BY CHONG HAN LYN
Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
We’ve all experienced that moment where we created a cringe-worthy fashion disaster, intentional or not. But that’s all in the past. Follow these simple principles and before you know it, looking well put together will be a walk in the park.
1. Never Let the Colours Clash
Sure, you want to make a fashion statement and stand out from the crowd, but assembling the colours of the rainbow on your outfit will make you the talk of the town, in a bad way.
It’s okay to stick to safe colours if you aren’t quite ready to venture into new style territory. Remember, safe doesn’t have to be boring. Keep to two or three colours for your entire outfit and include neutrals like white, black or gray to prevent your outfit from becoming over-complicated.
2. Size Does Matter
You’d be forgiven for walking down the street in over-sized clothing if this was the early noughties, but we’re right smack in 2017 and fashion has come a long way since.
Sizing is the make-or-break rule in fashion; expensive threads are nothing but a waste if they’re skin-tight or overly loose on you. Do yourself a favour and choose the right size.
3. Hide the Unsightly Bits
Unless you’re a model for Calvin Klein, it’s best to keep your underpants out of sight to the naked eye. Keep shirts properly tucked in and belt up those trousers. No one needs to see your undies.
4. Obey the Dress Code
Dress codes can be tricky, but thanks to Google, you can get sorted out easily. A quick search on common terms like “smart casual” and “black tie” will bring about plenty of visual inspiration. Being overdressed or underdressed for any occasion is just calling unnecessary attention to yourself.
5. Stop the Footwear Faux Pas
Your shoes are the very first thing people notice, so picking the right footwear is essential for style success. Sneakers go with just about any everyday occasion, but keep a pair of leather lace-ups handy for that first date or job interview.
6. Fix the Button Problem
“How hard can it be to button up”, you say. Well, you’ll be surprised at how a lack of attention to these minor details can make an obvious difference to your style. Unless you’re wearing a tie, leave the top button undone. Everything else should be fastened.
That said, if you’re at a super casual event like a beach party, undoing the second-top button is a good way to give off chill vibes and is perfectly fine. The only time you should keep everything unbuttoned is when you have an inner tee.
7. Get Rid of Ripped Jeans
Having a rip or two in your favourite denim does add some street cred to the worn-in look, but if your jeans look like they’ve been chewed by a pack of wild animals, it’s definitely time to get a new pair.
8. Find the Right Trousers Length
It’s common for trousers to be a tad too long when you first try them out. Most good retailers offer an alteration service to cut away the extra length. Never step out in trousers that are too long; this gives the impression that the wearer is sloppy. Pants with the right hem should touch your shoes and have a little break (slight crumple of fabric).
9. Sort Out Your Shades
Stop clowning around with odd-shaped shades that serve no purpose. If you’re gonna shield your eyes from the sun, do it in style with all-time favourite silhouettes like Aviator sunglasses.
10. Avoid Pattern Overload
How bad can layering floral prints, checkered patterns and other fanciful details be? Pretty bad, that’s for sure. Far from looking sophisticated, you’ll just end up being a complicated mess. Stick to one type of print or pattern and keep it plain and simple for the rest of your outfit.
What other fashion mistakes can you think of? Let us know in the comments below!