From wasting money on clothes we don't really need to picking up a poorly fitting piece just because it's on sale, there are some style mistakes that we're all guilty of from time to time...
In fact, it's fair to say we could all do with some expert advice on streamlining our wardrobes, while avoiding costly and confidence-knocking fashion faux pas.
So, if you've ever wanted to know the secret to looking stylish at all times and side-stepping avoidable wardrobe mistakes, then listen up.
We asked Good Housekeeping's editors and top fashion experts to run through the 10 wardrobe pitfalls that every woman should avoid if she wants to feel her best every single day...
WE EARN A COMMISSION FOR PRODUCTS PURCHASED THROUGH SOME LINKS IN THIS ARTICLE
Repeat buying
Ever looked in your wardrobe and realised you own countless grey jumpers but have absolutely nothing to wear them with? Then you've probably fallen victim to the mistake of repeat buying.
"Repeat buying is my fashion downfall," Executive Fashion director Fiona Collins tells us. "I’m a sucker for certain styles – white cotton shirts, Breton T-shirts, grey cashmere crew necks, camel trench coats, the list of style classics goes on...
"But how many does a girl need at one time? Each time I’m a seduced by a fresh version of one of the above-mentioned items, I have to mentally take stock of how many I already own, what state they're in, and how this new version will update my wardrobe."
Consider investing in classic iterations that should stand the test of time in your wardrobe. Here are a few of our favourites...
Marks & Spencer Autograph Pure Cotton Self Stripe Shirt
John Lewis & Partners Long Trench Coat, Camel
Marks & Spencer M&S Collection Sienna Straight Leg Jeans
Buying clothes that are too big
Have you ever fallen into the habit of buying clothes in a larger size, in the belief they'll be more flattering? This is a major style no-no, as Homes & Gardens Editor Carolyn Bailey can attest.
"A while back, I thought I needed to buy clothes in a size larger, and then I realised that this actually made me look bigger, as things didn’t hang well and everything was much less fitted," she tells us. "Now, if something in my usual size doesn’t fit, I just don’t buy it!"
Style expert Cyrine Allani Joaristi of designer clothing rental service Nothing-To-Wear agrees that buying the wrong size should be avoided at all costs, particularly during the sales, when the temptation to pick up a bargain that doesn't quite fit is much higher.
"A common fashion faux pas committed by even the savviest of shoppers is buying sale items that aren’t exactly the right size or fit but are such a bargain that you can’t resist," she says. Better to walk away and spend your money on something that fits properly and you'll actually wear.
Not accentuating your waist
One of the biggest style mistakes you can make is forgetting to highlight your waist, argues stylist Cyrine. "Not cinching your waist is a missed opportunity to accentuate your figure," she says. "Doing it can make it look like you've shed five pounds instantly!"
Personal Stylist and Image Consultant Keren Beaumont agrees, noting that many of us make the mistake of hiding our curves.
"Don't hide yourself under shapeless or loose clothing," she says. "This type of clothing hangs off the widest points of your body, including your chest, hips and stomach, which can be far from flattering.
"If your waistline is smaller than your hips, then it's likely that your waist is the narrowest part of your body. So, by wearing clothes that give a little definition at the waistline, you'll instantly appear slimmer.
"Remember, it’s not about wearing tight-fitting clothing; the important thing is to have shape rather than a straight fit over the waist."
Looking for a spring-ready piece to help accentuate your waist? Then consider investing in a belted dress – a key style this season. Here are a few of our favourites on the high street...
M&S Collection Pure Linen Checked Relaxed Midi Dress
John Lewis & Partners Linen Belted Midi Dress, Chambray
Keeping clothes you never wear
If your wardrobe is stuffed with clothes you no longer wear or need, then it's time to embrace your inner Marie Kondo and do some decluttering.
Whether you recycle old pieces, donate them to charity or organise a clothes swap with friends, clearing space for the pieces you wear regularly will make putting outfits together so much easier, and should also help you see what's missing from your wardrobe.
"A common style mistake we all make is convincing ourselves we'll wear a piece again – one day..." says Cyrine. "But, usually, if you haven’t even thought about wearing it – let alone actually worn it – in the last year, it's probably time to say thank you, but goodbye!"
Wearing the wrong underwear
Has it been a while since you were fitted for a bra or bought some new underwear? Then it may be time for a top drawer refresh...
"One of the most common wardrobe mistakes I see is ill-fitting underwear," says Cyrine. "Whether it's loose knickers, or a bra that’s just a little too tight, even the most flattering clothes won't look their best if you're wearing the wrong underwear. Think of a beautiful house built on shaky foundations, and you'll get the picture."
She continues: "Wearing appropriately fitted underwear is vital to emphasise your natural body shape, and to give you extra support and comfort. And, if you want to avoid VPL, then consider buying seamless knickers."
M&S Collection Smoothlines Underwired Balcony Bra A-E
Marks & Spencer M&S Collection Flexifit Smoothing Non-Padded Full Cup Bra A-F
Marks & Spencer M&S Collection Light Control No VPL All Over Lace Thong
John Lewis & Partners Calvin Klein Seductive Comfort Smooth Lift T-Shirt Bra, Black
Wearing the wrong colours
We all find ourselves drawn to certain colours when walking around the shops, but have you ever stopped to consider whether your go-to hues are really the most flattering shades for you?
"The wrong colours can drain you, but assessing your colouring isn't easy, which is why so many people get this wrong," Keren says. "Most people will look significantly better in either warm or cool colours, but have no idea which ones to go for.
"An easy way to find out is by trying on both silver and gold earrings, and then checking which shade looks more 'in harmony' with your complexion." If silver suits, go for cooler shades but, if gold's the one for you, embrace warmer hues.
Impulse Shopping
Impulse shopping almost always ends in buyer's remorse, argues Keren – whether you're panic-buying right before a big event or picking something up on the spur of the moment without stopping to consider how you'll actually style it...
"Building the ideal wardrobe takes planning and research," she tells us. "The key is to create a list of the items that will serve you well, based on your lifestyle and image. Stick to this list as closely as possible, and start seeking out the best versions of each item that you can afford, considering quality, colour and fit."
Not only is this a more sustainable way to shop, but it should help your finances, too. "If you love and care for your items, prolonging their lifespan, then you will save money over time by buying fewer things – it's that simple," says Keren.
Want some capsule wardrobe inspiration? Here are the 5 items our Fashion Director Amanda Marcantanio wears all year round...
Marks & Spencer Autograph Pure Cashmere Round Neck Jumper
Not carrying an umbrella
Nothing will ruin your look like walking out unprepared for our unpredictable British weather, warns Editor-in-Chief Gaby Huddart.
"The number-one wardrobe pitfall is going out without an umbrella!" she tells us. "However the day starts, it can always end in rain and nothing looks worse than wet, disheveled hair or rain-splattered clothes. I love a birdcage umbrella, as it gives proper protection but it’s possible to see through, too."
Here are a few of our favourite umbrellas to pop in your handbag...
John Lewis & Partners Fulton Birdcage Domed Umbrella, Black
Marks & Spencer M&S Collection Animal Print Compact Umbrella
Saving "special" pieces for evening
If you've splurged on a statement piece for a special event, don't make the common mistake of letting it waste away at the back of your wardrobe. "When the party’s over, dress down your dress-up pieces," advises Fashion Director Amanda Marcantonio.
"Get on board with the modern, high-low dressing trend – glamorous items styled with more casual pieces. Velvet blazers, sequin skirts, big glitzy earrings, decadent shoes and satin trousers will all look great teamed with cosy knitwear, trainers, Breton tops, denim and khaki pieces. And they'll also inject a little personality into your 9-to-5 tailored separates."
Want to add some glamour to your everyday wardrobe? Here are some of our favourite statement pieces to shop now...
John Lewis & Partners J.Crew Crystal Oval Drop Earrings, Clear/G
Worrying about trends
Yes, we all want to look stylish, but you should never focus too much on being on-trend, says Cyrine. "Ditching a piece you love because you're worried it's out of fashion could be the worst mistake of all," she says. "Trends will always change, but the way a certain item makes you feel may stay the same, so if you feel great in it, then keep wearing it!"
Keren agrees that buying too heavily into trends instead of building on your signature style is a common mistake. "Aim to develop a clear sense of personal style, in line with who you are, and learn to ignore passing trends that aren’t really ‘you’.
"Remember that knowing who you are and dressing accordingly is hugely empowering and confidence-boosting."
The perfect solution? Buying new season pieces that are on-trend but timeless, too...
Marks & Spencer M&S Collection Tie Waist Midi Shirt Dress
Marks & Spencer Autograph Pure Cotton Double Breasted Trench Coat
John Lewis & Partners hush Cupar Low Top Trainers, White Leather
