Posts Tagged ‘fashion faux pas’
Let’s Be “Real”
Posted on: December 10, 2009
Often times it seems like there is a disconnect between the “real world” and parts of the “fashion world”. I believe this is partly due to the fact that if you are a celebrity, live in NYC, or LA you can basically get by with wearing whatever you want. As cool as this sounds (wearing whatever you want) it can sometimes create an illusion well…that you can wear whatever you want. However, for the other millions of people who don’t live in the city, aren’t immune to public criticism, or aren’t a celebrity, wearing an outlandish outfit or dress that barely covers your butt, is going to get you some dirty looks and don’t be naive to think you won’t be a topic of conversation.
So how are we “real” people suppose to differentiate from what the top “stars” or fashion magazines advise us to wear this season. Listen to our “real” instincts!
1. First, if the style is not flattering don’t wear it! For example… who in their right mind would wear harem pants besides M.C. Hammer (and is he really in his right mind)?! There is nothing flattering about having a baggy crotch hanging low while the pant tightens around your ankles.
2. Second, if it’s never been in style it’s not going to magically come back in. I was flipping through a popular magazine where the models were each wearing a different patterned skirt with a different patterned top that didn’t match. Not only are patterns difficult to match, but wearing mismatched patterns together have never and will never be in style. When wearing this look, it’s as if they dressed in the dark. Matching colors and patterns together to compliment or accent each other won’t ever go out of style, so why try to change it?!
3. Third, the futuristic look won’t be in style in 2010 and won’t be in style in 2030. Just because it’s the future doesn’t mean we will all suddenly forget about comfort and start dressing like robots! Seriously.
There is something to be said about being fashionable without having to look like a fool. Some celebs and designers have this down while others seem to live in another world. So for those of us “real” people who want to be stylish and trust in fashion magazines to guide us in the right way, don’t take that risk. Use your common sense! Don’t have any? Find a friend to help. Just remember, there is a difference in taking a risk and wearing something completely awful. Example: risk = leopard print shoes with a colored dress, hideousness= see through lace top or lace leggings.
Men, this article probably isn’t for you… well, unless you wear a manzierre?! Ladies let’s be real! There are certain things that only a true friend will tell you. So today I’m going to take the time to express my love for all my girl readers out there and be a true friend by telling you what many of yours won’t.
First and foremost…underwear lines! This isn’t cool no matter what size you are, and there is no excuse for it either! Whether you are a 2 or a 20, no one wants to see what type of underwear or the outline along your buttocks! As embarrassing as this is to tell someone, it might be a necessity if it’s happened more than once. It’s not the prettiest site, and it’s awkward when you can see the whole outline of someone you’ve only known for 10 seconds. Don’t act like the guys don’t notice, and don’t act like the girls don’t talk about it. It’s one faux pas that can be nipped in the butt, literally! The way to get rid of this growing epidemic (so maybe that’s a little overstated) is to wear under garments that do not show lines. Choose wisely. If thongs aren’t for you, there is shape wear such as Spanx or non-brand names out there. Also, often boy shorts work out! There is a time and place for comfortable lined underwear, but when wearing pants that are tighter, this isn’t it!
Next, a bra that pinches your fat on the side is not only a sad sight, but also has to be extremely uncomfortable. If you’ve watched Oprah you probably know about her bra intervention show; however, it is still reported today that over 80 percent of people (well..let’s hope just ladies) are wearing the wrong size. Having four boobs or a uni-boob isn’t justifiably cool on anyone! So to help a friend in need I am going to teach you how to measure for your bra size. It’s really easy and will only take about 1 minute! First, get out a tape measure. Second, wrap the tape measure around right above your chest. Make sure it’s parallel to the ground. How many inches the tape measure says is how big your band size is such as 32, 34, ect… Third, wrap the tape measure right over top your unpadded bra. How many inches the tape measure reads above your band size explains the cup size. For example: 32 inches is your measurement for your band size, but then you measure a 34 around the top of your bra. Since the 34 is 2 inches above your band size, your cup size is a B. A= 1 inch above, B= 2 inches above, and C= 3 inches above…etc. This is a simple way of measuring for the right size. If worse comes to worse just ask someone at a department store or specialty store to measure you. Just remember this isn’t church, so don’t let your cup runneth over!
The last faux pas is one that is affecting many girls today. If you have to ask yourself whether you’re wearing a shirt or a dress, trust me it’s a shirt. Unless you’re in Hollywood (even then it’s not okay) you’re not going to get by without either getting snide looks, creepy guys, or being asked to put some pants on! Ask your friend before you go out on the town, and if it’s during the day you shouldn’t even have to ask because you should know better. Like mom always said if your hand goes past your shorts you probably shouldn’t be wearing them…and I’m only talking about the shirt!
So to wrap this up there are 3 rules to live by: no visible panty lines, find the right bra size, and if the dress isn’t long enough wear it as a shirt. People say rules are meant to be broken. Well… NOT THESE!!
Unless you’re an absolute perfect fashionista, you have probably worn one if not more of these 20 outfits! Some of these choices make no sense whatsoever while others are hideously still worn everyday around the U.S. I have stated before that if you can be confident in an outfit, who’s to stop you from wearing it? So here’s an ode to confidence and all its glory…
1. Vests that claim your occupation. Teach A+
2. Sandals with socks. Helping grandpas everywhere be comfortable.
3. Short shorts with boots. Oxy moron, right?!
4. Flip flops in winter. Can’t say I don’t love this!
5. T-shirts that can date you. Wearing your high school T-shirt might be cool right after you graduate, but 10 years later it might be best to splurge on a new one.
6. Shoulder pads. There is nothing like giving yourself bigger and broader shoulders!
7. Mom jeans. These will almost definitely never be completely gone!
8. Mismatched colors worn together. Apparently it’s the new style. Who said being lazy wouldn’t pay off?!
9. Mismatched socks. Because no one ever really knows where the matching one is!
10. Granny Panties. After all, they are the most comfortable.
11. Whitie Tighties. Enough said?!
12. USA apparel. God Bless America and its flag.
13. Camoflauge. Because the deer will never see me, even though I’m standing in line at Wal-Mart.
14. Speedos. It’s sad to say, but Europe won’t be going out of style anytime soon.
15. Airbrushed T-shirts. So everyone knows exactly where you were on Spring Break ’09!!
16. Cut off jean shorts. It’s a hand-made marvel!…ugh…Not so much!
17. T-shirts with catchy sayings. These were made for the people who want to feel cool while walking around!
18. A wreath around your face. Wait a minute..that’s just Lady GaGa!
19. Pleather pants. It’s like that Friends episode with Ross. Unless you plan on feeling hot and sticky, stand clear!
20. Tennis shoes with khaki pants. Men???!!!
These all can be labeled as classics; however, this doesn’t mean they are fashionable by any means. The more you find yourself wearing the items on this list the more you might want to consult a friend in style. Then again, who am I to bust what people have been wearing for years, right?!
Reality Chic 