In 2024, fashion and styling mistakes are definitely a hot topic all over social media, with everyone sharing their opinions on how to look polished without going overboard. While personal style is all about expressing who you are, there are some helpful guidelines to ensure your style pops without losing your individuality. It’s all about finding that balance—where your style feels fresh, current, and effortless, but still unique to you. With the right touches, your outfit can stand out without looking too forced or overly styled. The key is to embrace your personal style while keeping things sleek and simple. Ultimately, it’s about enhancing your style in a way that feels authentic and true to you.
Here are some of the most common styling missteps:
- Overusing Trends: Instead of layering too many trendy pieces, which can overwhelm an outfit, I recommend balancing bold trends with essential pieces or classic pieces. This approach ensures outfits are fashion-forward but not chaotic. Don’t wear a boho chic look in all trendy burgundy with brown suede boots, oversized brown suede corduroy bag with a wrap neck coat. This outfit is completely over styled and chaotic in that there are several outfits combined edit this look down to a boho chic dress with burgundy books a cropped suede jacket and oversized suede bag.
- Ignoring Proportions: Fit is critical, and in 2024, oversized or overly tight clothing is out. A well-tailored look that complements your body shape is seen as more polished and sophisticated. I am guilty of this, not getting your item tailored when there are slight fit issues will break your outfit. You and I have to do better! We are not rolled out of an assembly line like some of our clothing pieces, so we have to make sure the fit is right for our individual bodies. This will instantly elevate any outfit.
- Outdated Layering and Accessories: Too many layers can appear awkward, so mastering layering will make you look well put together and chic. A turtleneck worn under a button up shirt and layering a chunky sweater over it, paired with trousers & a grandpa peacoat & scarf is completely ridiculous. This look is doing too much and trying too hard. Edit, edit, edit. Take a look at modern preppy looks to get a better feel for how it will translate onto you with the use of your wardrobe. The emphasis on high-quality knits layered over slim fitted pieces with minimalistic accessories like hats, drop earrings and elegant scarves for a refined touch.
- Following Trends Blindly: FOMO is real and focusing on staying true to one’s personal style instead of following every trend for someone is a balancing act. Wearing boho chic pieces because you see it heavily trending, when you know that you have always gravitated towards structured pieces w/ clean lines is being a blind follower. Wearing deep reds because you are seeing so much of it is in-store, yet you only have two red items in your closet now you have added everything burgundy, wine & marron to cart & checked out. This is FOMO steering you away from your personal style. Learn to incorporate trends into current wardrobe is you really want to try the trend out. If you absolutely do not gravitate towards a trend, then it is ok to sit it out. Be confident when it comes to your personal style. Doing so ensures your own authenticity and helps create a cohesive, authentic look that aligns with one’s personality. You should always strive to be and always look like you. Always know that when you look like you, you look your best.
- Neglecting Color and Fabric Care: With bold colors trending (like emerald, green and purple), neutrals are taking a back seat. And since fabric care affects how polished clothes look, keeping items wrinkle-free and properly stored is essential for keeping a sharp appearance. Pay close attention to clothing labels, they are there for to guide you on caring for your pieces. Hang your cloths up with felt hangers in closet spaces that allow your clothes to hang and not be crushed. Edit your closet and let go of those items you know you are not going to wear anymore or cannot wear anymore. Allow those items to find a new home that will appreciate them more. Get your items dry cleaned when the label calls for it and be mindful of the wash cycle shown in the care instructions as well.
Remember This
Taking good care of your clothes isn’t just about keeping them clean—it’s the secret to making them last longer and look great every time you wear them. Proper washing, drying, and storing routines can prevent fading, shrinking, and wear-and-tear, meaning your favorite pieces stay in rotation instead of ending up in the donation pile. Paying attention to care labels and using gentle cycles or air drying can make a world of difference, especially for delicate or high-quality fabrics. Plus, well-cared-for clothing tends to hold its shape and color better, which means you’ll always look polished and put-together. Not to mention, extending the life of your wardrobe is eco-friendly and wallet-friendly—less waste and fewer shopping trips. So, a little extra effort can keep you looking fly and as you go out to slay.
