Want to look your best without making dramatic changes to your style? Luckily, it's achievable: no matter what your body type, profession, personal taste or preference may be, it's still possible to look good and feel flawless. All you need is to pay attention to details that may not be apparent but could spoil your appearance. 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Here are some of the common mistakes that can ruin your look and how to fix them. 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Hair roots: Whether your roots are dark or light, different coloured roots can definitely affect your look. Make sure that you dye your roots regularly, especially if you radically change your hair colour. You can change your hair back to your natural colour if you get tired of constantly dying it.
Hair ties as bracelets: Though this can be very convenient for busy women who prefer to fasten their hair, wearing hair ties as bracelets can ruin your whole look as an adult. Wear beautiful bracelets on your wrists instead and keep a few hair ties in your bag, car or anywhere else you might need them.
Too many accessories: Though accessories are essential to your look, you'll mess up your style if you start piling on extravagant garnishes to cover up a simple outfit. Don't worry about being too plain: that's a better option than going overboard and risking looking tacky. The ideal accessory will be eye-catching and appropriate for the occasion.
Hair bun: We usually tie our hair up in a topknot or in a simple bun with tangles and disorderly hair ends when we don't have time to create a perfect hairstyle. Though this can be perfect when you're sitting alone at home, it can sabotage your look at work. Put your hair into a ponytail or make a pigtail out of it. Carrying some dry shampoo, a small comb and some hair pins is always a good idea.
Untidy nails: You might think that this is a small thing and no one will notice, yet untidy nails can destroy a flawless look. Take regular care of your hands and nails. Use moisturiser, cuticle cream and make sure to trim your nails. You can increase the lifespan of your manicure by applying an even and thin base coat of varnish. Allow the layer to completely dry before you put on another coat.
Wrong shades: If the shade of your foundation or powder is too dark or too light, your face will contrast with your neck and this can damage your look. When you choose the shade of a foundation, try samples of different shades. Apply each shade on your chin and pick the one that matches your neck colour.
See-through fabrics: Some fabrics are tricky, as they look totally opaque in the dim light of morning but may not do so later in the day. Because thin, delicate skirts can be a great addition to your wardrobe, make sure that they don't go transparent in bright light. Wearing leggings underneath thin skirts will do the trick.
Split ends: The appearance of split ends can ruin your whole hairstyle. Schedule an appointment with your hairstylist to cut off any split ends.
Constant adjustments: Fidgeting with your clothing is a sure way to look messy, even if there's nothing wrong with your look. It's irritating to both you and the people around you, so choose clothes that fit well and are comfortable. Try to stop worrying, and do whatever you have to do to stop picking your outfit apart.
Chapped lips: Applying a bright shade of lipstick to cracked lips makes them look even worse rather than giving a polished look. Don't use bright lipstick until your lips are healthy, and switch to a moisturising lip balm. If your lips are very dry, use special treatments.
Wearing damaged clothes: Nothing lasts forever, and that includes your favourite outfits. Small rips, holes, frays and tears can go from a minor flaw to a deal-breaker when it comes to clothing. A tailor may be able to help with hems and holes, and cute patches can conceal minor tears and rips. Also consider buying new items.
Wearing items that don't fit: An oversized shirt or too-tight pants can kill your style. Even if the clothes feel comfortable, if they don't fit, don't wear them. That applies to shoes, too. Always take the time to try on clothes before you buy them. Clothing manufacturers size their garments differently, so trust the fit and not the tag.
*A version of this article appears in print in the 4 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly