Fashion – it’s a realm where opinions flow like a river, from the front row of designer shows to the TikTok comment sections. Everyone’s got something to say about a look, and part of the charm lies in the ever-shifting sands of trends. What was once considered ugly becomes posh, and vice versa. Why? Because aesthetics are not just subjective; they’re deeply intertwined with the spirit of the times, the zeitgeist.
Now, let’s take a stroll down the runway of “ugly fashion.” Haute couture has always dared to dip its toe into the unconventional. Avant-garde designers like Rei Kawakubo and deconstructionists like Martin Margiela? They’re artists pushing boundaries, not afraid to redefine what’s considered beautiful. Fast forward to 2014, the year “ugly fashion” decided to go mainstream with the rise of Normcore. It became a rebellion against beauty standards without the hefty price tag of a Balenciaga coat.
Then came 2020, the year when COVID-19 lockdowns made comfort the ultimate fashion statement. But guess what? Post-pandemic, the backlash was real. People started dressing fancy again, and the fascination with deliberately looking “ugly” gained momentum.
But hold up – not everyone is on board with the intentional “ugly” vibe. Some of us want to capture an aesthetic that screams polished, put-together, and woke. Let’s not call it stylish, because looking “ugly” can be en vogue. And forget about “flattering” – that term is just too subjective and often a euphemism for “slimming.”
Instead, let’s label these trends as “not wearable.” We asked the experts – a fashion stylist, a fashion editor, and a fashion designer – what trends they’d steer clear of. Aesthetics were a factor, sure, but not the only reason. Let the rundown begin:
1. Flip Flop Heels: Beverly Osemwenkhae, a fashion stylist, says these don’t scream comfort and definitely don’t contribute to a put-together look. “Adding a heel doesn’t change my mind,” she adds.
2. Cargo Pants: InStyle’s Hayley Prokos says cargo pants might be cool, but they’re riding on a trend with an expiration date. They lack versatility, a big turn-off as minimalist wardrobes gain popularity.
3. Low-Rise Jeans: Fashion stylist Osemwenkhae calls them incredibly “dated” – a Y2K trend that should stay in the past.
4. Embellished Velour Tracksuits: Tracksuit fan Osemwenkhae prefers them sporty, not covered in rhinestones. It’s all about keeping the look athletic, not “arts and crafts.”
5. Slingbacks: Prokos loves the vintage vibe but notes the wearability factor. They might not love flat feet and have a tendency to make them pop out of the sides.
6. Decorative Crocs: Osemwenkhae says comfort shouldn’t be the sole factor. Crocs may be comfy, but unless you’re in a hospital, they belong under the bed. Platforms and charms won’t make them fashion, she insists.
7. Fast Fashion: Lindsay Jones, a couture designer, avoids fast fashion due to ethical and environmental concerns. Upcycling and vintage pieces define a stylish look for her.
8. Tiny Sunglasses: Prokos is not a fan; she finds them pretty useless. Shielding eyes, lids, and sometimes eyebrows from the sun is the goal – squinting defeats the purpose.
9. Runway Imitations: Jones points out that copying runway looks without artistic integrity is a fashion faux pas. With no copyright protecting fashion, it’s a game of imitation watchdogs like Diet Prada.
In the wild world of fashion, trends may come and go, but the dialogue continues. What’s “not wearable” for some is a statement for others. It’s a constant dance of rebellion, expression, and navigating the uncharted waters of personal style. So, what trend would you never wear? The runway of choices awaits. 🕶️👠👖✨
