5 Fashion Mistakes You’re Probably Making

Happy Thursday, ladies!  As we step into Fall and start shopping online, as well as shopping our closets, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed.  Personally, I think transition periods can feel this way, mostly because it can be difficult to shift mindsets.

Summer-to-Fall can be particularly challenging for me.  I’m already missing vacation; not ready to let go of the warm weather; and definitely not ready to get back to work full time.  And these feelings can lead to mistakes.  And while fashion is low-stakes in general—certainly lower than, say, heading off to work every day—nobody really likes to make mistakes big or small.

Today, I wanted to talk 5 fashion mistakes you need to stop making.  And in a lot of ways, these mistakes translate into other areas of our lives.  And that’s what I love about fashion:  it’s can be a great analogy for the rest of our lives.  So, let’s get right down to them.

The Summary

  Today, I’m talking 5 fashion mistakes you probably need to stop making this Fall

  I’m also sharing 5 of my favorite Fall outfits from the past 5 years

  For each inspiration outfit, I’ve put together 5 new ones from in-stock items from my favorite retailers

  Each outfit is shoppable via a text- or image-widget

5 Fashion Mistakes You Probably Need To Stop Making

1. Not having fun

At its core, fashion should be fun.  It definitely shouldn’t feel like a chore.  But I think often, it does.

As simple as this mistake may seem, I think this is really easy to forget.  And that could be for a variety of reasons.  We may not feel like we have the right wardrobe.  Or we may feel we don’t fit into our clothes in exactly the right way.

Or… well, you get the idea.  There are a million reasons we can get down on ourselves when it’s time to pick out an outfit.  So I urge you this fall to inject a little levity into your dressing.

Go for something new:  a bright color, a fun sweater, or a graphic tee.  Wear something that’s gonna make you smile.  And something that’ll make someone else smile too.

Similar outfit

Board:  Audrey Cashmere Sweater (Talbots) | Muse High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans (PAIGE) | Perfect Shirt (Ann Taylor) | Ryan Twist Nappa Loafers (Talbots)

Shop the Board

2. Neglecting Layers

Layers are absolutely essential for Fall.  Seems obvious, right?  Well, I can’t tell you how many forget to layer appropriately.

And the thing about Fall:  temperatures can swing wildly.  85 Fahrenheit during the day to 55 in the evening.  (And everything in between!)

Whether you prefer a jacket & shirt combination; sweater & long sleeve tee; blazer & hoodie; make sure to layer appropriately.

Similar Outfit

Board: Clairview Hoodie Sweater (Madewell) | The Hutton Blazer (Ann Taylor) | Everyday Chelsea Boot | Hampshire Ankle Pants (Talbots)

Shop the outfit

3. Choosing Quantity, Not Quality

For my regulars, you know I’ve brought up the concepts of “slow fashion” or “sustainable fashion” throughout the years.

Now, while I’m not going to go on a diatribe against modern consumerism, I just say this:  investing in quality fashion pieces that will last you multiple seasons and years is much preferable to turning over seasonal wardrobes every single year.

Now don’t get me wrong:  I’m not bemoaning budget-friendly alternatives and retailers with lower price points.

But I will offer a few suggestions:

• When you prorate high-quality albeit more expensive items across multiple years, they are actually cheaper than turning over the same item each year.
• Look to shopping second-hand or thrift.  Oftentimes you can find high-quality and formerly expensive items at reasonable prices.
• Shop your closet!  If you look to build a timeless, classic wardrobe, the staples you’ve invested in the past will still be wearable today.

Similar Outfit

Board:  Oversized Plaid Peacoat | Slide Slit Funnel Neck Cashmere Sweater (Vince) | Maggie Knee High Boot (Vince) | High Waist Semed Pencil Skirt (Ann Taylor)

Shop the outfit

4. Not Listening To Your Intuition

In our modern society, we are often implicitly or explicitly asked to ignore our intuitions and trust the advice of others.  (Ironic, coming from a fashion blogger.)

I should say upfront that I’m not saying this is always a bad thing.  If you can sift through the noise of modernity, there’s good advice to be had.  No doubt about it.

But what I am saying is this:  ultimately, trust your intuition.  And yes, this goes for fashion.  Ultimately, you know you better than anyone, really.  And that means you know what you feel comfortable in.

And while I firmly believe in trying new things, if you have, say, tried wide-legged cropped pants, and they’re just not for you, then go with your gut.

Similar Outfit

Board:  Perfect Shirt (Ann Taylor) | Long + Lean Blazer (Banana Republic) | Yale Chelsea Boot (Marc FIsher) | Faux Leather Ankle Skinny Pants (SPANX)

Shop the outfit

5. Wearing The Wrong Outfit For the Wrong Occasion

Heading out to a fancy dinner after work and forgot your dress to change into?

Are you going on vacation and didn’t pack something casual for an excursion?

Spending an entire day walking in a pair of new shoes?

We’ve all worn the wrong outfit (or items) for the wrong occasion.  The truth is, functional fashion takes work.  It takes planning.  It takes forethought.

Know where you’re going; what you’re planning to do; and dress accordingly.  Always.  (Because you don’t want to be like my son who went on a 3-day vacation with one pair of shorts.)

Board:  Breton Strip Button Collar Pullover | Quilted Patch Pocket Jacket (Ralph Lauren) | Slim Ankle Jeans (Talbots) | Slouchy Boot (Frye)

Shop the outfit

Editor’s note:  Although I finished this post prior to the news, I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth.  70 years on the throne—the longest serving British Monarch.  An inspiration to many, including myself.  She will be missed. 

In Case You Missed It

This morning, Kelly showed us how to use accessories to transition into Fall. Click the title or image below to read the article.

How to Use Accessories to Transition Into Fall

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