6 Fashion Mistakes You’re Probably Making And How To Fix Them

Even if you consider yourself a stylish person, we’re all prone to making some fashion mistakes every now and then. We’re not talking about so-called “rules” like donning outdated clothing or following some cringe-worthy trends. We’re talking about overspending, questionable styling with ill-fitting clothes, premature destruction of wardrobe items, and extreme eye-rolling by loved ones about that one item you just can’t get rid of… even though it’s falling apart. Don’t despair—there are some easy fixes! Use these ideas to overhaul your wardrobe and be confident in your clothing choices.

1. Desperation Shopping
   The Problem: A big event—a we­dding, a special birthday— looms on the calendar. Instead of heading to a store you can count on, with plenty of lead time, you refine a list of reasons not to shop: I don’t know what to get. I don’t have the time/money/energy. Maybe there’s some­thing in my closet I can wear! At the last minute, you panic and race to make a purchase, perhaps plunking down extra cash for express shipping—to end up with something pricey that you don’t love and may never wear again. You don’t look your best, and you feel like a ding­-dong for overspending.

The Solution: As soon as you get an invitation, schedule time on your calendar to figure out what to wear. When assessing your own clothes, bear in mind that with the addition of borrowed, thrifted, or rented accessories, your problem­-solving dress or outfit might be right in front of your face. Meanwhile, do a gut check. Maybe you’re stressing about choosing an outfit for reasons that have nothing to do with clothes. Is there something about the event that makes you uncomfortable? Are you scared to encounter someone you haven’t seen in a long time, or worried a family event will remind you of a loss? Maybe you’ve imbued your outfit with magical qualities. (If I don’t get the perfect dress, the day will be ruined.) Identifying your feelings—either on your own or with a trusted confidante—helps put the task of getting dressed into perspective.

2. Markdown Mania
   The Problem: Sales and special offers cause you to lose your mind. Budgeting and good sense leave the building. You end up with clothes that you don’t need, would never wear, and don’t even look good in.

The Solution: Bargains are the number one reason that people end up with useless items, and flash sales only heighten the risk. So before you click “buy” or bolt to the checkout counter, pause. Reflect. Is it the thrill of the bargain that you’re responding to or the item itself? Ask your­self, If this were full price, would I still want it? Do I need it? Imagine what you’ll wear it with and for what occasion. Ask yourself what else in your closet serves the same purpose. Then think about how many hours you work to earn the money that you are about to blow on this item. And take a second to consider what else you could spend that cash on if you didn’t spend it here. If you’re good with the answers you come up with, then proceed with confidence. (And, by the way, congratulations on money well spent.)

3. Cobbler-Phobia
   The Problem: Failure to engage in preventive maintenance and regular rehab of footwear. Such behavior can result in beyond­ repair leather, trashed soles, and premature shoe death.

The Solution: Spare yourself and your wallet grief with this simple regimen for your best pairs. Treat new shoes with a lightweight, breathable water­ and stain­-repellent spray before the first wear. Then, depending on how often you use them, give shoes a spritz every week or so. (It’s like putting on moisturizer: It’s not a one­-and- done situation.) Keep daily grime from setting into permanent stains with a quick once­over after each wearing; use a soft cloth for leather and a bristled brush for suede. (Spots on suede can be treated first with a special eraser.) When leather­-soled shoes and boots are young, have a skilled cobbler add thin protective rubber soles. The look won’t be compromised, and they will last much longer. Don’t put this task off: If the original soles are too far gone, thin rubber soles won’t save them. Have the rubber replaced when it starts to wear.

4. Closet-Disorder
   The Problem: Piling multiple tops onto a single hanger, over­-stuffing drawers, and cramming hanging rods so tightly that the jaws of life are required to extract clothes. Plumbing the depths feels so overwhelming, you default to grabbing what’s just out of the laundry—which means that you end up wearing the same things over and over and over again.

The Solution: First, carve out and honor an off­-season storage spot. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Attic, basement, a spare dresser, under­-bed bins—whatever you can make happen. Twice a year, move off­ season clothes out of sight. During this transition time, get rid of what no longer fits, suits your life, or makes you happy. And to ensure that you never (again?) end up with 12 pairs of black pants, organize the winners first by type and then by color. Use the correct hanger for the task: Lightweight, flat flocked hangers work for thin, light tops; sturdier hangers maintain the shape and structure of coats and blazers. Heavy knit sweaters and dresses will stretch if hung; instead, fold them and store in drawers or on shelves.

5. Tailor-Avoidance Syndrome
   The Problem: You fall for a piece of clothing, but the sleeves or the hem is a little long—or there’s some gaping at the waist. You tell your­ self that it’s fine, no one will notice. And besides, you already paid so much for it, how can you justify spending more on tailoring? Alteration aversion (another name for TAS) can also be chalked up to plain old laziness. (Who needs another errand?) But the truth is, you do—to look more pulled­ together and feel more confident. The Solution: Take advantage when­ever a store offers free or low­-cost alterations. (What you lose in instant gratification, you’ll gain in compliments; even the least expensive item looks exponentially pricier when tailored to fit.) Ask around for a good local tailor, so that you’ll always have someone at the ready. And when you back­slide and are tempted to skip the alterations, remind yourself that fit is a key component of style.

6. Attachment Disorder 

The Problem: You refer to a certain sweater, jacket, or pair of jeans as your best friend. When you look back through your selfies or when people tag you on Facebook, you always seem to be wearing said friend. You are experiencing creeping doubts about the health of this relationship.

The Solution: Take a good, hard look at old faithful, and consider if it’s still earning its keep. If you have even once said to yourself, “Oh, no one will notice this stain/rip/fraying,” it’s time for a second opinion. Ask an honest and kind friend (of the human variety) to weigh in on its style (does it look up to date?) and attractiveness (does it flatter you?). It’s possible you have a genuine classic on your hands, something worth the investment of an alteration or a special cleaning. But there is a difference between a classic and something that’s just old. If an item has deep sentimental value, you can treat it like a work of art: Frame it, take a photo of it, use it as a centerpiece for a quilt, or pack it away for posterity. If it’s not worth that treatment, bid it good­bye and trust that you will love again.