Fashion Faux Pas: Rules To Fix And Flatter Your Figure

If you’ve ever looked longingly at someone who appears to be effortlessly stylish and wondered ‘why don’t I look like that?’ then chances are you’re making some mistakes when you go shopping.

Finding clothes that flatter the figure is a bit of a science – there’s no big mystery, you just have to follow some simple rules, understand what kind of body shape you have and dress accordingly.

From the right trouser length to knowing when to cover up, we reveal the top ten fashion faux pas that should be avoided at all costs! 

1. Ankle flappers

We all love a cropped jean or slim cut trouser, but some trouser styles are just meant to be long. From bootcut to palazzo style, make sure the hemline is nearly touching the floor because ankle flappers not only look ridiculous, they also make your legs look much shorter and wider!

2. Gaping buttons

Big boobs can be a blessing and a curse. A curse when you’re walking past a pack of builders and a curse when you’re trying to squeeze them into a tight shirt or blouse. Gaping, over-stretched buttons that look like they’re about to pop and take someone’s eye out at any moment is not a good look, so make sure you go for a slightly looser style or a material with a bit of give in it.

3. Muffin top

We’re all guilty of this from time to time... you’re shopping for new jeans and one size is slightly loose, the other a bit too tight. You really should go for the bigger of the two but you convince yourself that you’ll get into the smaller ones... in a week or two of healthy eating. So, what actually happens? You have a squidgy, pesky roll around your waist aka eternal muffin top... so just face facts and buy the bigger jeans!

4. Hiding your curves

Believe it or not, you could be making yourself look bigger by trying to conceal your curves. If you have a tiny waist, accentuate it by wearing more fitted clothes and if you have hips, go for structured tailored skirts instead of trying to hide them.

5. Don’t be a sartorial sheep

It’s tempting to want to recreate hot-off-the-runway looks but sometimes, the latest trend just won’t suit your shape so it’s important to find your fashion formula and stick to it

6. Get to grips with your guns

What is it with Irish girls and their bingo wings? Not everyone has skinny bird like upper arms – and that’s ok. If you’re always thinking of new ways to keep your arms under wraps – cardigans, shrugs, ill-fitting jackets -  we guarantee that you’re probably making things worse and actually drawing more attention to the area.

7. Don’t chop your pins in half

Dainty ankle straps on shoes are big news this season but unfortuntlely they don’t suit everyone, especially if you’re on the petite side. The strap will cut your legs in two, making them look even shorter so they’re best avoided. But, if you feel like you have to try this trend, go for a nude shoe that will help elongate instead of shrink!

8. Match your heel to your calves

If your legs are naturally on the muscely side, you probably have bigger calves. Which is fine! But just remember that spindly stiletto heels will probably look out of proportion, so go for something a little bit chunkier.

9. Either/Or

This is a classic but still something that’s widely ignored. If you’re showing off your cleavage make sure your bottom half is covered up and if you’re showing off your legs... you get the picture!

10.  Reign in your inner magpie

We all love to pile on the jewels for a night on the town but less is definitely more if you want to make a statement with your jewellery. Either make your earrings the focus or opt for a show-stopping necklace but never both.