10 Style Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making (#5 Is BAD!)

You can make style mistakes for years without realizing it, because they hide inside “normal” outfits. You might think you just need new clothes, when the real issue is how you’re choosing fit, balancing proportions, or repeating the same unhelpful habits. That’s why getting dressed can feel harder than it should.

Here’s what most people get wrong: style problems rarely come from one bad item. They come from patterns, like buying pieces that don’t match the rest of your wardrobe, relying on dated cuts, or choosing comfort in a way that removes all shape. You also don’t need to follow every trend to look current. You need a clear foundation that makes your outfits look intentional.

In this article, you’ll learn ten common mistakes that quietly drag down your look and how to fix them with realistic changes. You’ll get guidance on fit, fabric, and styling tweaks that make a big difference fast, plus shopping rules that stop the cycle. You’ll leave with a clearer eye and a simpler routine.

Mistake #1: Choosing “Your Size” Instead of the Right Size

Women select their smallest clothing size because society has established that smaller numbers represent higher quality. The practice of purchasing clothing only in your designated size prevents you from discovering different ways to create fashion looks through clothing shapes.

The act of purchasing clothing in larger sizes than your regular size can create a more fashionable and upscale appearance for your outfit. I normally wear extra small but I have bought medium and large sizes because they provided better fabric drape. I transformed the clothing item into a stylish design through my adjustments of its dimensions.

The fit of blazers against your body resembles professional attire when you wear them in your actual size. The large size of the design produces a casual look which fashion influencers and Pinterest users frequently show.

The experience of wearing different sizes will transform your entire wardrobe into a creative space according to my personal experience as an it girl. Your wardrobe creativity will increase when you abandon your size restrictions because your closet will become more innovative. Your ability to create personally will increase significantly after you remove your limitation to work with single sizes.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Your Body Proportions

Style exists independently from body types because each person has their own unique shape. You can replicate an outfit from Pinterest through individual pieces yet the design will not match your body shape.

The term proportions refers to specific body measurements which include torso size and leg-to-hip ratio and shoulder width in relation to hip width. The solution requires you to discover which styles create the most attractive look on your individual body shape.

People with extended torso lengths can pull off high-rise pants without issue yet those with shorter torsos (such as myself) look better in pants that sit at mid to low height. People with broad hips achieve their most attractive look when wearing tight-fitting jeans yet those with slim hips achieve better balance through wearing barrel jeans or wide-leg jeans.

The main goal of this process requires individuals to build their individual knowledge foundation instead of competing with others. Your body proportions need understanding to help you choose outfits with greater assurance. The entire process exists to give you confidence.

Mistake #3: Wearing the Wrong Undergarments

This one is SO overlooked, but it changes everything! You can have the perfect outfit, but if your bra straps are showing or your underwear lines are visible, the polish is GONE.

It’s really helpful to think of undergarments as part of your outfit. Seamless nude bras under light fabrics, shapewear when you want a smoother line, or even bralettes shown intentionally under oversized button-downs. When your foundation is right, your whole look feels finished!

Mistake #4: Not Tailoring Your Clothes

This is another one that’s so overlooked but makes SUCH a big difference! Ready-to-wear clothing is designed to fit an average body that doesn’t really exist. That’s why almost everything you try on straight off the rack just looks… okay. It’s very rarely when you try something on and it’s like “Oh my god, wow, this was made for me!” You know what I’m saying?

But the moment I started tailoring? Girl, my life was changed! Even a $30 pair of jeans with a $10 hem will look better than a $300 pair dragging on the floor.

Tailoring doesn’t have to be a complete redesign. It can just be taking up the hem a couple inches, shortening straps, or taking in a blazer to cinch you in. All that stuff is quick and inexpensive! Instead of forcing yourself to fit into clothes, now the clothing works perfectly for YOU.

Mistake #5: Forgetting About Shoes

I used to make this mistake ALL the time in high school because I had like three pairs of shoes. Shoes are the period at the end of the sentence, but most of us treat them as an afterthought!

The wrong shoe can undo the work of an entire outfit. It can completely destroy it! Even if no one comments on it, it’s noticeable – more like a subtle feeling that something just isn’t hitting.

Always think about shoes as part of your outfit from the very beginning. Going casual? Clean white sneakers always pull through. Want polish? Swap in loafers, mules, sleek boots, or even a kitten heel. Even the most simple jeans and t-shirt outfit looks intentional when you anchor it with the right shoe!

Mistake #6: Sticking to One Silhouette

Every person has their standard body shape which they default to. I wore crop tops with high-waisted skinny jeans as my usual style during my early twenties. I wore this combination every day throughout the entire week.

The outfit appeared acceptable but it lacked any sense of fashion style. The constant use of identical fashion formulas leads to boredom because you stop trying new things and having enjoyable experiences.

The solution requires testing multiple possible solutions. You should attempt to wear wide-leg trousers or barrel jeans instead of your typical skinny jeans. You should attempt to wear oversized bottoms which will help you achieve balance in your body shape when you normally choose cropped or fitted tops.

The way you style your clothes through silhouette creation makes fashion exciting because it transforms your existing wardrobe items into completely new looks.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Texture Balance

Most people only think about color when they get dressed, but texture is such an unsung hero! It’s what makes outfits feel layered, dynamic, and more interesting. Without texture balance, even the cutest outfit can just look flat.

Truly stylish outfits balance texture the same way they balance color. Think denim with silk, leather with knit, crisp with relaxed. Even an all-black outfit looks intentional when you mix matte with shiny or soft with structured.

Texture is the difference between “I’m wearing a cute outfit” versus “I am EATING.” You know what I’m saying? If you want people to look at you and be like “she ate,” it’s because of texture. Trust me!

Mistake #8: Neglecting Grooming and Maintenance

Clothes aren’t just about how they look when you buy them – they’re about how you care for them! Wrinkled shirts, pilling sweaters, loose threads, faded black clothing – they can downgrade even the best outfit.

Confession: I used to be that girl who ironed maybe once a year. But the day I bought a steamer? Girl, everything changed! Wrinkles were gone in seconds and I looked more polished instantly.

Maintenance is the least glamorous part of fashion, but it’s a hidden secret because people forget about it! Keep a wardrobe care kit in your closet: lint roller, fabric shaver, steamer, scissors for loose threads. If something’s a little off, you can quickly fix it and you’re good to go!

Mistake #9: Over and Under Accessorizing

This is such a fine line! Sometimes you do too much, sometimes not enough. Accessories tell the story of your outfit.

I’ve definitely been guilty of throwing on every necklace, chunky rings, gold hoops, a statement bag, and crazy shoes ALL in the same outfit. On the other hand, I’ve also walked out with NO accessories at all looking like I didn’t finish getting ready!

Find that sweet spot – accessories should enhance, not overwhelm OR underwhelm your outfit.

Mistake #10: Shopping Without a Plan

This starts before the outfit even exists! If you shop without strategy, your closet will never make sense. I used to buy random trends because they looked good in the store, then get home and realize these pieces didn’t go with ANYTHING in my closet. That’s how you end up with 20 tops and two pairs of pants, or five statement jackets and no basics to wear them with!

So definitely shop intentionally! Build around your staples first – pieces you’ll wear over and over. THEN sprinkle in trends you genuinely love (not just because they’re trending). If you really love that trend and how it looks and feels on YOUR body, then add it. Little sprinkle sprinkle! Suddenly your closet starts working WITH you instead of against you.

Style Mistakes You Don’t Notice Until You See Photos

Photos expose what mirrors hide: proportions, contrast, and small fit issues. If you want your outfits to look better instantly, focus on what cameras pick up.

Sneaky mistakes that show up fast:

• Your outfit lacks contrast, so you look like one flat block.

• Your waistband sits at an awkward spot, and it shortens your legs.

• Your jacket length cuts you in the widest place.

Fixes you can use today:

• Add contrast near your face, like a lighter top, a scarf, or bold earrings.

• Show a waist or create shape with a half-tuck, belt, or cropped layer.

• Match shoe color to your pants or skin tone to extend the leg line. In warm months, a neutral sandal can help.

Other common issues:

• You wear wrinkled fabrics, and the outfit reads messy.

• You carry an overstuffed bag, and it drags the look down.

• You choose shiny cheap fabric, and flash photography highlights it.

Take one full-body photo before you leave. If you see a weird “cut” across your body, change that hem length or add a layer. You’ll feel the difference all day.