Too tight clothes - a definite don't!
If you are going to write about fashion, you must publish "dos and don'ts" lists. It is a cardinal rule of fashion writing. My "don'ts" list is directly inspired by the get-ups I have seen on my commute (southbound on Yonge subway line and west on the King streetcar) to work in the morning. Here are my top ten in no particular order:
- Rubber flip flops. I know this one might inspire some healthy debate, but this is what I believe. Unless you are on the beach, there is really no excuse for running around in cheap, rubber shoes. Buy a leather or metallic pair, or better yet, wear a cute pair of flats while running around doing errands. And please, no rubber wedge or platform flip flops. Please.
- Clothes that are too tight. Tight clothes always highlight the feature you most want to hide. If you have to stand just so in the mirror for your top to not ride up, it is too tight! Take it off. Then give it away or throw it out.
- Clothes that are too loose. No matter what size you are, overly loose clothes can make you look bigger. If you are petite, however, and you wear loose clothes, you are doing yourself a major disservice. I see examples of it all the time and want to go up and ask them, "What you got under there?". Don't worry, I don't.
- Wearing heels you can't walk in. Walking in heels takes practice (check out the link for more detailed instruction). If you are one of those people that takes huge strides walking down the street in your flats or kicks, you need to adjust your gait when wearing heels. Taking smaller steps will help you avoid looking like you're King Kong stomping down Yonge St.
- Denim with no back pockets. This one is courtesy of my friend Michael, and I wholeheartedly agree with him. Women out there hear me, if you want your behind to look 3x its original size, wear denim with no back pockets. If not, please heed my warning.
- Sweatsuits. Acceptable only when you are going to the gym. The day of the pink velour sweatsuit has passed (why it was ever here, I will never understand). Weekend wear should be comfortable but not hideous! Wear your favourite jeans with a T and hoody instead while running out for coffee on Saturday morning.
- Hats. Ok not ALL hats - let me explain: Think very hard before donning a hat just because you own one. Hats are not for everyone. They can look chic or hip on some and ridiculous on others. Before you decide on a hat, ask for a second opinion. And make sure it is someone who will be honest with you!
- VPL (visible panty line). This is on every fashion writers don't list and will be until we have converted women everywhere. There is little to explain here - if you can see a line, you need a thong. Do you really want have four butt cheeks instead of two? The most comfortable thong out there? Check out Hanky Panky's line (also available at Holt Renfrew).
- Fake Designer Bags. Purchasing fake designer bags supports child and unfair labour practices. Putting aside that, even if you do find a bag that doesn't look fake, you know that it is, so how can you feel great about carrying it? If you can't afford to buy the real thing, don't! Buy a bag in the best quality you can afford. Check out local designers and support a small business.
- Bras with clear straps. Guess what? We can still see them!! Wear a strapless bra or one of those convertible bras instead (in which case clear straps are ok). Calvin Klein makes a good one. If you don't have one or don't like wearing strapless, just don't wear or buy a shirt that requires one. Or layer a tank underneath to cover up your regular bra strap.
Don'ts lists are subjective, it's true. These are on my list of faux pas' but feel free to disagree!
....stay tuned for a "dos" list.
![[del.icio.us]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/delicious.png)
![[Digg]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/digg.png)
![[Facebook]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/facebook.png)
![[Google]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/google.png)
![[MySpace]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/myspace.png)
![[Newsvine]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/newsvine.png)
![[StumbleUpon]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/stumbleupon.png)
![[Technorati]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/technorati.png)
![[Twitter]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/twitter.png)
![[Email]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/email.png)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Ok ok I hear you on the rubber flip flops but sometimes when you never know when the torrential rain is going to hit, they are very useful!
Totally agree on the rest though...but question:
I think sometimes women wear loose clothes when they are having a "fat" day. Any suggestions on alternatives to baggy clothes?
Every woman should have a go-to outfit for "those" days. I would say a great fitting pair of jeans (if they are too tight they will make you feel fat regardless of your weight!) and a top that is meant to be loose, like an empire waist knit top, a woven smock top or dress shirt. A dress with an A-line skirt is also a great choice. Here are some suggestions:
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=5042&pid=588262
http://www.clubmonaco.com/072008/musthaves_2.asp
Great post!
How about yoga pants? I like to wear that and a tank for brunch on the weekends? Is that considered a 'sweat suit.'
BTW, for a great selection of Hanky Panky's - go to Beestung Lingerie at Y&E. They have the best selection and full undies for thoses that want another option besides thongs. http://www.chickadvisor.com/store/beestung-lingerie-de-femme
Hmmm, yoga pants are a tough one...even more so if you are on the west coast. My thinking for the toronto crowd is that brunch is such a great opportunity for a cute outfit - why waste it on yoga pants?