Fashion: Style howlers women make repeatedly

Black can look great - only if it suits you. Photo / Thinkstock

What's the biggest styling mistake you believe most women make?

Mmm, that's a tricky one, because there are several ...

*They choose black by default - many women do not suit black and yet it seems to be most women's fall-back option.

"You can't go wrong with black, right?"

You can if you don't suit it. Black can drag you down, make you look tired and even age you. I'm not saying that about black in general, I'm saying if it doesn't suit you.

I would love to see more women wear colour. (That's rich coming from me, given I have so much black in my wardrobe ... )

*Monotonous styling - whether it's because of a lack of confidence, lack of style or laziness, many women choose styles and just keep buying them over again.

I encourage women to try new styles and colours whenever they go into a retailer. If you don't try you'll never know. 99 per cent of my styling clients leave with stuff they never would have picked up, let alone tried on.

That's the biggest lesson they come away with - try and you may be pleasantly surprised.

*They buy because ...

It's fair to say a lot of women don't like clothes shopping so they try to get it over and done with as soon as possible.

Often they buy because it ticks the box: top bought, I can go now! I tell women, never buy unless you absolutely love it.

For me, these three are the top ranking offenders and also the easiest to fix.

Send your questions for Lisa to regionalfeatures@apn.co.nz.

Lisa Lyford is the founder of Gorgeous Me, free DIY personal styling and makeover advice.</strong>

www.gorgeousme.co.nz