It seems like each year I make the resolution to dress better but then fall off the wagon and revert to my favorite jeans-and-tee outfit sometime in the spring. Well, this year, I mean it. To help me stick to my resolution, I thought it might be helpful to identify the common fashion "mistakes" that I (and many others) probably make over and over again. Pinpointing these will keep them top of mind no matter what point of the year we reach.
I polled my fellow editors to find out what "mistake" they left behind 2020 to help propel me toward a chicer wardrobe, and I figured they were worth sharing since they're pretty relatable. Below are the four fashion habits we're putting a stop to in 2021, and what we plan on doing instead.
1. Completely Avoiding Color
"I basically live in all black. My daily uniform basically consists of black jeans, a coordinating sweater, a moto jacket, and black boots. While this look makes me feel comfortable and confident, I know infusing a little color into my wardrobe wouldn't hurt. So I'd say the mistake I'm leaving behind now is being totally averse to color. I'm interested in testing out some curveball hues like purple and orange this year."—Bobby Schuessler, market editor
The perfect shade of orange.
Colored pieces aren't scary when the hues are this pretty.
Just pair with high-waisted leggings and your outfit is done.
This color is going to be everywhere in 2021.
We're here for all things bubblegum pink.
2. Not Paying Attention to Proportions
"This year, I'm making a more conscious decision to balance out the proportions of my outfit. While in the past I might have gone for the clunky shoes when wearing something oversized (as evidenced here), I want to break that habit and instead start styling sleeker pieces alongside more voluminous ones to really let the silhouette shine."—Anna LaPlaca, assistant editor
These jeans pair perfectly with a sleek pair of shoes.
The ruching makes these look so luxe.
The perfect companion for jeans.
A streamlined skirt looks chic with a voluminous top.
The cinched waist balances out the volume in this blazer.
3. Investing in Impractical Pieces
"I want to be a bit smarter about my winter investments. Since I live in L.A., I really only need basics for cold weather, but I'm always tempted to go out on a limb and invest in impractical trends like a white faux-fur coat that I'll only wear a couple of times a year. Instead, I want to only buy versatile pieces like black coats and sleek trousers."—Erin Fitzpatricks, senior news editor
So timeless.
Tailored trousers are always a good idea.
You can wear a light trench like this in any weather.
A chic blazer is something you'll wear all the time.
4. Ignoring Practicality Altogether
"The mistake I can't seem to quit (yet) is getting dressed to suit my whims and throwing practicality to the wind. Blame it on my Sagittarius and Aries in my chart, but I am a sucker for instant gratification. If I want to wear a certain outfit that day, I'm going to wear it! In the pictured case, I wore a leather dress on a blazing hot day. My natural deodorant was no match. I knew this would be the case, but I wore the dress anyway and I still can't get the odor out of the armpits. In 2021, I'm caring for my own comfort a bit more, and realizing that even if the outfit looks banging, if I don't feel equally as good, it doesn't matter."—Kat Collings, Who What Wear editor in chief
Boots with a low block heel are much more practical for walking around in than a skinny stiletto.
For toting around just about anything.
A basic jean is one of the most practical and versatile pieces you could wear.
The roomy interior makes this one of the most practical bag styles out there.
Comfortable sneakers are a very practical investment.
Next, see 11 easy outfits to throw on when you're running late this month.
This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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