Are you a fashion addict? If so, you’re not the only one.
The fashion industry is worth a whopping $2.5 trillion, with its richest CEOs having a net worth of hundreds of billions of dollars. Clearly, we’re spending a lot on fashion, and those figures don’t look like they’re getting lower anytime soon.
But what good is investing your hard-earned money into clothing when you could be making fashion mistakes with it? We all want outfits that fit us comfortably and stylishly, especially during the summer months when we’re showing skin and going out more frequently.
Summertime fashion is all about sundresses, strappy sandals, hot neon fabrics, and lightweight, fuss-free pieces that are easy to wear while still making a statement. With so many things to choose from, a misstep here and there is nearly inevitable.
With the right tips, though, you can avoid making the most common fashion mistakes seen around the summertime. Read on to learn about the 7 common fashion mistakes to avoid in the summer.
1. Wearing Too Many Colors
Many of us are in love with the hot, bright neons, bold floral patterns, and fun prints that are everywhere in summer fashion. But creating an outfit with these can lead to fashion mistakes.
For example, if you create an outfit with more than one neon color, you risk looking like you stepped out of an ’80s workout video (and not in a good way). Plus, too many of these colors together can be quite strenuous on the eye.
The same goes for patterns. While we see a lot of pattern mixing in the fall and winter months, these outfits tend to look a little “busy” in summer fashion.
To style loud patterns and colors, your best bet is to pick one statement piece, such as a tank top or shorts, and build an outfit of neutrals around it. That way, your bold piece will be a “pop” of color and your other pieces won’t be overwhelming.
2. Wearing Too Many Clothes
The summertime is hot, hot, hot! This makes it not the ideal setting for intricate, layered looks. While they’re fun for fall and winter, they’re one of the summer’s fashion mistakes.
Wear too many layers in the summer is likely to make you overheat. No one likes feeling sweaty and stifled all day long! Instead, go with a single layer of lightweight or flowy fabric.
3. Overaccessorizing
Overaccessorizing is one of the fashion mistakes that can muddy up the look of any outfit, especially when it comes to summer fashion. Wearing less makes it even easier to go overboard with jewelry for outfits and more.
To avoid overaccessorizing, pick a few key pieces of fashion jewelry to accent your outfit and pair them with shoes that match. It helps to pick one statement piece and build around it with more neutral accessories.
4. Visible Underwear
Tight shorts, short skirts, flowy dresses…these can all look great in the summer. However, if you’re going to rock them, be sure you’re not showing off what you’re wearing underneath!
For instance, tight or see-through clothes can often lead to the dreaded “VPL” or “visible panty lines.” This is one of the most-dreaded fashion mistakes for anyone.
If you’re questioning whether you’re showing off your undies, there are a couple of things you can do to fix the situation. You can buy yourself some flesh-colored thongs or a neutral “no show” fabric that won’t peak through even the lightest of clothes. For short skirts and dresses, you can wear a pair of boy shorts or yoga shorts underneath to be sure you’re covered up.
One more thing worth mentioning: summertime tops, blouses, and different shirt styles can leave your bra peeking out. This is another easy fix. You can wear them with a cute bralette that’s meant to be seen, or find a good strapless bra to ensure your underclothes aren’t commanding too much attention.
5. Overly Revealing
During the summer, most of us are trying to wear less clothing. But, unless you’re at the beach or the pool, it’s quite possible to take that concept a little too far.
Luckily, it’s possible to dress cool without looking like you didn’t finish putting on your clothes. Double-check your look in a full-length mirror and adjust as necessary. When you’re not sure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and try something else.
If you’re wearing a particularly loose, low-cut, or see-through shirt, try wearing a pretty bralette or a cropped tank underneath. This will help cover up the goods without adding too much bulk to the ensemble.
6. Too Much Perfume
The summer is a generally hot and humid time of year, and this can make strong scents border on the level of offensiveness.
To avoid any fragrance-related fashion mistakes, you might want to pack away any “eau de parfum” scents in favor of a lighter “eau de toilette” or body splash. Also, look for fresh or floral-based perfumes instead of heavier vanilla or musk scents.
7. Occasion-Inappropriate Attire
The relaxing vibes of summer can sometimes lead us to forget where we’re going and what’s appropriate to wear for the occasion. For example, you might show up to the office in flip-flops, which might not be the best look for some workplaces. Again, it’s best to err on the side of caution and dress more formally.
Avoiding Summer Fashion Mistakes
We’ve all committed our fair share of fashion mistakes, especially in the summertime. To avoid summer fashion mistakes, the best thing you can do is be yourself and wear what makes you feel good.
That’s right: we just listed some summer fashion mistakes, but in the end, it all comes down to how your clothes make you feel. If you’re feeling confident and stylish, then it’s impossible to commit a fashion faux-pas.
Dressing for the Summer
We’re all guilty of some bad choices when it comes to fashion, especially when choosing summer outfits. However, if you learn to avoid these fashion mistakes and wear whatever makes you feel good, you really can’t go wrong.
For more fashion topics, check out our other blog entries.
