Are you making these common clothing mistakes? As a personal stylist, I see many recurring patterns, and I’m here to help you avoid the common pitfalls that might be holding you back from dressing your best. Let’s talk about how to avoid these outfit challenges and upgrade your style in the process…

1. Buying clothes on impulse

Although it’s tempting, a ‘bargain’ item from a clearance sale isn’t a bargain if it doesn’t go stays unworn with the tags still on. If you are prone to impulse purchases, ask yourself:

“Do I really need it?”

“Will it go with at least three items in my wardrobe to create a series of fantastic outfits?”

“Does it fit with my style and the image I want to project?”

Building a cohesive wardrobe that truly works for you starts with a clear understanding of your personal style and identifying items that suit your body shape and colouring. I’m about to launch a new virtual service to help you identify and create your ideal signature style, so if that sounds intriguing, please get in touch to learn more.

2. Saving clothes for special occasions

Life IS the special occasion! If you are saving clothes for ‘best’ you aren’t getting ‘the best’ out of your wardrobe. When you’re buying clothes for special occasions, have versatility in mind. Opting for separates rather than a ‘posh frock’ means you can mix and match items with more casual clothes in your wardrobe for more wear. A high-low mix of fashion pieces in different textures can look amazing. Pintrest is a great source of inspiration.

During a wardrobe edit and style refresh session, I can show you how to incorporate your favourite items into everyday outfits and elevate your look effortlessly. This might mean mixing up clothes from different seasons or different occasions. Often clients are surprised at how many ‘new’ outfit combinations they can achieve with the same clothes they already own!   

3. Dressing to hide, not enhance your figure

Baggy, shapeless clothes aren’t always that flattering, even though you might think they’ll hide your body-conscious bits. It's better to enhance your shape by dressing for your silhouette with balance and proportion. For example, if you have an Apple body shape, choosing where the waist sits on a dress and combining this with a particular neckline and sleeve length can enhance your waistline like never before! Through online body shape styling, I help women discover the best cuts and styles to flatter their proportions and help them feel more confident in your outfit choices.

You can also check fashion magazines and follow influencers on social media who have the same body type as you for inspiration. Be kind with the way you think about your body and celebrate your gorgeous self.

4. Getting stuck on buying the same styles on repeat

It’s tempting to buy a white T shirt on repeat because it’s safe. However, buying duplicates leads to overwhelming clutter in your wardrobe and leaves you feeling bored with your style. You can start with baby steps – a white T-shirt with a V-neck instead of a round neck, or the same style T-shirt in a different colour. When you're ready to shake things up, try browsing in stores that you wouldn’t normally visit and start experimenting with low-cost items from Vinted or charity shops.

If you’re ready to break out of a style rut, a personal colour analysis will inspire you to explore new shades and combinations that suit you perfectly. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to get ideas to help refresh their look.

With all these mistakes, the first step for spotting them is a greater sense of self-awareness. Book a date with yourself to go through your wardrobe, get everything out and evaluate what you’ve bought over time and why. Be honest with yourself about the clothes that aren’t bringing you joy and the reasons for this. To make the process simpler and easier, why not book a personal stylist to help you define your style and show you the most flattering fits and colours for you? If you aren’t quite ready for a personal stylist, you can start by asking a trusted friend what would they do with your style if they were you.

Style isn’t just about the clothes you wear; it’s about how those clothes make you feel. Confidence, creativity, and comfort are all within reach when you understand your personal style and make choices that resonate with who you are. Whether it's defining your style, finding your best colours, or creating outfits that enhance your body shape, I’m here to help. Don’t let your wardrobe be a source of stress when it can be a source of joy in just a few simple steps.

Written by Ali, personal stylist and colour analysis consultant based in Guildford, Surrey.