5 Things About My Outfits I'm Always Secretly Judging

Maybe to varying degrees, but we all do it every once in a while, don’t we? You step out of the house in something you kind of just threw on in a rush, and the first glimpse you get of yourself, whether in a store window or the office bathroom mirror, is, let's just say, not your best work. It happens to me all the time, and I pride myself on my fashion sense and quite literally make a living out of it! The occasional faux pas doesn't mean that we’re not stylish or that we dress poorly, rather that there’s always room for improvement and that we all have our off days.

So what fashion mistakes of my own really make me tick? You’re in for a real treat because today I’m not just telling you; I’m showing you. Just keep scrolling for the five things about my outfits I’m always secretly judging and to get some inspiration from girls who got it right.

1. Imperfect Hems

I used to be quite vigilant about tailoring all my pants before wearing them, but lately, I've been giving in to my inherent laziness, and it shows (as seen above). Whether I want something that is cropped at a certain place or hits just before the floor, the key to a good hem for this 5'2" editor is monthly visits to the tailor, and I’m determined to get back on track.

Girls who got it right:

This cropped suit hits at just the right spot.

I'd expect nothing less than perfectly long pants from Lauren Santo Domingo.

Shop pants:

2. Uneventful Accessorizing

Don't get me wrong. I love my collection of basic black boots and bags like they're my children, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't switch it up every once in a while—especially when I have the inventory to do so. This year, I'm vowing to give my statement accessories more time in the spotlight. 

Girls who got it right:

I'm inspired by this croc bag–and–snake boot combo.

Baby blue FTW.

Shop interesting accessories:

3. Poorly Tucked Tops

Now, the only way to solve this is through trial and error. Trying various tops with different bottoms to know what looks good and what just doesn't sit right will help you keep tabs on the best combinations in your wardrobe. However, every once in a while, even when I know the pairing isn't perfect, I'm rushed to get out the door and step out in something I otherwise wouldn't. Case in point: this tee, which was just too baggy for my tight jeans.

Girls who got it right:

Just perfect.

Slim sweaters and loose trousers are a match made in heaven.

Shop tops:

4. Lazy Layering

While pairing one-and-done basics such as a cardigan or blouse with jeans is great, the approach rarely lends itself to a truly memorable outfit. So whether it means combining more interesting and unexpected pieces or layering item after item to stay warm while looking cool(er), I think it's time I step up my game and get more mileage out of my wardrobe. 

Girls who got it right:

I love Rachael Wang's fleece-on-fleece look so much.

More coats, belts, and unitards in 2020, please.

Shop layers:

5. Faded or Pilled Sweaters

One of my biggest repeat offenses is my tendency to wear the same one or two cozy sweaters on repeat for most of fall and winter. As you can imagine, even if they are brand-new at the beginning of September, they hardly look it by mid-January. Not only do I need to start giving the other tops in my closet a chance, but I think I need some new sweaters as well. 

Girls who got it right:

This interesting knit is fashionable and not the least bit faded.

A cozy fit that still looks stylish.

Shop sweaters:

Up next: three things that make cheap boots look expensive.