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Gaya

Growing up, I always dreamed of being a fashion icon. And my admiration for Hannah Montana and other Disney teenage girls only fuelled my fantasy. I wanted to own their room-sized closets filled with every pretty dress I spotted in a boutique and the finest shoes in all my favourite colours.

Now, I’m an adult…and I still want to be a fashion icon. The only difference is I’m more realistic about my dream. I understand that I can’t magically walk into a store and leave with everything I want. I need real money for big-girl purchases. My reality has also taught me that looking good isn’t all about having more. It’s also very much dependent on how I’m able to correctly style what I currently own.

I realised that I don’t need every colour of bag to look gorgeous all the time. At least for now…while I can’t afford them. So instead of waiting till I can build the <a href="https://aura.ng/beauty/beauty-in-2026-how-to-curate-your-own-standards-and-choose-yourself">fashionable reputation</a> of my dreams, I spend less time fantasising about my favourite luxury brands and more time reimagining what’s already in my closet. And in the process, I’ve hacked some common fashion mistakes that can cheapen even the most elaborate looks.

It’s very distracting to wear a striped blouse with floral bottoms. The patterns will almost always clash. A fundamental fashion rule is to pair patterns with plain pieces. So, if you’re wearing printed pants, your top, bag, and even shoes should preferably be plain. This way, your entire outfit is balanced out because the plain neutralises the patterned.

If you thought nobody notices wrinkles and creases, the bad news is that they are very hard to ignore. Ironing your clothes really does make a whole world of difference. Unironed outfits will typically look dirty and give you a scruffy appearance, no matter how much money they cost. So, befriend ironing or utilise dry-cleaning services more often. No more rushing to the supermarket in a rumpled dress, deal? Deal!

Please, once your favourite jewellery starts to fade, quickly replace it. I understand the attachment and sentimental value sometimes, depending on who gifted them to you or when you got them. But faded gold turning bronze is not classy. Your jewellery begins to look metallic, and the initial lustre that would make your skin tone pop is lost.

Ladies, once your nail polish starts chipping off or breaking, either repaint or take the polish off. Chipped nails are not attractive to behold on both your fingers and toes. Instead, don’t even paint at all and just keep your natural nails trimmed and well-filed.

This one is subtle but very noticeable. Unfortunately, it’s actually society's business if your bra strap is popping or your underwear lines are showing. It matters so much more than you think, and it shouldn’t be ignored. Opt for seamless underwear or strapless bras when necessary to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Also, you can use more dark-coloured underwear, like black or navy blue.

As significant as jewellery is, too much of it can ruin your look. You don’t have to combine too many statement pieces all at once. Minimalistic accessories tend to appear more elegant, depending on the aura you’re aiming to exude. Avoid a mismatch of jewellery, like silver and gold, but layer mildly from time to time.

In all you do, please prioritise your<a href="https://aura.ng/fashion/how-to-dress-for-your-body-type-with-simple-style-tips-that-flatter"> body type</a>. Your body type is not meant to be a cage that limits your style. Rather, understanding it will help you accentuate the right features and conceal the others in a very flattering manner. Your size really doesn’t even matter as much as your body shape does. So, as long as you’re able to stick to trends meant for your body type, you can always slay.

Based on factors like your skin tone, height, and even size, we all have <a href="https://aura.ng/fashion/bold-colors-for-deep-skin-fair-skin-and-everything-in-between">specific colours</a> that fit us more than others. So, when buying clothes, you should pay attention to what colours you feel most confident in and which ones get you compliments.

Also, when combining colours, they don’t have to match conventionally. Colour blocking is a great way to experiment. Pinterest and YouTube are available with free styling guides.

This one may sound like a no-brainer, but so many of us are guilty of leaving our hair for too long without proper care. You don’t always need expensive hairstyles. Allow your hair to breathe and even save costs by utilising other alternatives like simple twists with your natural hair. Brushing old hair and oiling it properly or covering it up with a stylish scarf can enhance your appearance, too. The bottom line is your hair should always look neat.

Always ensure that your<a href="https://aura.ng/beauty/everything-you-need-for-a-flawless-face-glam-according-to-busayo-joan"> makeup</a> matches your skin tone. Don’t settle for a shade lighter or darker than your complexion. In cases where you don’t have a choice, blending is essential. This is to avoid the contrast between your neck and face that can spoil an otherwise flawless look. Find the perfect shade of blush, lipstick, and foundation for your skin tone...then stick to them.

Beware of these errors that will easily ruin your aesthetic. Until we can afford our dream closets, let’s maximise what we already have.

From an always-and-forever fashion icon to you.

Looking expensive isn’t just about money. Avoid these common fashion mistakes and watch your style go from zero to a hundred.




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