We all want to look polished and put together, but our fashion choices can sometimes have the opposite effect. Making unintentional mistakes, like wearing poorly fitting clothes or over-accessorizing, can cheapen your overall appearance. The good news? These fashion faux pas are easy to fix. Here are 15 common mistakes that might drag down your look and how to turn them around.
1. Clinging to Outdated Trends
Fashion trends come and go, and hanging onto outdated styles can make you look behind the times and cheap. Ditch the never-ending trend cycle for a wardrobe filled with timeless staples like a classic trench coat or a well-fitted blazer. These will always keep you looking chic and will make you look like you dress expensively.
2. Ignoring Your “Season”
Your “season” is determined by your skin tone, hair color, and eye color and determines why some shades look terrible on us and make us shine. Dressing out of your season can make you look out of touch and, in some cases, cheap. Stick to fabrics and styles appropriate for your season. For example, opt for light pastel hues if you’re a Spring. Or, if you’re an Autumn, shop for darker-hued colors to make your outfit pop.
3. Wearing Pilled and Worn-Out Clothes
Nothing screams “cheap” louder than wearing visibly worn-out clothes. Whether it’s a pilled sweater, a frayed hem on a pair of jeans, or a faded t-shirt, these can make you look messy. Regularly inspect your wardrobe and retire pieces that have seen better days. In the future, consider investing in good-quality pieces with a longer life span than cheaper ones.
4. Choosing Shiny, Synthetic Fabrics
Shiny, synthetic fabrics rarely look chic; more often than not, they look inexpensive and tacky. They don’t drape well and can catch the light in unflattering ways. To give off the air of extravagance and luxury, opt for natural fibers like cotton, wool, or silk, which are more luxurious and often more breathable.
5. Ignoring Scuffed and Dirty Shoes
Your shoes can make or break your outfit. Wearing scuffed, dirty, or worn-out shoes will instantly cheapen your look. It’s essential to keep your shoes looking clean and polished and replace them when they show signs of wear. You might not think it’s a big deal, but it could instantly cheapen your whole look.
6. Showcasing Loud Logos
While a little bit of branding can be stylish, plastering yourself in loud logos can cheapen your overall look. You might think that dousing yourself in expensive logos and brands will make you look lavish, but it can make you look like you’re trying too hard to flaunt a label. Subtle branding, or no branding at all, will always look more refined and polished.
7. Wearing the Wrong Underwear
Visible panty lines, bra straps peeking out, or underwear that creates bulges can cheapen even the most expensive outfit. Wearing a well-fitted bra and seamless underwear might not exactly scream luxurious, but they’re small fashion choices that stop you from looking like a walking fashion faux pas. The right foundation garments can make all the difference.
8. Flashing Fake Jewelry
Fake bling that looks overly flashy can make your outfit look cheap. There’s nothing luxurious about wearing tacky, flashy jewelry. Instead, choose understated, high-quality pieces—even if they’re costume jewelry. The key is to select timeless, sophisticated, and not overly loud items.
9. Wearing Too-Tight Clothing
Clothing that’s too tight looks uncomfortable and can come across as cheap. People with serious money aren’t wearing tacky, tight clothes. To look bougie, it’s better to wear clothes that fit you properly, giving you a more polished and classy appearance. When in doubt, go a size up and tailor it down to always look your best-dressed self.
10. Skipping Grooming
Even if your outfit is on point, neglecting grooming can cheapen your overall look. Whether it’s messy hair or chipped nail polish, bad grooming is not just off-putting but cheap-looking. Regular grooming habits keep you looking fresh and put-together, no matter what you wear. They don’t just look good; they feel good, too, and can boost your confidence.
11. Investing in Designer Knockoffs
There is nothing worse than sporting knockoff designer items. In theory, it might seem like a good deal, but they often look cheap and are easily spotted as fakes. Invest in high-quality, no-name pieces instead of trying to pass off a fake. A well-made, unbranded bag will always look better than a poorly-made knockoff.
12. Overdoing the Trends
Trends are fun to indulge in and can add a youthful factor to your wardrobe if done right. However, chasing every trend can make your wardrobe look cluttered and confused. People with real money don’t get caught up in tacky trends; they invest in quality, timeless style. Sticking with a few current pieces and mixing them with your classic staples is better. This creates a balanced look that’s both modern and sophisticated.
13. Applying Dated Makeup
Your makeup is part of your overall style, and just like clothes, makeup has trends, too. Using outdated techniques like blush placement and thick, drawn-on eyebrows can detract from your look. Avoid heavy contouring, thick eyeliner, and tacky eyeshadow to look more sophisticated. Always opt for a fresh, modern approach to enhance your natural beauty and complement your outfit.
14. Forgetting About Fit and Proportion
Even the most expensive outfit can look cheap if the proportions are off. Not everything will fit us perfectly, but making sure your clothes balance the proportions of your figure is a powerful tool that can make you look expensive. Try shopping for structured, tailored clothes, or consider taking your clothes to get altered to look your best-dressed self.
15. Showing Visible Seams and Edges
Visible seams, tags, and unfinished edges can make even the most expensive piece look cheap. Even though something might cost a lot of money, if you can see wonky stitching or frayed edges, people will think it’s cheap. Pay attention to these details when buying clothes; consider purchasing something more refined if you spot them.