Prom Spot - 5 most common fashion mistakes

You really don't want to dress up super-fancy, only to look like something's a bit off. What if everyone notices it but you? Here are five common fashion traps -- and how to steer clear.

Fashion Trap #1: Your tights are the wrong color.
The Pre-Prom Fix: When in doubt, choose black tights. Whether your dress is metallic, bright pink, or even a bold navy, black tights are a safe bet (yes, you can wear navy and black). And here's the bonus: Black tights make your legs look slimmer too.
The Exception: If you're wearing an all-black dress that's modern and edgy, slip into a pair of hot pink or neon blue tights to add some funk to your look.

Fashion Trap #2: Your shoes are too chunky for your dress.
The Pre-Prom Fix: If you need platforms for extra height, make sure you pick a style with a slimmer heel. Chunky stacked heels will actually make your legs look larger and weigh you down on the dance floor. Anything with pointy toes or a stiletto heel will instantly add inches.
The Exception: If you don't feel comfortable in anything higher than a kitten heel but want some extra inches on prom night, a slimmer wedge style will give you comfort and height.

Fashion Trap #3: You overdo it with the jewelry.
The Pre-Prom Fix: Keep it simple. A pair of earrings, a funky necklace, some bangles, an oversized cocktail ring, and soon enough you'll look more like a Christmas tree than someone's prom date. Focus on smaller pieces: A charm necklace and a pair of stud earrings will look elegant. Or, if bling is your thing, stick to just one oversized piece like a pair of showstopping earrings and nothing else.
The Exception: Multiple stacked necklaces or bangles can add dimension to a simple dress. Match your metals (wear all gold or all silver, not both) to pull the different pieces together.

Fashion Trap #4: You mix too many patterns.
The Pre-Prom Fix: Play it safe. Sometimes mixing patterns can look eclectic, but more often than not it just looks mismatched. Try to stick with just one exciting pattern and pair it with something solid. If your gown is a bright floral, then make sure you choose a solid clutch. And likewise, a beautiful patterned bag will pop against a solid dress.
The Exception: Solid-colored patterns (think classic styles like brocades or lace) can be paired with other classic patterns for a polished look. Just don't try to pair these old-world patterns with a mod polka dot!

Fashion Trap #5: Your panty lines show through your dress.
The Pre-Prom Fix: Before you throw on your favorite (comfortable) pair of striped cotton undies, think about your gown. If it's a light color, your best bet is a nude pair of panties. If your gown is especially clingy, consider a body-shaper like Spanx, or cover up with a pair of full-bottom briefs.
The exception: Donning a floor length ball gown? Wear your most comfortable pair!

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-- Heather Levine