You can spot a Marc Jacobs dress from across the street, you know that strong shoulders and biker jackets are all the rage for fall and you’re well aware that Christian Louboutin is a footwear genius. What you don’t know is despite the piles of Vogue and Flare on your bedroom floor, you can be somewhat clueless to the subtle and not-so-subtle nuances of fashion. Even the chicest of celebrities have had their share of blunders, so don’t feel bad. But when the weather outside gets frightful, make sure your wardrobe doesn’t. Armed with this guide, you’ll easily avoid apparel pitfalls and style slip-ups as the seasons change.

Fashion Foible 1: Chuck the Label

Many coats, blazers and jackets have a little label sewn onto the outer, visible part of the lower sleeve, detailing the fabric of the coat. This is meant to be removed. Too often men and women are seen wearing their coats and jackets, advertising the fabric content like it’s some ironic, fashion-forward detail. It isn’t. These labels are lightly stitched so that they are easily detachable. Do everyone a favour and keep your coat’s DNA to yourself.

Fashion Foible 2: Thread Removal  

One of this season’s biggest looks is a throwback to the 1940s and with that comes the timeless pencil skirt. Many pencil skirts come with a slit in the back and a small x-shaped sewing pattern holding the slit shut. This x is meant to be opened. A skirt looks awkward with a random slit held closed at the bottom — and you look even more awkward toddling around in it like a penguin. You won’t be able to walk up stairs or hold your head high at Fashion Week, so for your sake, and fashion’s, cut it open.

Fashion Foible 3: Quit Clicking

Countless women have teetered on thin-as-a-pin heels to and from work, and on the weekends for fun. After a while, the bottom of the heel wears away and leaves a battlefield explosion of leather, exposing the metal innards. This makes a terrible clicking sound on a tiled floor and an awful crunching sound on gravel. Get your heels fixed! Bring them to a skilled shoe repair and have the cobbler replace the little plastic piece that belongs on the bottom of the heel. Otherwise, your shoe looks unkempt and it’s also dangerous!

Fashion Foible 4: Sizeable Issues

Just because you can squeeeeeeeze your body into those jeans doesn’t mean they fit, or look good for that matter. Not so fast, baggy clothes! Garments look just as poor when they’re too big. Please wear the right size for you. Wearing a size that’s too small may make you feel good, but it can actually make you look bigger. Wearing two sizes too large can have the exact same effect — you may be hiding some insecurities, but you’re also masking a gorgeous figure under there. If you’re not sure what size is best, ask the sales associate at the store or bring a friend you know will tell you the truth. 

Fashion Foible 5: Socks and Sandals

This classic faux-pas, usually associated with men, has recently been afflicting growing numbers of women. Since peep-toe and open-toed shoe styles continue well into fall, it’s important when wearing sheer hosiery to make sure the toe is not reinforced. This looks horrible. There are many styles of panty-hose that are clear right down to the toe and these are the correct stockings to be sporting.

Fashion Foible 6: Monogrammed Moderation

Gucci, Coach and Louis Vuitton are just a few brands famous for using their Gs, Cs and LVs all over shoes, handbags and clothing. Wearing pieces like these is fine in moderation, but please don’t wear head-to-toe logos. It looks like you’re showing off, and perhaps, trying a little too hard. In other words: Being able to afford to wear Gs all over your body doesn’t make you a fashionista. Actually, it’s too often a fashion fix for those who don’t know how to put a cute ensemble together. If you must declare your brand loyalty to the world, opt to wear one piece at a time. There is definitely a refined elegance to being subtle with brand-name attire.

Fashion Foible 7: Wrinkles Be Gone

Button-down tops can be annoying to those who hate ironing, but in a corporate setting they are a must. Invest in a steamer or a good iron and remove the creases from your shirts. Both men and women are equally at fault. Wrinkles in clothing look untidy and unprofessional; having crisp and wrinkle-free apparel is the only way to go. •