The wardrobe mistakes everyone makes (where to shop on the high street for your body shape and budget)

Buying clothes in the sale just because theyre cheap, saving something for best, and wearing baggy outfits.

These are among the most common wardrobe fails, according to a fashion stylist whos worked with thousands of women around the country.

Susie Hasler, 36, from East Grinstead, West Sussex, runs Styled By Susie, a styling service for women on a high street budget.

She specialises in women whose body shapes have changed due to having a baby, the menopause or because theyve gained or lost weight and says that women shouldnt be excluded from having a stylist just because theyre not the rich and famous.

The mother-of-one said: Over the past seven years, I have had an insight into thousands of ladies wardrobes, and have seen the same mistakes being made time and again.

Advertisement

Advertisement

These mistakes lead to clothes not being worn and encourages women to keep buying and buying in the hope of completing the perfect wardrobe.

This leads to wasteful shopping.

I believe the true meaning of a sustainable wardrobe is one that gives you longevity, joy and confidence.

As Styled By Susie celebrates reaching 20,000 fans on Instagram and opens appointments for new bookings in September, Susie has compiled her top wardrobe mistakes.

So, how many are you guilty of?

Buying sales clothes because they are cheap

Do not be tempted by bargains that catch your eye in the end of summer sales! Many stores buy in clothing just to sell it cheaply – its not genuine stock from the previous season thats simply left over.

Also, there is usually a really good reason why something hasnt sold.

If Ive tried the same item on numerous clients and it hasnt worked on any of them, I can guarantee I will see it in the sale a few months later.

If an item is good, it sells out quickly and doesnt come back again. Sale mistakes are the outfit that will sit in your wardrobe and will never be worn.

Owning too much black

Its something most women are guilty of – owning too much black. We tend to favour it because its a slimming colour. However, most body shapes would look better in a print or pattern instead.

Black can be a colour that women tend to hide away in, as they feel a bolder colour or print will make them stand out. But, this isnt the case. A print acts like a filter and is much more flattering for skimming over curves.

Advertisement

Advertisement

But dont rule out black altogether. Its a handy neutral for most wardrobes – but its important to add splashes of colour too.

Keeping clothes in a smaller size

This is a big no-no. Dont do it! Seeing clothes in your wardrobe that no longer fit you like they once did will end up making you feel deflated. Realistically, your size wont change that drastically, even if you do lose a couple of pounds.

All the outfits you have in your wardrobe should fit you at the size you are now – not when youve reached your ideal weight goal. This way, when you open your wardrobe doors, you have the choice of everything in there.

However, if you do fluctuate between sizes, perhaps due to health reasons, keep the other sizes vacuum-packed in the loft or at the back of the wardrobe.

Not enough basics

This is the reason behind the saying, I have too many clothes but nothing to wear. When you buy clothes sporadically throughout the year, youre less likely to be able to form a capsule wardrobe. You may opt for a pretty printed skirt, but when you get it home you realise you have nothing to wear with it. Basics are the so-called boring items that youre likely walk past in the shops – they are the T-shirts, vests, cardigans and knitwear. These act as the glue to pull so many more outfits together.

A basic white T-shirt, for example, can be worn with jeans, with a co-ord suit, tucked into a pleated skirt or under a pair of dungarees.

Just that one T-shirt will give you at least 4 different outfits! You dont have to spend much money on basics, and sometimes the best ones are the cheap ones.

Advertisement

Keep an eye on your white T-shirts in particular, and if they start to yellow around the armpits, its time to replace them.

Not having enough shoes to go with your outfits

I always advise my clients to dress from the feet up. Look for shoes in neutral colours, that way, youll be able to match them with more clothes. A red pair of trainers may seem like a fun, spontaneous buy, but you will have fewer outfits to wear with them.

Whereas a pair of white or metallic trainers is more likely to go with many outfits, including patterned dresses, trousers, jeans and jumpsuits.

If you plan what youre going to wear from the feet up, youll find it easier to piece together an outfit. This doesnt mean you need to own 20 pairs of shoes, simply fewer pairs that go with more clothes.

Wearing baggy clothes

Yes, you may be more comfortable wearing baggy clothes, but theyre also going to make you look bigger and completely hide your silhouette. I have met clients who wear clothes two or even three sizes larger than their actual size. The outfits drown their figures.

Stick to wearing your size and wearing it well. Women tend to dislike the feeling of tighter clothes, so a looser fit is going to make them feel more comfortable. If this sounds familiar, you can still add a looser layer to your fitted outfit. For example, skinny jeans and a vest will be fitted enough, but a beautifully printed kimono will add that safe layer so that you dont feel too exposed.

Advertisement

You will still look stylish but will show more of your lovely silhouette.

Saving something for best

Live by the motto: every day is for best! Keeping a pretty dress for the one date night you may get a year is such a waste.

By all means, wear the frock for that romantic night, but then pair it with trainers or ankle boots during the day – youll feel a million dollars. Women tell me that getting stuck in the rut of wearing jeans every day leaves them feeling uninspired and stagnated.

Mix it up by wearing them under that pretty dress. Dresses can be more comfortable and, unless its a cocktail gown, dont save it for best!

Keeping clothing for sentimental reasons

You may want to hang on to an item or an outfit because it reminds you of a special time or a special person who bought it for you. You probably havent worn it for years but you dont feel as though you can part ways with it due to your emotional attachment to the item.

If you really cant bear to part with it or pass it on to someone who will wear it, keep it in a box somewhere. Dont let it hang in your wardrobe – this should be kept for everyday outfits. Keep the memories in your head instead.

Buying dainty footwear

Ballet pumps, kitten heels and baseball trainers work for very few body shapes. A dainty shoe makes the feet look smaller, which will make the hips and tummy look wider. If youre a curvy woman, shoes with a chunkier sole would be a better fit.

A more substantial pair is going to balance out a curvier silhouette, and even swapping ballet pumps for loafers will make a huge difference to your workwear.

If you have a rectangle body shape or you are a strawberry with a broader top half, choose dainty footwear that will balance out your shape. A chunky shoe on these shapes would overwhelm your silhouette.

Buying the wrong jeans for your shape

Jeans dont need to be difficult to buy, you just have to know which ones suit your shape. If you are an apple shape and tend to carry most of your weight around your middle, you should opt for jeans that draw the eye towards your legs. Choose lighter colours or jeans with rips on the knee.

If youre a pear shape, you will be wider on the hips than shoulders, and you will look best in a darker denim, such as indigo or black. Most women work best with a high-waisted style. Also, make sure the back pockets arent too small – larger ones will be more flattering and theyre also a sign of better quality jeans.Read More – Source