Style 101: Common Fashion Mistakes Unfashionable-Women Make

We have all witnessed great fashion or admired someone with great style as we pass them on the street. However, for every fashion success, we have also witnessed many fashion disasters. Women are just as guilty as men when it comes to "fashion faux pas". You don't need to be a slave to fashion (like me) or have a movie star body, but you do owe it to yourself to look your diva best. The following are all fashion blunders we have fallen victim to at some point in our lives:

1. Buying Clothes That Don't Fit.
You probably already know that you should NEVER buy something too small, thinking you'll lose weight (tight clothing is simply uncomfortable). The style and look of your garments can make or break an outfit. The best way to get the perfect fit is buy the appropriate size or have a tailor alter the garment. You can buy vintage designer couture for dirt cheap or find a inexpensive brand and get it taylored and the garment instantly looks like it was 6 thousand dollar. 

Solution:
Long sleeved garments should hit just below the wrist bone with just a little ease (shouldn't be too tight or loose)
A button-front blouse should never gap open at the bustline. If the garment seems to fit, the problem may just be wide-spaced buttons. Attach a snap.
A slim or pencil skirt should fit without bunching or wrinkling up. Do the sit-down test.
Hemline correction -- skirts should be completely straight all the way around. If that's not the case (because of hips or tummy) have it rehemmed.
Tailored pants should fall to the top of your instep. 

2. Never sacrifice your professional image for the sake of fashion.
Strappy, extra-tight, or downright sleazy styles won't ever do your career any favors (regardless of your career path-- so lets not do Russian-burlesque with those hot pink panties under a white skirt.). Many fashion spreads will trumpet high slits, plunging necklines, sheer and a plethora of inappropriate looks in the name of "femininity." But sexy doesn't cut it for 9 to 5. 

3. Showing Too Much Skin
Thigh-high miniskirts and cut-to-the-navel dresses may look great on the runway, but in reality they are almost impossible to carry off. Not only is it possible to dress sexy while leaving lots to the imagination; it's also the best way to look your prettiest for the holidays. The secret here is to accentuate your best features with a suggestion: a lace trimmed silk camisole under a blazer hints at great cleavage, a small slit on a skirt gives a glimpse at gorgeous legs, a halter dress shows off toned arms. 

Wearing Too Much Glitz
Beading, metallic and shimmer are all fine for the fashion ads. In fact, most women wait until a good party to break out all of the glitzy finery. But too much shine can overwhelm anyone, especially if you wear it in areas that you don't necessarily want to highlight (like a beaded chest sweater for a busty gal). Find out how to wear glitz right.

4. Relying on TV and Magazines
Never rely completely on TV shows and fashion magazines. You are risking becoming the fashion victim. That means don't copy the grossness of mainstream Ed Hardy, A&F, or Juicy. Sick!- note people: if it has a brand written accross the front of it or it is a nasty tract suit or is made for a demographic a third your age then DONT even think about wearing it. You will look as rediculous as the "Paris Hiltons" and "Real Housewives of the OC." Fashion shows and reviews should help to generate ideas and inspire you, but lets face it not all of us are pinthins and buying the super expensive dress that looked gorgeous on Dior models wont make you look the same.

5. Choosing the Wrong Makeup
Electric Blue eye shadow and red blush works great on "Barbie", but it is a bit much for real women. Spend time and invest in quality makeup. Choosing the right makeup colors and foundation are important to completing your fashionista look. Use makeup to accentuate your natural beauty NOT mask your beauty with bright colors. If you need help, seek the expertise of a makeup artist.

6. Choosing the Wrong Undergarments.
Celebrities get stuffed and tucked into heavy-duty body trimmers, push-up bras, and even sticky tape to look good in designer dresses for the red carpet. Just think what the right bra or support-top pantyhose could do for us!!! In addition to gravity-defying bras and body slimmers that eliminate lumps and bumps, there are other tricks of the trade [seek the expertise of an undergarment expert]