Top 4 Fashion Faux Pas and Pet Peeves

So you got the cutest little strapless dress – it’s right on trend, classically chic, and… you wore it with your everyday bra. The one with the raggedy straps. So disappointing.

Walking around downtown Toronto, it’s hard not to spot covetable clothing. But it’s also hard to spot an entire outfit that doesn’t fall apart style-wise upon closer inspection. When it comes to your look, sweating the small stuff can be the difference between a fashion hit and deserving a Joan Rivers-level scolding. The styling don’ts have been repeated ad nauseum – eyeball atrocities such as socks-and-sandals and leggings-as-pants have practically landed in cliché land. But the little rules that fall to the wayside can be fashion kryptonite, and we believe they bear repeating. Here’s our list of the little faux pas that could ruin your look, and how to avoid them:

1)   Master the basics. Your foundation (no, not the makeup kind) can be the most important part of your outfit. Have yourself measured, and buy undergarments that actually fit you properly. A too-big bra can dramatically change the way your shape looks – don’t widen yourself unnecessarily with an ill-fitting band! And a too-small bra will create lumps and bumps where they don’t need to be.

Every woman should have at least one bra in black, white, and nude, as well as a strapless option. Mismatching the colours of your bra straps and your top will majorly cheapen your look. And for heaven’s sake, never wear a regular bra with a strapless top or dress. Don’t think you’re fooling anyone into thinking those straps are part of the top!

Panty lines are, of course, to be avoided. And if you’re rocking a new dress that leans to the sheer side of the spectrum, test it by a window, in natural light, to make sure you won’t be offering passersby a panty peepshow. Same rule goes for lighter-toned pants!

2)   Know your size and stick to it. We know, we know, from American Eagle to H&M you magically rise three sizes. Vanity sizing definitely makes shopping more challenging. But trust us, it’s worth pulling a few different sizes into the change room and trying them all on. Do not be automatically satisfied if the first size seems to fit – the next size up or down could make a huge difference! And don’t get fazed by the number on the label – it’s basically been rendered meaningless by stores constantly trying to make you feel momentarily great for, gasp, dropping two sizes in ten minutes.

 Sizing mishaps to look out for:

– When done up, buttons on blouses and blazers should lie flat. If they’re popping open even slightly, it’s obvious you’re in an ill-fitting topper.

– With empire waist tops and dresses, if the tightest part isn’t sitting comfortably just under your bosom (i.e., if it’s above or across your boobs), it’s too small. We see this issue way too often.

– Pants with vertical pockets show sizing issues very noticeably: the pockets will pop out! If you see this happen, try a size up or look for a similar pair with horizontal pockets.

3)   Don’t just dress your body – dress your skin tone! You know what’s not cute? Wearing a colour that’s so close to your skin tone that you look naked from far away. Dressing this way will wash you out, too. Want to test this theory? Grab the same top in a bright hue and a tone close to your skin colour, and hold them both up to your face. The exception to this rule? Shoes! Nude footwear that closely mimics your skin tone will lengthen the look of your legs.

4)   Your tailor could be your new best friend. The Pham sisters know the value of a good tailor – their mother is an expert! Realistically, stores aren’t always able to account for all of the various heights out there. When in doubt, always buy pants too long – this gives a tailor something to work with! Same rule goes for skirts and dresses. Your hemline should hit no lower than your knee (unless, of course, it’s a maxi skirt/dress!), otherwise you risk shortening the look of your legs.

When it comes to shorts and capris, length can be a major issue. A size 25 pair of capris is definitely not going to look the same on someone who is 5’9” as they are on someone who is 5’2”! Capris that are too long are going to look like ill-fitting pants, and ones that are too short will widen you. So, aim for capris that hit just above your anklebone. A few further capri tips: tapered capris are only flattering on tall, slim figures – if you are shorter and wider, look for a pair with a wider leg to balance you out. And always wear open shoes (flats or sandals) with capris – they’ll help to make your legs look longer! Pointy toes are an extra shoe bonus.

Wearing shorts also brings up length issues, but the rules are less simple. Generally, too long = pear shape, too short = thick thighs. And don’t get us started with pockets that poke out the bottom of shorts! So not cute.

Have a major summer fashion pet peeve? Vent it out in the comments!