How to Avoid Style Disasters & What to Do If You Have One + Link Up On the Edge #262
As any style addict knows, there is so much more to fashion and style than simply flipping through glossy magazines and deciding what to wear each day. Instead, playing around with your look is about expressing yourself, having fun, and feeling great. Rather than following the latest runway trends and seeking out must-have items, style is more subjective and reflects you and your personality.
Experimenting with color and pattern, different fabrics, and accessories provides a creative outlet and can really help to boost your mood. However, if you are someone who loves to experiment with personal style and try out different looks, it is inevitable that sometimes your outfits may not come together in reality quite the same way you had envisioned them. It can be so frustrating when you have an excellent idea for an outfit only to find that it looks better in your mind than in reality. So what should you do when you are experimenting with your style and experience an unexpected fashion disaster? Read on for tips to ensure that you always look, and more importantly, feel great about your style.
Perfect the Basics
Stocking up on basic garments may seem counterintuitive when you are trying to hone a unique look, but it can be really helpful to do this. Buying some essential items such as black leggings, tank tops, and a white shirt may seem like the same old capsule wardrobe you read about in fashion magazines, but this is not the case. In fact, these essential items are so much more than a bland mix and match capsule wardrobe. Instead, they are the foundation needed to play around with your style and get it right every time.
These basic garments are invaluable to have in your closet when you like to express yourself through clothing. You will likely go back to these basic items, again and again, to save yourself from a style disaster. If you have found the most gorgeous patterned shirt, but it just is not working well with any of the other prints in your wardrobe, you can always fall back on pairing it with black leggings. Or perhaps you have discovered a beautiful vintage dress, but it is just too low cut to wear to work. You can team it with a black tank top underneath to reduce the risk of any wardrobe malfunctions and make it suitable for work. Resorting to basics is a great way to style your orphan pieces. As you can see, while you may be trying to avoid mundane, everyday outfits, having some basics in your closet can actually allow you to be more expressive with your clothing and provide you with the freedom to be even more experimental.
Know What Suits You
Wearing an outfit that seemed like a great idea when you put it on but has left you feeling uncomfortable all day is never good. When you don’t feel relaxed in what you are wearing, it can make you self-conscious and desperate to head home and change your clothes. No one wants to have their day completely ruined because they chose an outfit that turned out to be a disaster. Clothes should make you feel great as well as look good, so choosing outfits that facilitate this is essential.
One great way to ensure you never get your outfit choices wrong is to understand the shapes that best suit your frame and that you feel most comfortable wearing. Once you have figured out the style and shape of clothes that you love to wear, the easier it becomes to make the best choices when shopping. Shopping for clothes will become a breeze when you know what shapes you are looking for and the best places to buy them.
Everyone has different fits and shapes that better suit their body and are comfortable for them to wear for their everyday activities, so figuring this out is really useful. If you are someone who loves to curate a signature look, then selecting the right cuts and shapes of garments is especially important and will help you to make an even bigger impact with your personal style. So, rather than limiting your clothing choices, understanding what suits you can help you to not only find yourself a distinct style but will also enable you to avoid any style disasters.
Dress for the Occasion
If there is a situation that is guaranteed to qualify as a potential style disaster, it is wearing the wrong outfit entirely for the occasion. Misinterpreting a dress code can be a mortifying experience, especially if you go way too formal or way too casual. If you have a very distinctive style anyway, it can be slightly easier to get away with misjudging the dress code. However, it is still better to avoid this situation in the first place to spare yourself any embarrassment.
To ensure you are ready for every occasion, it is helpful to have a few go-to outfits in your closet that make easy choices for specific events. This can make it so much simpler when you have a big occasion such as a wedding to attend and will ensure that there are no style disasters to spoil your enjoyment of the event. Once you have a few quick outfit choices ready for every occasion, you can then start experimenting. Adding your personal style to these outfits is simple. You simply need to find some vibrant accessories that represent your personality, the perfect shoes that are comfortable and make a statement, and you will certainly ensure that you are visible and not fading into the background.
Accessorize
As you are constructing your perfect outfit, think carefully about the accessories that will complement it best. The basics are easy enough to get right, but you can make mistakes in choosing the appropriate shoes, jewelry, and handbag.
The safest option in jewelry that is suitable for most any occasions is an affordable Sterling silver necklace. They offer neutrality that coordinates with many outfits but will sparkle brilliantly when you need your jewelry to shine. To maintain aesthetic interest, choose a handbag or footwear in a color that is slightly different from your clothing. Mixing metals is also an option if the occasion and outfit warrant a little more creativity.
Bad Hair Days
Experimenting with your hair color and cut is one of the most significant changes you can make to your appearance and an excellent way to express yourself. If you frequently experiment with your hairstyle and color, it is probable that there will be a few hair disasters along the way. The great news is that there is nearly always something that can be done to improve a hair disaster and to get your hair looking great again.
If you have had a hair color disaster and the finished results of your dye job look nothing like you were expecting, then help is at hand. A hair color corrector treatment will help you to get rid of the bad dye job and bring your hair right back to its former glory. Crisis averted! If you do change your hair color often, it is a great idea to find a salon with color experts to ensure you get the perfect shade every time and receive the results you were hoping to achieve.
However, not all bad hair days are the result of a color change gone wrong. Sometimes, a bad hair day can be caused by a haircut that looks nothing like you had hoped. Luckily hair grows back, so with a bit of patience this blip will soon be a distant memory. It is handy to have some awesome hair accessories such as scarves and cute hats to use when you are less than happy with your haircut. There is nothing quite like a scarf tied around your hair to instantly inject your look with some extra style and pizazz and hats are a great way to cover up your roots between dye jobs or on non-hair washing days.
Find Products You Love and Trust
From pantyhose that never seem to snag to smudge proof mascaras, there are trusty items that everyone needs in their style tool box. Finding products that you can rely on to meet their promises and not let you down when you need them most is vital. With the right products, style disasters such as discovering your eyeliner has run halfway down your face or your hair has puffed up in the humidity will be a thing of the past.
Looking for product recommendations and road testing them yourself is crucial to discover which items are the best buys and can be relied upon to keep you looking great. Once you have found your tried and true products, you can avoid so many potential style disasters and save yourself a lot of time and money in the search for perfect products. With the help of these trusted items, you can be sure that you will always look great and feel confident in your flawless style.
Style It Out
When you love to be experimental with your appearance and carve out your unique sense of fashion, style disasters will happen at times. Sometimes, the best thing is to simply style it out and go with it. Self expression is essential for mental wellness and has a really positive impact on your self esteem and well being. Making your personal style fun and uplifting is one really positive act that you can do for yourself every day. When you are creative with your personal style, it can be better to just go with the flow. And if a style disaster happens, you may choose just to accept it and move on. Looking the way that you choose is all about being the greatest version of yourself and living your best life on your terms. So if you have a style disaster, try not to sweat it, simply put it down to experience and don’t let it put you off expressing yourself.
How do you express yourself through your personal style? What are your favorite clothes to wear that make your soul happy?
Featured Favorites
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)
Alli of Simply Small Town shared her post, Feel Good Friday, and it is chock full of feel good things! So go have a read. I guarantee you will smile!
Fashion Favorite
Di of Di-alog shared her post, Transitioning Through the Bridge Season. I absolutely love this dramatic red top and her amazing fish necklace. What a fantastic late summer/early fall outfit.
Non-Fashion Favorite
Jill of Doused in Pink shared her post, 10 Fun Fall Activities Couples Can Do Together. Fall is my most favorite season of all and always has been. It really ignites my inner romantic. So I am always a fan of fall activities that you can add a romantic twist to and Jill’s list has some really great ideas.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Shirt (Zara), Pants, Handbag-Thrifted / Shoes-Charlotte Russe / Jewelry-All old
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
56 Comments
Nancy
Good tips. I often have a outfit that I thought it would suit me and when you see the photos you think, neh. But I hope to learn from that!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Nancy! I have had that happen lots of times! I have had outfits that look great in the mirror but awful in photos. And I have worn outfits that look awful in the mirror and great in photographs. It is all a learning experience, I think! I hope you have an amazing weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Pamela
Great feature Shelbee! So many brilliant points in there, and yes it’s the boring parts of the closet that are always the most useful.
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Pamela! I like the way you phrased that…”the boring parts of the closet are always the most useful.” It’s so true! The basics help support the statement pieces. You need a strong foundation for anything to succeed…including an outfit! I hope you have a fabulous weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
Love all your tips Shelbee and this chic look you are wearing! The sandals are amazing. I ususally use accessories to change up my looks. Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I went a little crazy on the braided sandal trend this summer and got 7 pairs! These are one of those pairs. Accessories are such a great way to add diversity in your wardrobe, aren’t they? I love accessories probably more than clothes, if that’s possible. Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica
What a fun monochrome outfit on you! Good tips too 🙂
Thank you for the link up!
Hope your week is going well 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mica! I copied this outfit from a magazine ad that was my backup for our last Magnificent 8 post! I hope your weekend is going well, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kellyann Rohr
I seem to have fashion disasters after the fact! I think an outfit checks all the boxes and then later on when I see photos I find myself cringing. I’m hoping to get past that one day – I think it’s a matter of granting myself a little grace; when I know better I do better and back in the early days of the blog there were some things I just didn’t know. Great post! Love the all white look and let me tell you – you have the most perfect skin! No freckles or spots, just creamy white skin!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Kellyann, thanks so much for this comment! I have been way too critical of myself in my photos over the years as well. I still fall into that trap sometimes, but mostly I can look at the images more objectively now and look at the whole image instead of critiquing every tiny little detail. We all can stand to grant ourselves more grace, I think! And flaxseed oil has been my magical skin elixir during this premenopause stage. A tablespoon a day in my smoothie and it has kept my skin really healthy. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
I think it’s important to have basics in your closet that you can build and create your own unique look with. Such a good idea to have a few go-to outfits already created! Loving your monochrome look! Thank you so much for the feature! Have a wonderful weekend!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jill! I definitely rely on basics on most days. But then I like to get creative when I am actually shooting photos or going somewhere other than my house! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
Yes!! These are all fabulous and so true tips!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jennifer! Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
Great tips! I know I’ve said it many times before, but you always find the best places to take photos!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! There are a lot of really pretty little spots around my town! It is the benefit of rural living. Have a lovely weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Wendy
You really do have a cool style.
My mom was dressed — with braided hair — like a doll every single day. She wasn’t at all into clothes as an adult, but she always looked nice. My sister and I — on the other hand — grew up looking like David Cassidy.
Seriously, my sister once in a restaurant was trying to find her way to the restroom and was sent into the boys’ bathroom. From that day on, she grew her hair and by high school she had pretty long hair.
I think there’s a ton of psychology behind fashion. (Just thinking out loud.)
Your stuff is really good.
Wendy TheInspiredEater.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Wendy, thanks so much for this wonderful comment! I laughed at your David Cassidy reference! First because I had the biggest crush on David Cassidy when I was a kid. Second because I kind of resembled him as well! And I can absolutely relate to your sister’s experience. I had short hair for most of my life and was mistaken for a boy so many times from the age of 4 until 24 that I started to think I lacked femininity. My long hair definitely helps with that now! There is tons of psychology behind fashion as well as how the things we hear as children stick with us for our entire lives! I hope you have a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
Wonderful advice, Shelbee! And I’m loving your photos in your gorgeous white outfit! That photo of you sitting on the white bench is particularly stunning!
Hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Suzy! This outfit was inspired by a magazine ad! I was going to share the ad but then I couldn’t remember where I saw it! Have a lovely weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lauren Renee Sparks
Great tips! And I love the fun and comfy looking outfit! How is it possible that it looks like pjs and still dressy/polished?
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lauren, thanks so much! It does look like sophisticated pajamas! I didn’t even think of that. But pajama dressing is a trend that usually is dressier so I guess that’s what makes it work! Have a fabulous weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jean | Delightful Repast
Shelbee, I always love your tips. I’m always one who relies on my basic pieces to make an unusual piece more “me.” I can’t do a whole outfit of unusual! 🤣 Thank you for hosting. I’m drying and freezing and otherwise preserving the last of summer’s bounty, to be used in fall and winter baking, so my Oven-Dried Figs are at #36.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jean, thanks so much! As much as I love an outfit made up entirely of unusual things, I generally stick to just one or two and a whole bunch of basics. Then I like to combine my basics in unique and unusual ways! Ooh, I love that you are preserving the final bounties of summer for your fall and winter baking! I was just thinking about baking yesterday. I am ready to get to it! Have a lovely weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
You look so good in white! This outfit looks super chic but yet so comfy- omg I’m obsessed! Gorgeousness!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lucy! I saw an outfit like this in a magazine ad and I really liked it so I copied it! Have a great weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
These are such great tips, Shelbee. I absolutely have go-to outfits, and yes, they are generally based on a few basic pieces. Comfort is key for me and when I wear something uncomfortable, it just doesn’t work. You look adorable in your all-white outfit. The jewelry and shoes are perfect, my friend! Have a great weekend.
xx Darlene
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Darlene! I definitely rely on my go-to outfits most days and they all consist of the basics like leggings and button downs. But I also love to have an abundance of crazy things to play around with, too! I used to be able to tolerate uncomfortable clothes for the sake of fashion, but then as I got older I realized how dumb that is and now comfort is absolutely key! Why on earth anyone would ever choose to be uncomfortable is beyond me (even though I have done exactly that in the past)! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
I don’t think men understand that if you don’t feel right in an outfit it can totally ruin your day – that’s why (in my experience) they get cranky when you decide to change just before leaving the house. A bad hair can do the same.
I love your all white outfit and those fabulous sandals!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Emma! Oh my gosh, it is so true. If I feel just a little bit off in my outfit, it can really have a negative impact on my mood. It will just distract me to no end. I often make last minute changes even if it is just my shoes or earrings. Bad hair days can definitely do the same by making you feel completely self conscious. However, with my hair as long it is now, a bad hair day is easily fixed with a ponytail and a hat. I hope you have a lovely weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
ratnamurti
This post is a real eye opener. I simply cannot relate, at all, to a lot of fashion. Because it does not relate to my life. I live in a very casual country. Very casual. Everyone wears flip flops (we call them jandals), black tights, jeans and tees. So, your advice about tanks, tights, white shirt – perfect basics!! And tried and trusted clothes and products – I’m so with you there. It makes more sense than compulsory fashion items.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ratnamurti, thank you so much for sharing your perspective on this post! Because I love fashion and have been pretty much obsessed with it since it very early childhood, I sometimes forget that it doesn’t have the same importance to lots of other people. But I am a firm believer that we all have our own beautiful unique personal style even if you are not a so-called fashionista. And if the basics are what work for you and suit your lifestyle and make you feel great and speak your truth, then that’s all you really need I think. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Di
Lots of great tips and wisdom in this post, Shelbee! I love that you chose a basic white outfit to demonstrate how you can really style it up and make it your own with accessories. I always enjoy the beautiful settings and backgrounds you use, too. Also, thanks so much for favoring my transitional outfit, I appreciate it. Hope you have a good weekend!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Di, thanks so much, my friend! I saw an outfit similar to this styled in a magazine ad and I wanted to give it a try. I really like the way the all white creates a fun canvas to accessorize in a variety of ways. I could have easily worn sneakers and a baseball cap with this for a completely different vibe. As for my settings, I do live in a very beautiful rural place and I am so grateful for that. Occasionally, I wish we had more city views. But you really can’t beat some of the little spots I find around here. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
I often create outfits in my head that just do not look as good together as I thought they would. These are some great tips for fixing that.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Joanne! I think that happens to a lot of us. Sometimes, I get an idea and it comes together exactly as I imagined, but most times, there is much tweaking required to the original idea to make it work at all. But I love the process of playing around in my closet. I hope you have a lovely weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
These are all great tips, and I LOVE your quilted white sandals. Have a great weekend, friend!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Cheryl! I bought these sandals in 2 colors because I liked them so much. I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Regine Karpel
The heels are my favorite. I love it so much. Have a happy weekend my friend.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Regine! I bought these heels in 2 colors because I liked them so much! Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Deborah L Stinedurf
I totally agree that solid basics are essential. We might not all have the things that we consider to be basics, but whatever they are basic pieces are the foundation for most of our outfits. They’re especially useful on the days that we just don’t feel like putting in the effort. Throw on your basics i.e. jeans & a tee, and then throw a fabulous kimono, cardigan or blazer over top & you’re good to go. Have a fabulous weekend my friend! xo
Debbie
http://www.yourstyledstory.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, my friend! I love that you added that we don’t all have the same basics. That is so true. My basics even differ season to season and year to year. Even on those days when I don’t feel like putting in effort, I can still create an outfit that I feel confident in with my favorite basics…then just give me a kimono and I’ll be on top of the world! You know the magnificent transforming power of a magical kimono…my very favorite garment ever created! I hope your week is off to a great start!
xoxo
Shelbee
Daenel T.
Such great tips. I’ve had days where I’ve literally stayed in my office because I was uncomfortable in an outfit. I just didn’t want to be seen and I didn’t want to move because something felt “off”. Not a good feeling at all.
I love that your outfit is versatile… I can see it for travel and hanging out, and then breaking up the pieces {top with faux leather leggings or the bottoms with a fun tee}.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Daenel, thank you so very much, my friend. Oh, I hate those days when something feels off with my outfit. Or the times when you constantly have to readjust something. It’s not even worth wearing when it becomes too annoying and distracting. It actually loses its cool points then because nobody looks great when they are all fidgety and tugging at their clothes. I really like your style suggestion for breaking up these white pieces. I need some faux leather leggings!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Very nice tips and I don’t see how you wear white so well. I would have it dirty in about three seconds. Of course, I am a complete fashion diasater every day.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Patrick! First of all, you are not a daily fashion disaster! Second, if I actually wore an all white outfit all day out and about in the world, I would be a disaster as well! So I mislead you by wearing this pristinely white outfit for a few photos and then sitting on my clean couch for the rest of the day. That’s really how I keep my white clothes clean!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Great advice here, Shelbee! I recently learned that peplum tops do me no favors. 🤣🤣🤣 And I really do need to concentrate on basics a bit.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Michelle! Oh my gosh, I wanted to wear peplum tops so badly a few years back and I bought a whole slew of them because I thought they looked good! They do me no favors either for the most part. I have found maybe one or two that hit perfectly right and were actually flattering. Otherwise, peplum is a big thumbs down for me, too.
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
So much good advice here, Shelbee! I would also add, that if you’re trying something new (an articule of clothing or a different way of wearing something, or even just combining things you haven’t in that past), to TRY IT ON first. I have had many outfits that looked so good in my head, but in practice just did not work for whatever reason, and every time, I wished I’d tried them on first.
I still have bad outfit days (not as many as I used to!), and I remind myself: 99% of people could not give a flying fork what I’m wearing! Most people simply do not notice other people to the point where we fear they will. Nope, no one’s looking at you. So don’t worry about it.
Love your luxe pajama outfit! So fun!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks for adding some extra tips to this article, Sheila! I agree that trying on all the things makes most sense! Plus I just have fun with the trying on process. And I agree with you completely that most people are not looking at us. We are all too caught up in our stuff to worry about what other people are wearing. Although, I do love to people watch and pay close attention to outfits! Haha. In my head, I am always adding accessories and stuff to other people’s outfits! I hope you are having a fabulous week, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Barbara
What a lovely outfit and cabin in the woods!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Barbara! The cabin is actually in the back of our local historic society building so there is a parking lot right up against it! But the photos are deceiving and it really looks like a cabin in the actual woods!
xoxo
Shelbee
Karren Haller
Shelbee you always have such good fshion sense, your outfit is perfect and the sandals are so cute, 2 pairs huh, I have done that too. The accessories are perfect. Now everytime I visit, I imagine the room you turned into a closet, Watch for your post to be featured this week on #omhgww party #278 since counting.
Have a great week!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Karren! You are too kind! Oh my gosh, my closet room needs a serious clean out again! It is a hot mess of heaped up clothing that I can no longer make sense of! I hope you have an amazing week ahead, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
indah savitri
look at you.. looking great in white and I love all the accessories! Thank you for joining us with #OMHGWW and stay fabulous
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Indah! I really appreciate that! Have a fabulous day.
xoxo
Shelbee