There are two elements to being fashionable.  Of course, the designs of the clothing are very important.  The materials that are used to make the clothing are just as critical.

These two aspects of women’s clothing – especially when it involves specific lines such as formal, casual, maternity, etc. – has a significant impact on the stylishness of the clothing.  The best part of this is the fact that most of these cheap women’s fashions are available at discounted rates all year round at most boutiques, especially during the sale season.

There are many types of clothing available with many different designs, cuts and finishes, and so it should not be hard to find something that not only fits you properly but that you find attractive and appealing as well.  One of the most popular types of clothing (which has had an influence on cheap women’s fashion) is Casual Wear. This refers to anything that you would wear on a regular day or family get together.

This casual wear basically can be found in any store, usually at discounted prices, most of the time, simply because it so popular.  This factor also ensures that the quality of this particular type of discounted clothing is not lacking in any way.

Another aspect of fashion, as said before, is that of the material used to make the clothing. When it comes to cheap women’s fashion, what truly matters most, besides the design, is the strength or durability of the clothes.  This is determined by the material used.

Usually, in order to be as affordable as possible, cheap women’s fashion is made from cotton, polyester, nylon, or a common blend which is machine washable.  In today’s busy world, women don’t want to spend a lot of time doing laundry.  Therefore, “wrinkle-free” clothing is very popular.

Of course, comfort is an important consideration as well.  Cotton is one of the most common materials used in making clothes.  It is casual, and comfortable, while being fashionable, and at the same time is relatively inexpensive.

The availability of items which make up the category of Cheap Women’s Fashion extends to things other than clothing.  Accessories, handbags and shoes can also be found at reasonable prices.

Surprisingly, there are excellent sources for designer handbags and accessories on the internet.  In many cases, you can buy from a manufacturer’s distributor at below-retail prices.  They sometimes run sales on discontinued items, or seasonal items.  If you know where to look for these fashions and when to buy, you can save thousands of dollars on designer dresses, shirts, pants, shoes and accessories.

Most women have an abundance of shoes.  They absolutely adore shoes.   Over the last 20 years, the trend has gone away from heals (unless dressing up) to comfortable shoes for everyday use.  This has diminished the demand for high-end designer shoes, and made it easier to find shoes at good prices.

It’s not typical that shoes are purchased over the internet because you should try them on before buying.  Therefore, I suggest outlet stores as a good place to find well-priced shoes that will look good and are comfortable.

I know that you can pick up designer clothing at a fraction of the original price. Cheap women’s fashions – clothing, shoes, accessories and handbags – are yours for the taking if you know where and when to look.

The beginning of the 20th century brought a tremendous influx of immigrants, new businesses and technologies, and substantial economic growth throughout America. One result of these changes was a profound influence on women’s fashion.

Paris and London set the fashion trends American women followed, if they could afford to do so, and these trends were tied to the tastes of the upper classes in France and Britain. In America, the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Roosevelts, copied the looks of European aristocracy. In turn, rich American women were copied by middle class women. In this way, Paris and London influenced the dominant look of American women, even though European designers did not directly design for the masses.

For a brief time in women’s fashion history, women wore expensive, elaborate, ultra-feminine dresses that produced the fashionable S-shaped silhouette. A good description of this look was given in a women’s fashion magazine of 1910:

“Based on the figure of the mature and well-built woman, the S-shaped silhouette is comprised of a bell-shaped skirt draped over taffeta petticoats; a small bustle gathering a train; and a lacy cotton or linen corset with whalebone stays that produced a clinched, wasp-like waist and flat stomach while exaggerating the size of the bust and hips.”

The bust was further emphasized by a blouse decorated with frills, braids, and laces. The S shape created an unnatural bend in the back that tilted the woman’s upper body forward. In addition, a high, stiff collar drew the head slightly upward. A wide-brimmed hat was worn forward on the head to balance the S shape. Leather boots fastened with buttons, or pointed suede shoes with low heels, completed the fashionable woman’s look.

The S silhouette required much time and effort. First, the woman put on a chemise or vest of fine linen, silk, or muslin. Then, with help, she put on the corset, which laced at the back. (Women’s fashion history has had its cruel side. Many women experienced painful health issues which resulted from pulling these corsets too tightly).

Then came the petticoats. These rivaled the dress in detail and decorations and were hemmed with ruffles that rustled as a woman moved. After this daily ritual the woman was finally ready for her dress.

As the decade wore on, skirts narrowed and rose slightly (to the ankle), changing the undergarments. To produce a narrower hipline, corsets no longer reached above the waist but moved down over the hips. This change required a more flexible structure, using lighter and smaller stays. Ruffled petticoats were replaced by closer fitting slips.

No fashionable woman left her house without a hat in the early 1900s. During this period, women’s small hats were lavishly trimmed with feathers, flowers, preserved birds, lace, ribbons, and buckles. As the decade progressed, women’s hats increased in size, became still more lavishly trimmed, and were worn tilted forward or to one side with a face veil.

Most women—the rich were the exception—made their own clothes, following standardized patterns. Professional dressmakers used the same patterns, or else they made dresses to order by copying European originals. The foundations for what would become America’s ready-to-wear clothing industry were set in this decade. Eastern European tailors applied their skills and made New York the center of the clothing industry in America.

The American contribution to women’s fashion history was ready-to-wear clothing. This innovation produced the shirtwaist, a blouse designed to be worn with a skirt. Paris looked down on the shirtwaist, which first appeared in the late nineteenth century. But American working women took to the garment with more intense demand than any other garment in women’s fashion history.

Sears, Roebuck catalogue offered 150 variations of it, priced from 39¢ to $6.95. In 1907 a peek-a-boo shirtwaist shocked many conservatives with its eyelet embroidery, which allowed the flesh of the arm to show. By 1910 the national production of shirtwaists was a big business. New York City alone turned out $60 million worth.

The main advantage of the shirtwaist was its suitability to the active lives most women were leading. Designers used the shirtwaist to offer women a more comfortable range of skirts. American women might want to follow European high-fashion trends in the evening, but for the rigors of everyday life they wanted a look that was stylish as well as functional.

The shirtwaist rapidly became the symbol of a new generation of working women. These young women (called “pink-collar” workers) managed the growing paperwork generated by American businesses. There had been increasing demand for office work since the invention of the typewriter in 1870.

In addition, a woman could earn ten dollars or more a week in an office – twice what she could make in a clothing sweatshop. And finally, these young women enjoyed a heterosexual social setting outside the supervision of the family. Single secretaries and typists became the age’s newest glamour girls, the heroines of serial stories in romance novels.

The availability of items which make up the category of Women’s Casual Fashion extends to things other than clothing.  Accessories, handbags and shoes can also be found at reasonable prices.

Whether you’re considered a soccer mom or college dorm student, comfort is always on the forefront of your mind.  The trick to dressing in women’s casual fashion everyday is to know how to keep from looking sloppy.

For those lucky enough to dress in women’s casual clothes everyday, the challenges could be many, but the most important two are:  how to build a core wardrobe of basics with enough variety to keep it from getting boring; and how to match these without looking sloppy.

Here are some tips to help women build their casual attire:

Buy your casual clothes the same way you would buy career clothes: always thinking about building your best women’s casual fashion wardrobe. For example, when choosing your casual wear, choose cohesive pieces and build them around basic styles. For casual clothing the best approach is three colors for the best mix-and-match wardrobe – khaki, denim, tan for example.

And please don’t forget about a great casual shoe because nothing kills sporty casual attire like a pair of white running shoes. Stick with a pair of boots or sandals, etc. You probably won’t get stopped by the “wrong wardrobe police” with boots and they go with almost all casual clothing.  Of course, we’re talking about leather, not vinyl.

Use casual accessories and handbags.  No two worlds are more distant from one another than the classic look and women’s casual fashion. Please don’t try to mix a luxurious diamond watch with a sweatshirt (unless you’re Queen Latifah). Try to stay away from mixing styles.

There are many types of clothing available with many different designs, cuts and finishes, and so it should not be hard to find something that not only fits you properly but that you find both attractive and appealing.  This casual wear basically can be found in any store, usually at discounted prices, most of the time, simply because it’s so popular.

Usually, in order to be as affordable as possible, women’s casual fashion is made from cotton, polyester, nylon, or a common blend which is machine washable.

In today’s busy world, women don’t want to spend a lot of time doing laundry.  Therefore, “wrinkle-free” clothing is very popular.
Of course, comfort is an important consideration as well.

Cotton is one of the most common materials used in making clothes.  It is casual, and comfortable, while being fashionable, and at the same time is relatively inexpensive.

Keep your casual clothes in good shape — don’t be lazy if they need to be ironed then iron them, if they need to be cleaned then clean them, you get the point.

Stay far away from women’s casual wear “don’ts” – like baggy sweats. These should be for lounging around the house or for going to the gym only. Remember today you might have a reputation to uphold. Go for some in-style women’s attire, a great track suit that comes with a strong fitted look in fun colors and rich fabrics like velour or terry.

Don’t get carried away with your women’s casual fashion.  Remember it is just a style which can be fun and look good at the same time. So, if you’re working in the garden or cleaning the house, then wear whatever works for you and leave your casual clothes for more appropriate days.

The modern day woman is fashion conscious like never before and it is every woman’s eternal dream to look beautiful. Women in general spend most of their free time buying clothes. The fashion industry will never lose its charm. Fashion has become an integral part of urban women’s lives and each one yearns to look her best at all times. With the clothing comes the right shoes, accessories and jewelry to match.

Hit the streets or magazine racks and it’s apparent that trends in urban woman’s fashion run the gamut from alternative rock, urban hip-hop, to funky and classic. The following looks are helpful references to pinpoint different fashion genres and will help you to mimic a desired style.

Classic Fashion

A classic style expresses a clean, prim and proper look. Jewelry and accessories are muted and don’t carry a bold statement. Shoes are comfortable for walking, but stylish enough for the office.

Preppy Fashion

Conservative, the kind of look that makes big estates and golf might come to mind. But the preppy fashion style has slightly evolved into trendy status.  The basics still remain: collared blouses, polo shirts, khakis, skirts with traditional prints and a clean-cut, well-groomed appearance.

Bohemian / Hippie Fashion

This variety of urban women’s fashion can be represented by many styles and can lean toward the beachy, quirky, eclectic or kitschy cool as descriptive adjectives. This style radiates freedom with loose clothing, loose hair, headgear ranging from headbands to fedoras to baseball caps, and other fun accessories including cocktail rings and stacked bangles. These are usually coupled with sneakers.

Rock / Funk Fashion

A funky rock look is edgy with bold accents that can be expressed with hairstyle and unconventional hair color, lipstick or accessories. Clothing pieces include black leather jackets and dark shirts with funky designs, and jeans.

Skater / Alternative Fashion

The skater or alternative style also has different ranges. This style of urban woman’s fashion is characterized by tight skinny jeans, long frontal hair and dark eye makeup (guys included).

Goth Glam Fashion

The goth glam fashion category is a classy version of gothic but ensembles still retain dark and gloomy colors like black, navy and burgundy. Let’s not be judgmental.

Girly Glam Fashion

Girly glam outfits hug the body more tightly and are replete with pink, loud and sparkly accessories, high stilettos and platforms. This seems very uncomfortable to me, but then again, I’m not 15 anymore.

Urban Hip-Hop Fashion

In the street scene, gold chains, diamond earrings and baseball caps have always been standard for men. Urban woman’s fashion includes many brown and tan outfits, bold designs, along with large hoop earrings, thick platforms and tight up-dos that look like they are pulling on facial muscles.

Many people mix fashion style trends depending on mood. The important thing is to find styles that fit personal preferences because how you dress subconsciously affects your demeanor.

Colors should be chosen carefully. This is a very important factor in providing a slim appearance. Obviously, knowing which colors suit you and where these colors should be applied are important issues. While dark colors will visually diminish size, bright colors will have the opposite affect. Therefore, if you have big hips and small busts, then wear a dark color pant or skirt and light color top.

Don’t try to hide those curves with loose pants to jeans. Instead pick well-fitted pants with flared bottoms or in boot cut style. They will make you look slimmer. Avoid bottoms that are tapered and get narrower towards your ankles as they can make your bottom look large. Team your pants with some high heels to add height and make you appear slimmer.

If you’re tall, you want to break up your height visually by having a color break at the belt line. On the other hand, if you’re petite, go monotone from top to bottom in order to look taller. Avoid ruffles and pleats as these will add bulk. Go for a streamlined shape to show off your silhouette.

Show off your waist. Accentuate and exaggerate that great waist. A small waist is considered the very symbol of sensuality, so don’t hesitate to show it off. Drawing attention to your waist with a belt or a top with a fitted waist will optimize the curve of your figure. Avoid elastic waistbands. They add bulk to your mid-section.

Short dresses look best on thin figures. Avoid over sized clothes so as not to look billowy. When considering fashion ideas for women, your focus should be on clothing that fits properly – not too tight or too baggy. A top that is too big will only make you look bigger and sloppier and clothes that are too tight will also make you look larger.

Choose pencil or slightly A-line skirts – pencil skirt will show the ratio between your waist and hip measurement, giving you a sexy silhouette. Straight styles and certain A-line skirts could also be right for you, as long as they are fitted around the waist and hips.

An outfit that fits properly gives slimming as well as appealing expression. Vertical prints and stripes slim down your look and give the illusion of height. Horizontal stripes do just the opposite.

Buy well-fitted sheath dresses. These often come with a deep V-neckline. They usually have a defined waist and a figure-hugging silhouette and are often in a lightweight fabric such as silk or cotton. They flatter curvy figures and look great.

Another one of these fashion ideas for women is the short fitted jacket. In most cases, fitted jackets will flatter your legs and waist. Denim jackets are extremely versatile.

Dress well underneath – a well-fitted bra and shape wear will camouflage all your problem areas. If your bra does not fit properly, it can make you look sloppy. Since most hourglass figures are well-endowed, a well-fitted bra is a must have for you.

Wear attention-getters where you want people to look, thereby pulling attention away from body parts which you don’t want people to focus on. For example, if you’re heavy at the hip, wear a dress with a plunging neckline to take attention away from the lower part.

If it’s the upper area you’re unhappy with, wear a beautiful hemline dress to take focus to the lower half of the dress. Patterns are one of the fashion ideas for women that help to draw attention away from those problem areas.

High-heeled shoes impart a taller and slimmer look, and thereby enhance the overall look of the outfit.

Using a few of these fashion ideas for women can help you to maximize your figure and minimize your flaws, helping you to look your best. But it should be mentioned that walking with confidence goes a long way toward enhancing your image.

Looking slim and well dressed is everybody’s goal. Here’s hoping that this information helped you achieve it.

The clothes in your closet need to WORK TOGETHER. You can build a solid wardrobe that is both affordable and practical with very little fuss if you follow some simple guidelines. Here are some suggestions on how to build a solid wardrobe.
Step 1: Understand What ‘Wardrobing’ Is

When you build a solid wardrobe you need to think ‘simplicity’. Your choice of clothes should feature those with clean lines that are both casual and comfortable but well chosen enough to create a professional image.

‘Wardrobing’ is a system of buying (or making) clothes in a few basic colors that all work together. In so doing you can create multiple outfits from a few basic outfits. If you master the art of wardrobing you can create different outfits for seven weeks with just eleven garments! Now that’s something we can all use and we are going to show you how to do it.

Step 2 – The Eleven Garments

The eleven garments you will need to build a solid wardrobe are:

* 2 pairs of pants
* 2 skirts – one in a solid color and one in a print or check
* 2 simple tops – one in a solid color and one in the same print as above
* 4 tops, in colors which coordinate with the solids
* 1 simple cardigan or jacket in a solid color

Ensure that your formula works by picking two basic colors and adding a third complementary color. Next, make sure the print has the two basic colors in it. You might chose beige and navy as your two basic colors and a skirt in gold plus a print in navy and beige. Your four simple tops can be the fun items in your wardrobe. Try adding other colors like rust or ivory to this formula.

Choose colors that flatter you. Navy and burgundy with accent color like ivory and pink. If in doubt choose black and white and a world of accent colors really opens up since anything goes!

Items Women will need to build a solid wardrobe:

Step 3 – Other Items You Need to Build a Solid Wardrobe

* One cardigan – in one of your basic colors
* 3 long-sleeve tops in tones that coordinate
* 1 long skirt in a print
* 1 blouse or top in the same print
* 1 knee-length skirt in a solid color
* 2 more pairs of pants in tones that blend with your color palette

If you don’t enjoy wearing skirts, simply replace them with two good pairs of pants or vice versa. Just make sure you stick to the formula.

Hints and Suggestions for Wearing Your Garments

Notice that printed items are kept to a minimum in a solid wardrobe. If buy a lot of printed fabrics you will soon find that your options are extremely limited since they really only match themselves or one other item. Choose prints very carefully.

With this wardrobe plan the printed items match least two and maybe three of the solid colors. In this way you know that these garments will go with everything and you can even split the top and skirt up and wear them separately.

A note on two-piece garments for example a skirt and blouse in the same fabric. Always wash or dry clean both pieces together even if you haven’t worn one of them to avoid one piece of the set fading.

To build a solid wardrobe that works you need to have all eleven items and stick to the color palette. Having only one or two or skipping items won’t work.

Once you have at least step one figured out you can introduce some new colors to add pizzazz. This will lead to even more combinations. You may find you have groups of clothes that work together – just make sure you have the first eleven garments.

Fabric Choices

If this is a business wardrobe choose suit-type fabrics and silk for the tops. If your wardrobe is more casual choose casual fabrics like denims, cottons or knits

You might find that after wearing them for a while you get tired of the selection of garments. If this happens, simply spice things up with a vest in an interesting fabric. Choose one that works with at least three of your items in your solid wardrobe. You could also invest in a scarf in an unusual fabric.

Step 4 – Know How to Wear Your Solid Wardrobe

Mix and Match your outfits to create a new look for each day. Spend some time trying on your clothes to find looks that work and are unique. Do this by rotating shirts, shoes and belts or sweaters.

Layering is a great way to ensure a slightly different look that adapts well to after-work or lunchtime entertaining. Try a white shirt under a navy jacket or striped t-shirt with pants under a cardigan. .

Try to alternate the outfits so that you don’t wear the same thing each day or the same combination of clothes too regularly.

You can build a solid wardrobe for casual wear in much the same way, using the tips and suggestions above. Just dress down your choices for a smart-casual look. You will find that some of your shirts can double up for both formal and casual wear. If you build a solid wardrobe that suits your environment, personality and above all your budget you’ll never look dull and are sure to always have something stylish to wear.

* The way you dress for a first date says a lot about who you are and provides some important visual clues to your partner. A word of caution however. When it comes to a first date you may not really want to divulge the closet hippy or femme fatale lurking within. Don’t wear clothes that are very revealing or expose too much of your body.

If you do wear a skirt it should reach your knees at least and tops or shirts should never reveal a bra-line or too much cleavage. (Leave that for when you get to know each other a little better).

* How you choose to dress should show your date you respect him enough to make a good impression. It can also make you feel a lot more confident and relaxed on your first day or night out with the object of your affection.

* The outfit, shoes and accessories you choose to wear should be chosen with care and attention to detail and should indicate that you have made a special effort for your date. Don’t overdress in an effort to make an impression. A little black number isn’t famous for its over-the-top detail after all!

Keep it simple and if you absolutely must be daring go for a halter neck top or TINY slit in your skirt.

* Don’t dress too casually or too formally. Go for a smart-casual look that is not too understated or too bold and daring. Add a touch or two that says “I am unique’.

Never wear an item of clothing that is show-offish or obviously accentuates your body on a first date. Your date will notice that you work out under basic clothing too!

* Always dress for a first date in clothing that is both neat and clean. This says a lot about your personal hygiene, self-respect and ability to take care of yourself. Make a good effort to be as presentable as possible – wash and style your hair. Make sure your teeth are brushed and bathe or shower before your date.

* Avoid buying a new outfit when you dress for a first date. This can make you appear to be trying too hard and will make your date wonder what the rest of your wardrobe looks like.

New clothes can also be uncomfortable and the last thing you need is to discover that your bra has come unhooked or your new skirt shows off more than your legs!

* Consider wearing a favorite outfit if it suits the occasion – This will make you feel confident and comfortable and this translates into better self-esteem at a time when you are likely to be a tad nervous.

* Choose your outfit based on the venue for the date. If you are going to a rock concert, you could go with ultra-trendy or semi-casual but don’t overdo it with a death-metal T-shirt (unless you know your date will be wearing one too!) or green streaked hair.

* Colors you may consider wearing when you dress for a first date include blues, black (don’t overdo it) and earthy tones like brown or beige. You could also go with the latest fashion colors like pink or orange, but keep it understated. This is not the time to be sporting that really short, really red, backless mini-dress.

* Stick to basic fabrics and add interesting touches with a suede jacket or silk scarf. If you are wearing pants (a perfectly acceptable choice these days). You might want to avoid leather on a first date and please, please don’t wear a hat (unless you are going to a rodeo or sports event, that is!).

* Clothing items you can try are a nice smart blouse and skirt set, a skirt and twin set or a simple dress with strappy sandles. If you absolutely must wear denim, make sure it’s a fairly new pair and pick a smart-casual shirt that will tone in with the blue or black denim. As with denim, jeans and a T-shirt will only work if the venue is outdoors and super-casual.

* Don’t forget your shoes and stockings when you dress for a first date. Many a fabulous outfit has been ruined by forgetting to wear a good pair of shoes and stockings if appropriate. Always choose your shoes to match your outfit for example a summer dress and airy sandals or boots and a calf length skirt in winter.

*Your shoes should be clean and polished if need be and suit the time and place, your outfit and the weather. Make sure your shoes tone with your suit or pants if you are wearing one, and that they are clean. If you are going to invest in anything new for a first date, a new pair of shoes would be it, but make 100% sure that they are comfortable.

* Pay attention to your accessories – These include your watch, belt and any jewelry you may be wearing and other items like cell phones or pagers. For example, if you are separated, or in the process of a marriage break-up don’t wear your wedding band or engagement ring.

Dressing for a First Date – Women

*Your jewelry should be clean and understated. Check that your watch is working and if it has an alarm make sure it is turned off. Leave your cell phone or pager at home! When you dress for a first date you don’t want to appear to be tied to your work or anybody else!

* Pay close attention to your grooming and hygiene. ALWAYS bathe or shower before setting out for a first date and make sure that any after shave, cologne or mouthwash isn’t too overpowering. Never chew gum.

To conclude, when you dress for a first date make sure you don’t under or overdo it. Always dress in clothes that are neat, clean and ironed and make sure you leave your ‘crazy clothes’ in the cupboard.

A first date is a time to get to know the object of your affection and to establish a solid relationship based on mutual respect so don’t get too tied up in what you are wearing but do make sure you create a lasting impression!

Good luck!

Admittedly, this is one of the misunderstandings that couples soon to be married may face. For a girl, a wedding is something she’s dreamed of all her life, and if there’s anything that the guests would remember about any wedding, it’s how the bride looks. Really – who bothers to look at the groom, anyway?

It is for this reason that brides-to-be spend months looking for that perfect wedding gown. If you feel guilty about spending a fortune on a designer gown, do the next best thing – designed your own trousseau! You’ll be able to wear something that you’d feel comfortable in, and you can spend the money saved on other things, such as an extended island honeymoon.

Another good idea for brides wanting something extraordinary is a vintage wedding dress. Wearing one will add a touch of elegance to your wedding and will definitely be talked about many months after your wedding. It can be used both for a simple wedding with close friends and family, or an extravagant one where the entire wedding motif revolves around the vintage theme.

You can ask a grandma or a grandaunt who’s still keeping her wedding dress in a trunk somewhere in the attic if she’ll lend you the dress. Some will only be too thrilled that the dress will be put to use after so many years and will gladly give you a free hand with updating the design.

For those not fortunate enough to have one tucked away in a grandmother’s attic, what’s the best place to find a vintage wedding dress? First, there are several thrift shops or consignment stores that may have some on display.

They would be relatively cheaper than off-the-rack contemporary wedding dresses, and would have been intricately sewn by hand, with details that are difficult to reproduce. Before buying a number, make sure you’d be able to find replacement fabric, beads, or lace for parts that have been worn out or damaged.

Second, online auction sites such as eBay are likewise good sources of vintage wedding dresses, although you won’t have the benefit of being able to thoroughly inspect the item’s condition before purchasing it. The photos posted on the auction site also won’t show what stains it may have, and for dresses that have been around a long time, it will be rather tricky to remove even a small stain.

Don’t easily fall into the trap of falling in love with a vintage wedding dress even before trying it on. Our body structures are now different than those of women years ago, and some styles may not be appropriate for certain physiques. If you’re out searching for a vintage wedding dress, take someone with you – preferably a fashion designer – so he will be able to determine if the dress can be repaired to fit your “look” and personality.

Lastly, if you’ve successfully found your dream vintage wedding dress and got raves for it on your wedding day, make sure that it is thoroughly cleaned at the dry cleaner’s before it is stored. You can never tell if in the future, a member of your family takes a fancy to it and decides to wear it on her own wedding day.

1.  Too much color

It’s probably okay to wear overly bright colors if you’re working at Google or some other workplace where they encourage people’s individuality, but let’s face it – brows will be raised in the boardroom if you suddenly come in wearing your favorite fuchsia suit and flashy scarf.

Be careful of color combinations, too. To be safe, combine complementary colors – those that are opposite each other on the color wheel.

2.  Ill-fitting clothes

A dress that’s too tight will emphasize your bulges even more, especially when those bulges are not in the right places. Always wear your proper size, and don’t think that wearing a Size 6 dress when you’re a Size 8 will make you look smaller.

In the same vein, rid your cabinet of clothes that are too loose. Even if you’re a bit on the heavy side, wearing baggy tops and pants will definitely make you look bigger. Throw away all your padded outfits – they probably won’t be back in fashion for a long time anyway. Clothes with a proper fit will give you the confidence you need as you won’t be weighed down by what you’re wearing.

3.  Dragon lady nails

They’re hideous and tacky and are only appropriate for a costume party. What’s more, if you’re using the computer or the telephone at the office, they’re hardly functional. If you had them done for a special occasion and want to keep them a bit longer, you can opt for the short-length variety.

4.  Dark roots

Trust me, your friends won’t tell you about how unsightly this looks. When your hair starts growing out, it’s time to reapply the dye – but go for a darker shade this time, unless you want to be stuck with dead hair. This happens when you keep dyeing your hair, and you’ll be forced to do this if your hair dye is in high contrast to your natural color.

5.  Clothes that are too casual or too formal

It’s easy to avoid these fashion boo-boos if you’ve got an office wardrobe with the classic staples – jackets and suits in black, navy, grey, and tan; blouses and tops in plain colors and classic styles; dark-colored pumps with medium heels; black pants; and knee-length skirts. Wear sweaters with neutral colors. Remember: Loafers are too casual and stilettoes are too formal.

6.  Too much makeup

Even if you’re not out in the sun, it’s still daytime, and makeup that’s too heavy still looks gaudy. What’s worse is having foundation that stops at the chin, known as a foundation mask. Always blend your foundation up to your neck and as far as you can go behind the ears. Save the false eyelashes for a girls’ night out.

7.  Overly flashy accessories

You can wear chunky accessories one at a time, but make sure they’re paired with simple clothes. Don’t be tempted to bring those large-monogram bags at the office. Keep shoe colors muted. A good rule of thumb is to wear a maximum of three pieces of jewelry to the office – for instance, a ring, a bracelet, and earrings.