10 New Fashion Faux Pas to Avoid

The boxy, oversize look is undeniably chic and comfortable, but it can appear cumbersome if too bulky. Oversize clothing should not be so disproportionately big that it swallows you up. There's a crucial balance where the yin (the oversize piece) meets the yang (a tighter piece usually worn underneath the larger item). In other words, your boxy boyfriend jean jacket pairs well with skinny jeans or a body con.

The modern woman is always on the go, sometimes coming from work and heading straight to the gym. It can be inconvenient to carry multiple outfits around town. The good news is that you can now wear your athletic clothes out in the real world. Athleisure works best when combining wearable pieces with your best gym wear. Pair your Nike trainers with slouchy sweats and a modern jacket for an easygoing, savvy look.

Fall is right around the corner, which means it's time to break out the tights. Runs and tears are no longer a faux pas. In fact, they are almost required for a grittier look. The only downsides to tights are when they are too big or the wrong shade. Nude tights a few shades lighter than your actual skin tone can be distracting. If you're having a hard time finding your perfect shade, opt for a transparent black pair.

Mixing prints can seem daunting considering that our grandmothers deemed it a major faux pas. Rest assured, rebellious rule breakers like Sarah Jessica Parker and Solange Knowles have forged a new path for us to mix and match prints as we please. With newfound fashion power comes responsibility and a little pressure to produce the perfect mix. Not every flower pattern can mesh well with stripes. Part of mixing is intuitive, but the other part is finessing each stand-out layer with the other. To achieve a stellar combo, try contrasting color or similar patterns like vertical against horizontal stripes. You can also highlight one common element found in all of your prints. It can be any detail, from a color, texture, or pattern to a scale of print.

Even your shortest shorts should cover your bum bar none. There's really no wavering when it comes to this faux pas. Trust us, it's chicer to conceal the cheeks. If you really want to wear the short shorts, pair them with a longer boyfriend blazer.

It's reasonable to see the combination of an evening gown with six-inch heels as a recipe for disaster and not to mention all-around torture for your feet. Yet, we still can't get behind pairing flip-flops with an elegant dress for comfort. This age-old fashion faux pas remains a major no no on our list. If you want to wear a comfortable shoe, save the sandals for the beach and opt for a stylish pair of flats or sneakers, like a high top Converse or Stan Smith.

Don't be fooled into categorizing black and white as the only colors of minimalism. Yes, this no-frills style promotes a modern aesthetic with clean lines and simple silhouettes, which are often well constructed. All considered, this does not mean that we can't wear color in this minimal way. Contrarily, you can wear a well-tailored monochromatic red suit and look just as effortless as you would in all white. It's all about paring down; try going without jewelry for a cleaner look.

Knock-off clothing is the ultimate faux pas. It's easy to fall prey to an alluring salesman on the streets of Chinatown selling a passable Chanel bag, but it's best to avoid that counterfeit market altogether. Besides, deep inside, you'll know it's fake. Instead, try vintage or thrift shopping for designer styles in your price range. It's not uncommon to find a gently-used luxury bag at a quarter of its original price. If you're willing to dig, you can find the diamond in the rough.