MAKE IT CUTE

Crime #1: Wearing a dress and flip-flops to a party

It may feel comfy, but the flip-flops and a dress combo looks a bit sloppy, especially if your flip flops are jelly or rubber. It’s nice to wear comfy kicks, but a pair of flats or casual heels will look much better with a dress. Flip-flops go well with casual dresses but won’t work with a party dress, unless the party’s at the beach!

Uttam London Butterfly Zip Dress, $21, dorothyperkins.com 

Day to Remember Heel, $30, modcloth.com 

Cap Toe Pointy Flats in Sweet Cranberry, $45, gap.com

Crime #2: Spending, but never wearing

Don’t spend gobs of money on a designer item you’ve been wanting for a long time and never ever wear. If ya love something, like those trendy shoes or that pricey dress, don’t let it hang in your closet forever! It’s important to get as much use out of what you bought, whether it’s lipstick or a pair of designer jeans. Fashion’s meant to be worn, even if you have to take it to the dry cleaner every once in a while.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Dragon, $27, debenhams.com 

Topshop Petite Embroidered Prom Dress, $100, topshop.com 

J Brand 485 Luxe Sateen Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans, $185, net-a-porter.com

Crime #3: Blasphemous beauty

Sometimes putting everything on is too much. Try toning your makeup down so that it doesn’t overwhelm your face. You can look fab with just a shade of pink lipstick and black mascara. Beauty is all about finding the makeup fit for you and making it look natural.

Topshop Lipstick in Pink, $8, johnlewis.com 

NYX ‘Doll Eye’ Mascara, $9, nordstrom.com 

Sephora Collection Long-Lasting Ultra Vinyl Eyeliner, $11, sephora.com

Crime #4: Do it ‘cause they want it

Don’t dress in something because someone told you to. Never wear that high-low dress ‘cause some guy likes it best on you. Instead, stick to your roots and choose clothes and styles that YOU like. If you continue to please people by dressing how they like, you’re gonna lose your true style and morph into some unknown amalgamation…

Always Be Yourself Unicorn Tee, $20, delias.com

Crime #5: Too many heels

Wearing heels when you have to do a lot of walking is never a good idea. If you’re on vacation or in a city, opt for flats or boots. They’ll make your experience more fun because you won’t have to worry about your aching, heel-clad feet. If you can’t bear to be parted from your stilettos, pack an emergency pair of flats in your bag so you can change as soon as your feet begin to hurt.

Mustachioed Pistachio Flat, $33, modcloth.com 

Chinese Laundry Edendale Flat, $50, dsw.com 

Zara Faux Suede Ballerina Flat, $26, zara.com

Crime #6: Borrowing babe

It’s risky to let someone else borrow your clothes, unless they’re someone you can trust (like a BFF or a close cousin). People you don’t know very well may damage or hurt your fave fashions. Make sure you trust the friend that asks to borrow those totally cute pair of heels you have. The same goes for when you want to borrow something of your friends—make sure you aren’t wearing it anywhere where it can be damaged or get dirty. Friendship bracelets are great ways to express your friendship through fashion instead of letting your best bud borrow everything.

With Love From CA 3 Pack Friendship Bracelets, $11, pacsun.com 

Marc by Marc Jacobs Multi Woven Star Friendship Bracelet, $38, couture.zappos.com 

Accessorize Cute Pearly Owl Friendship Bracelet, $10, accessorize.com

Crime #7: Asking away

Asking for something way too expensive from your friends for a holiday or birthday gift is never appropriate. You don’t want to ask for something way outside your friends’ budgets; it’ll seem unfair to them and make you seem unappreciative. Be modest about what you ask for and make sure it’s well in their price-ranges. This goes for parents and relatives, too.

Victoria’s Secret Fragrance Mist & Hydrating Body Lotion Gift Set, $22, victoriassecret.com 

Sephora Collection The Night Is Young Clutch, $22, sephora.com 

Aztec Goddess Cuff, $18, swell.com

Crime #8: Sizing problems

We know you’re guilty of this: Don’t ever buy something that’s too big or too small just because it’s on sale or the only size in stock. Make sure everything you buy fits you perfectly—you don’t want a too-tight miniskirt or a dress that’s two sizes too big! If ya love something you saw but it wasn’t in your size, it just wasn’t meant to be. That being said, if you really love something that doesn’t fit you perfectly, you can generally take it to a tailor and have it made to fit you.

Miss Selfridge Cream Oversized Cardigan, $44, missselfridge.com

Topshop Sporty Bodycon Tunis, $45, topshop.com 

Monica Neon Bright Aztec Print Mini Skirt, $16, boohoo.com

Crime #9: People pleaser

Don’t buy something because you know your friends or the so-called popular girls will like it. Buying anything that isn’t your style to impress someone else won’t make you happy. Don’t try dressing like anyone else or pleasing them—it isn’t worth the time or effort. Just be you!

Stay true to yourself with this super cute BCBGeneration Gold-Tone Turquoise Suede True Love Affirmation Necklace, $18, macys.com 

Crime #10: So what, style?

Never desert your true style. If you love that banana-print shirt, buy it. If you’re instantly drawn to that bright purple eye shadow, rock it. If you see something you love, don’t pass it up because it’s not “cool” or you think you’d be made fun of if you wore it. If you stick with what you like, you’ll be the most fashionable gal there is, because true style is being yourself!

NARS Single Eye Shadow in Daphne, $24, sephora.com 

Topshop Banana Print Denim Biker Jacket, $120, topshop.com 

Lotus Bomb Shades, $20, nastygal.com