1. Wearing the Wrong Colors

To look your best wear clothing colors that will complement your skin. Wearing the wrong colors will make your skin appear sallow and lines and wrinkles will be more evident. The right colors will make you look more vibrant and healthy.

2. Wearing too much makeup

Too much makeup will make lines appear deeper and will create a harsh look. Keep makeup light for day and a little darker for evening. See a professional if you are unsure of makeup application techniques.

3. Wearing Clothes that are too small

Wearing clothes that fit too tightly will make you appear larger. Wearing clothes that do not suit your body type will make you appear larger. Buy clothes that suit your body type - not someone else's.

4. Chipped nail polish

The idea of nail polish is to make your nails appear nicer. Chipped polish just brings attention to poor grooming.

5. An old-fashioned hairstyle or messy hair

Your hairstyle creates a first impression. From your hairstyle people will assume your education level, status, age etc. This doesn't mean the judgments are correct ? they happen instinctively. Make sure it doesn't happen to you. Visit your hairstylist regularly.

6. Messy Shoes or wrong shoes for your outfit

Take care of your shoes they complete your look. Also pay attention that your complement your outfit.

7. Roots that show

If you colour your hair make sure you keep it maintained regularly.

8. Bras and bra straps that show

When wearing sleeveless tops make sure you wear a racer back bra. Don't wear bras that fit too tightly or don't have good support.

9. Mismatched hose

Match your hose with your shoes or with your pants or skirt.

10. Wearing inappropriate clothes

When in a working environment make sure that your clothes are not flashy (unless you are in a creative field) do not wear short skirts, (more than 3 inches above the knee) sleeveless tops, plunging necklines, stilettos, too much jewelry, leather pants or skirts, or anything that shimmers.

Copyright 2004 Sheila Dicks

Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe ebook free.