Clothing styles change all the time, but there are a few looks that are never flattering.
Fashion trends change every season. One season slim pants are out, then next they're in. One season pantyhose is in; the next it's out. The constantly changing world of fashion these days makes it hard to look too out of place. But there are some things that are wrong in every season.
Most fashion faux pas that stand the test of time focus on underclothes, fit, and accessories.
Underclothes Faux Pas
- Visible panty lines. This includes thongs that stick up above the pants waist. Tacky, tacky, tacky.
- Colored bras or underwear that can be seen through clothing. For example, a black bra with a white shirt. You're not Carrie Bradshaw, and even she wouldn't get away with it except that she's actually a famous actress on a hit cable TV show.
- Ill-fitting bras. If your cup runneth over, it's time for a bigger size. Avoid the uniboob look by carefully selecting your sports bras.
Fit Faux Pas
- Shirts with fabric that pulls. Watch especially for material gaping between buttons.
- While different sleeve lengths are acceptable, shirts that are obviously meant to be long-sleeve to the wrist and are one or two inches too short are noticeably ill-fitting.
- Pants that are too tight. By all means, avoid the dreaded camel toe.
- Pants the wrong length. Tall sizes are available; you can find them through a variety of designers and in many price ranges. And conversely, if even petite pants are too long, find a good tailor.
- Droopy pants. If you're not a gang member, don't dress like one.
Accessories Faux Pas
- Dark socks with white shoes. Also, white socks with dark shoes. (Think Michael Jackson.)
- Socks with sandals. One is for winter, the other for summer. The same goes with nylons and sandals. With peep-toed shoes, don't wear pantyhose or you'll have the webbed-toe look.
- While white is now considered all-season by many, it goes over much better if you are a celebrity. If not, tread with caution. Another seasonal faux pas is wearing a straw/summer type hat before Memorial Day. Not an issue many have to deal with, but beware events that call for hats, because there will definitely be party-goers there who will be taking note.
One more general note. Looking sloppy is always in poor taste. Over the past decades, more casual clothes for day wear have been created. But this is being taken to the extreme. Not only do people wear sweat clothes every day, but now you will see people in pajamas and slippers wandering into the local coffee chain for their breakfast. With any luck, this trend will begin to die out.
