25 Fashion Rules That Most People Don’t Follow – Don’t Make These Fashion Mistakes

Emily Izsak | November 6, 2024 3:00 am

We tend to express ourselves through our clothes. The way a person puts together an outfit says a lot about their personality. They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but let's face it: we're all guilty of a little cover-judging.

What you wear is important, and though we're all for self-expression in any form, there are some basic fashion rules that can help you portray yourself as a put-together, respectable human being.

Don't Forget To Cinch In The Waist

tamara-bellis-U2ymajzuqFk-unsplash
Tamara Bellis/Unsplash
Tamara Bellis/Unsplash

A belt can add a lot of visual interest to an outfit, and it can also help less structured clothes flatter your figure a bit more.

Never underestimate the power of a good belt.

ADVERTISEMENT

Add The French Tuck

ADVERTISEMENT
jordan-gonzalez-9II4tgsj_PQ-unsplash
Jordan González/Unsplash+
Jordan González/Unsplash+
ADVERTISEMENT

Tucking in only one side of the front of your shirt is known in professional circles as the "French tuck."

ADVERTISEMENT

It's a sure way to make sure that your clothes look super chic.

ADVERTISEMENT

Iron Your Collar Properly

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
nimble-made-GDebkNryTd4-unsplash
Nimble Made/Unsplash
Nimble Made/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

To make sure that the collars on your shirt lie flat, take a hair straightener to them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Just press the collar down for a fresh, put together look every single time.

ADVERTISEMENT

Wear A Coat As A Cape

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
woman wearing black jacket as a cape
Photo Credit: @milyfeinanutshell / Instagram
Photo Credit: @milyfeinanutshell / Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT

Unleash your inner superhero and wear your coat as a cape. Who says you have to put your arms in jacket sleeves?

ADVERTISEMENT

Just throwing the jacket over your shoulders is way more stylish.

ADVERTISEMENT

No More Shapeless Dresses

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
girl taking a mirror selfie in a beige shift dress with black belt.
Photo Credit: @zoekoops / Instagram
Photo Credit: @zoekoops / Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT

Shift dresses can be beautiful, but they can also be pretty shapeless.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you think shift dresses don't work on your body type, it might just be because you haven't tried them with a belt yet.

ADVERTISEMENT

Spray Your Tights

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
woman sitting on a bench in navy blue tights and a red dress
Photo Credit: @janynetens / Instagram
Photo Credit: @janynetens / Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT

If you spray your tights with hairspray after you put them on, you give them an extra layer of strength and protection.

ADVERTISEMENT

That way, they're less likely to tear as you wear them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Back To Basics

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
girl sitting on the ground taking a mirror selfie wearing all white
Photo Credit: @inspiroue / Instagram
Photo Credit: @inspiroue / Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT

There's nothing wrong with being basic.

ADVERTISEMENT

It's great to have items that fit into a neutral color palette in your wardrobe because you always know that they'll go with anything and that they're suitable for any occasion.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Give In To Trends

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
getty-images-v3gB6KlbbGg-unsplash
Getty Images/Unsplash+
Getty Images/Unsplash+
ADVERTISEMENT

It can be hard on your wallet when you try to keep up with the latest trends and fashions.

ADVERTISEMENT

You don't need to have name brand items in your wardrobe to be stylish.

ADVERTISEMENT

Leggings Are Definitely Pants

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
youtuber remi ashton wearing black leggings and a pink t-shirt
Photo Credit: @missremiashten / Instagram
Photo Credit: @missremiashten / Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT

I don't care what anybody says, leggings definitely count as pants.

ADVERTISEMENT

You put them on one leg at a time just like every other pair of pants in the world. Plus they look pretty cute.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mix And Match

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
woman wearing striped top and leopard print skirt
Photo Credit: @helenanderz / Instagram
Photo Credit: @helenanderz / Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT

Mixing patterns is an easy way to make it look like you know what you're doing as far as fashion is concerned.

ADVERTISEMENT

Just make sure that when you're mixing patterns, you mix two patterns of vastly different sizes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Care For Your Clothes

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
kateryna-hliznitsova-3Wl6rUMOL4s-unsplash
Kateryna Hliznitsova/Unsplash+
Kateryna Hliznitsova/Unsplash+
ADVERTISEMENT

Make sure you read the washing and care instructions on the label of your clothes before you just throw things in the washing machine.

ADVERTISEMENT

You don't want to end up with a shrinkage situation.

ADVERTISEMENT

Go To A Tailor

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
tailor sewing a white dress
Photo Credit: Huw Fairclough/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Huw Fairclough/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Very few items of clothing fit perfectly right off of the rack.

ADVERTISEMENT

It takes a little bit of tailoring to make sure that your clothes fit properly. It's worth the investment.

ADVERTISEMENT

Always Try Before You Buy

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
New H& M store in Athens fitting room
Photo Credit: NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo Credit: NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Never buy clothes without trying them on first.

ADVERTISEMENT

How will you know if something fits you or looks good on you if you don't try it on? Spend your money wisely.

ADVERTISEMENT

Wear Clothes That Actually Fit

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Woman in brown shirt, scarf, leather skirt, and a black fur overcoat standing outside
Photo Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

It's so important to wear clothes that actually fit you properly and flatter your figure.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sometimes that means taking a few different sizes into the dressing room with you to see what works best.

ADVERTISEMENT

Perfectly Cuffed Jeans

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
blue running shoes and cuffed jeans
Photo Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Getting the perfect cuff on your jeans seems like it should be simple to do but so many people get it wrong.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't just scrunch up your jeans. Take the time to fold the cuff properly.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Underestimate Athleisure

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
woman walking outside wearing blue track pants and a tight blue long sleeved top
Photo Credit: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Athletic clothing is making a real comeback. Brands are making athleisure that's both stylish and comfortable, so you really get the best of both worlds.

ADVERTISEMENT

This trend is definitely here to stay.

ADVERTISEMENT

Always Accessorize

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
woman in white knit turtleneck and cold chain necklace
Photo Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

It's important to find the right accessories to elevate your outfits. A gold chain is a good classic accessory that goes with pretty much anything.

ADVERTISEMENT

You can really have fun with different styles of jewelry.

ADVERTISEMENT

You Don't Have To Wear Skinny Jeans With Tall Boots

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
woman wearing jeans and knee high leather boots
Photo Credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

There are definitely ways of folding your flared jeans flat against your leg so you can comfortably fit them into tall boots.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't think you have to go out and buy skinny jeans just because you have a pair of knee-highs that you want to wear.

ADVERTISEMENT

Prevent Shirt Gaping

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
woman wearing white button down shirt
Photo Credit: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

People who have larger chests know full well how annoying it can be when button down shits start gaping between the buttons.

ADVERTISEMENT

Just grab yourself some double sided fashion tape and stick that fabric down.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tank Top Trick

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
woman wearing plaid vest dress over white blouse and big sunglasses
Photo Credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Sometimes when you wear a sweater or a sweater vest over a blouse, the blouse underneath starts riding up.

ADVERTISEMENT

Put on a tight tank top over the blouse and then put on your sweater. The tank top should keep the blouse in place.

ADVERTISEMENT

Create A Capsule Wardrobe

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Virginia, Richmond, Carytown, clothing rack at sidewalk sale, AlterNatives
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

You don't need all of your clothes in your closet all year round.

ADVERTISEMENT

Create a smaller capsule wardrobe for each season and put the rest of your clothes away in storage until you need them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Add A Pop Of Color

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ois Opoku is seen wearing red overknees boots Aldo, Proenza Schouler bag, black shorts Meotine, cape
Photo Credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Sometimes all a neutral outfit needs is a little pop of color.

ADVERTISEMENT

This woman is wearing all black and grey but her fire engine red boots are to die for.

ADVERTISEMENT

Add Some Shine

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Maria Rosaria Rizzo wears large earrings from Giovanni Raspini, a sequined shiny glittering short dress with long sleeves from
Photo Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Shine and sparkle can really add visual interest to an outfit and make you feel like a million bucks.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sparkle is a great addition to any outfit, and it can make a casual look feel more special.

ADVERTISEMENT

Throw A Coat On

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Sara Carnicella wears a gray wool beret hat from Zara, a brown oversized wool long coat from SeeUsoon, a white wool turtleneck pullover from Mango, a Vuitton multi bag, black Zara shorts, Jonak black pointy thigh high boots, a golden necklace from APM Monaco,
Photo Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Coats and jackets have the ability to really pull a whole look together.

ADVERTISEMENT

They take clothes and turn them into an outfit. invest in a couple of quality coats for your wardrobe.

ADVERTISEMENT

Casual Is In

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
lena Gerber wearing blue Closed jeans, printed Band H&M shirt on October 23, 2020 in Hamburg, Germany.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

If your clothes fit right, you can totally go out in the world wearing a band tee and a good pair of jeans.

ADVERTISEMENT

This girl looks super chic in her white AC/DC cropped t-shirt.