outfits – oftentimes the more frumpy and basic of our clothes – while hidden gems sit unworn at the back. This can make you feel like you have ‘nothing to wear’, even though you’re surrounded by clothes.’
SOLUTION:
‘Rotate your wardrobe seasonally and clear it out at least twice a year,’ says Shauna. ‘Remove what no longer fits, flatters or suits your lifestyle. Keep only pieces you love and can style multiple ways.’ This leaves you with the perfect capsule wardrobe, filled with versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched interchangeably.
‘Remove anything that features outdated prints like ditsy florals or paisley,’ adds Ali. ‘Swap knee-length skirts for midi or maxi styles that offer more movement and a modern silhouette.’
Mistake 5: Wearing the wrong underwear
We’re all guilty of inexplicably hanging onto that old pair of granny pants that’ve long since lost their elastic, or an old, uncomfortable bra that hasn’t fit right for years. Shauna explains, ‘Wearing underwear that doesn’t fit can ruin even the most stylish outfit. An ill-fitting bra isn’t just bad for your back – it also affects your posture and how your clothes sit on your body. Meanwhile, underwear that’s too small can dig in and create lumps and bumps where there aren’t any’.
Because it’s not immediately visible, underwear is often overlooked in conversations about styling. However, Shauna points out, it’s the foundation everything else sits on.
SOLUTION:
Say it with us now: you deserve a comfy bra! Shauna encourages women to treat their underwear as the building blocks of their style. ‘Get professionally fitted for bras, replace worn-out pieces and choose underwear that’s smooth, supportive, breathable and works with the clothes you wear most often.’
Mistake 6: Wearing colours that fight your skin tone
Shauna explains, ‘The wrong colour can make you look washed out, tired or older than you are – and often it’s not the style that’s the problem, it’s the shade. A cool pastel on warm skin, or a muted tone on someone who shines in brights, will drain their natural radiance and emphasise the undereye, making them look jaded even if the clothes themselves are fresh and modern’.
Ali warns against washing yourself out in too much black. ‘Although black is often seen as timeless and chic, it can be harsh on many complexions, especially if you are over 40. It tends to drain colour from the face and highlight dark under-eye shadows.’
SOLUTION:
‘Learn your personal colour palette,’ says Shauna. ‘When you wear shades that harmonise with your skin tone, hair and eyes, your face lights up, you look fresher and you need less makeup. If in doubt about your palette, match [your clothes] to your eye colour. Everyone looks great in a colour that matches their eyes!’
But what if your favourite shade isn’t doing you any favours? Never fear, you don’t have to burn all your most-loved items just yet. Shauna advises: ‘If you love a colour that isn’t in your palette, wear it away from your face – in trousers, skirts, or accessories – and keep your most flattering tones near your face (E.g. in jumpers, scarves or chunky necklaces).’
If you’re unsure where to begin when it comes to figuring out your colour palette, you’re not alone. Ali adds that if you’re feeling out of your depth, ‘a professional colour analysis can help you discover flattering shades that bring out your natural glow’.
How to test your colour palette at home
‘Colours that fight with your undertone will make you look tired – even if you’ve had eight hours of sleep,’ says Erika Cartledge, style strategist and founder of The YCS Styling Agency. Not sure if something washes you out? She offers the following tips:
- Hold the garment up to your face in natural light (by a window or outside will work best) and look for signs that your skin appears dull, sallow or shadowed.
- If your eyes look less bright or your skin tone seems uneven, that shade probably isn’t serving you.
- Opt for a different version of the same colour (like swapping emerald green for olive green) to bring your features forward instead of fading them out.
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