Ten Trends to Avoid

Just because it’s a trend doesn’t mean you should be wearing it.

Case in point:

Blindly following trends in an effort to look “hip” and “in vogue” often backfires and is the cause of a shit ton of fashion calamities.

To recap: A “hot on the runway” look does not necessarily translate into a “hot on the street” look.

For example, last spring yellow was a big trend. Why? You got me. I, for one, can’t think of anyone I know who looks great in yellow. I can’t even imagine myself pushing a yellow accessory on a client. Yellow shoes anyone? What about a yellow bag? Ugh. Granted, there are always exceptions. Michelle Williams’ yellow Vera Wang Oscar dress from ’06 is one of my all time fave red carpet moments.

But I digress.

Like runway shows, red carpets are often great to watch for inspiration. Where lots of peeps fall victim (my younger self included) is in thinking that by mimicking the look of your fave celeb you’ll look cool.

Reality check: More often than not, you won’t.

And so what? Most celebs don’t look half as cool as they may think they do.

But let’s cut right to it. In an effort to help you not fall victim to bad fashion I’ve compiled a list of my current top ten least favorite trends.

Take a look:

1. Wearing Leggings as Pants.  Anyone that knows me on any level is aware that this my numero uno fashion pet peeve. I keep waiting for this horrific trend to go away. Alas, it keeps getting worse. Now American Apparel has come out with latex-esque leggings. Why? Vying for a spot on HBO’s Real Sex? Uuuugh. Unless you’re in ballet or movement class, do us all a favor: don’t wear leggings as substitutes for pants in public. Of all the peeps I know there are three that can get away with this look. And out of those three two are models and one’s a fitness guru. So for us non-models, here’s a reality check: Leggings are not pants! Leggings under a dress? Fine. As a replacement for JBrands? NO.

Lilo, leading the pact. Sienna apparently forgot her knickers. For realz? Need more proof?

1. Side Braids. Last time I checked, you weren’t appearing as Laura Ingalls Wilder in Little House on the Prairie, or auditioning to play Pippi Longstocking. You’re not twelve right? Don’t side braid.

Nicole Richie’s rocked a lot of looks. Just not this one. We all love Rachel McAdams; myself included. She looks gorgeous here, but with the one shoulder neckline her side braid distracts from the dress. I’d prefer to see all her hair in an updo.

1. Hot Pants. Again. There may be 2% (and I’m being generous) of women out there that can rock this look. Kate Moss being one of them. For the rest of us (myself included), opt for traditional “below your butt cheeks/above your knee” shorts.

Runway                                                           Kate Moss                                  Reality. TMI.

1. Underwear as Outerwear. If anyone’s looking at you wondering if you forgot to get dressed in actual clothes before leaving house this morning, something ain’t right in my book. Let’s save the “lingerie look” for the actual boudoir.

Would you be comfortable leaving the house in one of these looks?

1. Matching Denim. There can be “too much of a good thing.” I love jeans, just not coupled with a matching jean jacket. Or denim shirt. It’s overkill.
2. 

Do you think this looks hot?

1. Jumpsuits. I have never seen a sexy jumpsuit. Ok, maybe on Halle Berry in Catwoman. But for reals. Have you? I find this look to be totally unflattering. On the runway this spring many designers were “shaking it up” (or so they thought) by creating “evening jumpsuits.” Some nutball fashion reporter even equated sequined covered jumpsuits as a “striking alternative to a traditional evening dress.” WTF? Um, NO. There is no “striking alternative” to a “traditional evening dress.” Don’t go knockin’ tradition. Tradition can be highly underrated. Especially in fashion. Check it:

1. The “Sans Bra” Look. Like “we can see your nips and apparently it’s freezing outside” ouvertly sexual look. Guys will fight me on this one. But if someone’s looking at you thinking, “You should be wearing a bra….” Guess what? Chances are, you should be wearing a bra! Particularly in a professional setting. Going au natural may not make you uncomfortable, but there’s a high probability others will be uncomfortable. (Trust me, I’ve been there. It was called “being seventeen.” Mr. Barnes, my former French teacher, can vouche.)

1. Shirts with Slogans. Jesus may indeed be your “homeboy,” but there’s no need to announce that on a t shirt. It may serve as an interesting conversation starter, but you’re not that desperate for attention, right? Alternative: Try pairing a vintage rocker t shirt (Zeppelin, the Stones, Jimi Hendrix) under a tuxedo blazer for a sharp, edgy look.

LOVE. Kate wearing a Zeppelin T.                       TMI.                                    Bad.                                   OMG.

1. Leisure Suits. Leisure suits were a big fad in the ’70′s and, unfortunately, resurfaced on the runways this spring. Frequently associated with “clueless dressing,” why this fashion disaster has made a comeback is a complete mystery to me. I don’t think this look does anything for a woman’s figure. Take a look. Flattering, huh?

1. Genie Pants. Another trend that dominated the spring runways this year for reasons I will never understand. They’re aptly named. These pants could easily make an appearance in Aladdin. Just not much else. Take a look:

1. Epaulettes. Lady Gaga can get away with wearing horns on her shoulders. The rest of us non divas? Not so much. Unless the look you’re vying for is “extra from Star Trek.”

What do you think?

Any “bad trends” I mentioned that you disagree with?

What are your least favorite trends?