We all try to do our best with our style choices, but sometimes we commit fashion faux pas and need a bit of extra help to solve them. There’s nothing wrong with that! Fashion is constantly evolving, and rules that were the norm decades ago may not apply to us today. So if you think it’s time to step up your fashion game, start with updating your dos and don’ts. I’ll tell you about 13 modern-day faux pas that fashionable women are never caught wearing, and I’ll also show you how you can solve all these style dilemmas. Just read on to see them!
13 Fashion Faux Pas You Should Never Be Caught Wearing
21st Century Fashion Faux Pas, And How To Solve Them
Honestly, I never really followed a lot of so-called “fashion rules.” Things like “dress to make yourself look slim,” or “don’t mix prints,” or “save white for labor day,” are pretty outdated rules that I’m happy to ignore completely. And in recent times, these very limiting rules have slowly been replaced by the idea that fashion is about expression and showing the best and most unique version of ourselves. Modern fashion faux pas have become more about respecting ourselves and other people, and helping us put our best foot forward. They’re also a lot more practical these days! Because more than being “embarrassed” about fashion faux pas and worried about how people will judge you, today’s rules are more focused on making sure you take care of yourself to avoid inconveniences or even injuries. Keep scrolling to see 13 fashion faux pas, and learn how to avoid them.
1. Deodorant Marks
I’m sure you know how frustrating it is to see those dreaded white marks on your favorite dark top. Not only is this a fashion faux pas, it’s also ruining your favorite clothes! The solution? Look for non-marking deodorants, put deodorant on in advance and let it set before you wear your clothes. A bit more prep time is a small investment if it means keeping your clothes neat, even before you get out the door.
2. Broken Footwear
We’ve all had to wear broken footwear at one point in our lives, whether it’s having to glide instead of walk because of a broken strap or detached sole. And this fashion faux pas is not fun at all! So before you head out in the morning, double-check your shoes and make sure they’re in good shape. Also, if you’re doing a lot of walking (or running), pick a shoe that’s sturdy and dependable.
3. Unintentional Rips
Some people see unintentional rips as tacky or ugly, but it’s so much more than that! You spent good money on your clothes and time putting together your outfit, it would be a waste for your clothes to tear or rip. The fear of rips or snags doesn’t mean you can’t wear body con dresses anymore, it just means you should pay more attention to fitting the clothes you buy. If it doesn’t fit you perfectly, don’t buy it!
4. Spills and Stains
Stains on your clothes are a sign that you’re not careful with your clothes and yourself. But sometimes we really can’t avoid this fashion faux pas! I’ve got a few solutions whenever I’m faced with the problem. If you know you’re going to do something that’s messy, leave the white and pastels at home. Wear something darker so the stains won’t show as much. Or, if you absolutely have (or want!) to wear light outfits, bring a change of clothes with you in the car or at your office desk.
5. Impractical Bags
Bags are, first and foremost, utilitarian pieces. They’re meant to store your valuables and essentials in a stylish way. So don’t force all your stuff into a tiny bag if they don’t fit! There are so many fashionable totes or large clutches that look great and fit all of your essentials.
6. Sunglasses Indoors
Shades indoors has got to be one of my biggest pet peeves. I don’t know how some people can still see properly wearing shades indoors. It’s so impractical! This is a fashion faux pas that I don’t find stylish at all.
7. Ill-fitting Clothes
We see so many celebrities having wardrobe malfunctions, and it all boils down to the fit of their clothes. And it’s not really a matter of indecency or showing too much skin. (If you have it, flaunt it!) If a piece of clothing doesn’t fit right on your body, it might not look the way you want it to. And that’s a big fashion faux pas!
8. Nonsense Statement Tees
I love statement tees, and I think they’re a great way to express yourself even more. But this form of expression comes with responsibility! Misspelled statement tees, or tees that are just a jumble of random letters and words are a huge fashion faux pas. Instead, go for statement tees that really express how you feel!
9. Pure Athleisure
Athleisure is a huge trend right now, but there is such a thing as going overboard. As with any trend, going too extreme can make you look out of place. Instead, pair athleisure pieces like joggers and sneakers with more sophisticated pieces like a leather jacket.
10. Knock-Offs
I know we all dream of one day owning designer handbags and shoes, but knock-offs aren’t the way to do it. If you can’t afford it or if you’re just buying it for the brand, don’t! There are so many other more affordable shops and designers you can get great pieces from, and they might even fit your personal style better than high-end designer brands.
11. Too Much Animal Print
In a survey conducted by eBay on over 1,000 people, too much animal print was named the top fashion faux pas. And I totally understand why animal print can be a fashion faux pas. If not styled well, you can end up looking tacky. So if you want to wear animal prints, stick to one or two types and pair them with basics like a jacket or a coat.
12. Wrinkled Clothes
Unless you’re really going for the “just got out of bed” look, make sure your clothes are neatly pressed and wrinkle-free! Trust me, your crisp white button-down shirt is going to look so much more polished if it’s ironed and straight.
13. Appropriating Other Cultures
If there’s one fashion faux pas that’s non-negotiable, it’s cultural appropriation. Under no circumstances is it okay to take parts of other cultures and reduce it to an accessory or a fashion statement. For example, Selena Gomez came under fire for repeatedly wearing Bindis as an accessory, something that holds great spiritual meaning in Hindu and Indian culture. Think of how you’d feel if someone else took something very meaningful to you and wore it without understanding just how valuable it is. Fashion is about looking our best, yes, but it’s also something that’s very public and it’s a way for us to communicate with the world. So it’s also about being considerate and respectful towards other people!
Watch this video from POPSUGAR Fashion for more fashion faux pas to avoid:
We all want to look our best through the outfits we wear. But we also all want to show off our unique sense of style, right? I think these modern-day fashion faux pas can help us do just that. What fashion faux pas have you committed, and how did you deal with them? Leave me a comment to let me know!
Want more style advice like these fashion faux pas? Check this out!