Tag Archives: Fashion faux pas

Fashion Faux Pas: Tacky Costumes You Should Never Wear on Halloween

October 25, 2017 by admin
Posted in Fashion Tips, Fashion Tips for Men, Fashion Tips for Women


“I love costumes. I love getting dressed up because it really helps my imagination make the leap to believe that I am who I say I am.” – Alessandro Nivola

Ah, autumn.

That time of the year where the leaves fade to burnt orange, the aroma of pumpkin spice fills the air, and people start wrapping themselves in thick wool just to keep warm. For some, the season simply serves as a precursor to the Christmas holidays. For others, however, it is a holiday on its own–universally known as Halloween. It is that time of the year where children get to have a free-pass in eating too much sugar and candy while adults can play their own grown-up version of dressing up. While kids visit various houses for a round of trick or treating in the neighborhood, adults attend Halloween balls or throw Halloween soirees of their own. In these events, it is no question that a costume is not only encouraged, but rather—a prerequisite for entry. After all, as Mason Cooley once said, “Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story.”. So, if there is one day you can indulge your penchant for unorthodox dressing up in, why not take advantage of it?

Unfortunately, while this holiday means dressing up as someone other than yourself, some individuals have construed this to mean they can dress in costumes that are either controversial or look like borderline lingerie. Sure, wearing a costume that puts the spotlight on you is great if you want the attention, but in no case should it offend anyone’s morals, reek of racism or scandalize other kids. It matters not whether you have assembled your costume from various wholesale clothing or bought it if you have any scruples left then inappropriate costumes should never be worn.

Have a Halloween soiree coming up? Here are some of the costumes you should avoid wearing:

1.) No Costume

Sure, you can be that person who is oh-so-edgy that you cannot be bothered to wear a costume for the event—even one that is quickly and haphazardly done. Yes, you can be too cool for Halloween, but why attend a Halloween costume party and refuse to wear a costume anyway? You are only going to be dampening everyone else’s fun. You can moan all you want about how Halloween is just a corporate scan to entice people to buy more candy and chocolates. But remember, everyone else is trying to have fun—at least loosen up. If you cannot be bothered to wear a costume at all, it is best to leave you and your attitude at home.

2.) Borderline Lingerie Costumes

You can dress as sexily as you wish, but you need to draw the line somewhere. Do not make Halloween as your excuse to wear something that should only be seen in the bedroom outside on the streets. It might be that one year you can finally showcase some skin and those toned abs you have been working all year for—but remember, if your mother would be scandalized to see you going out in public in such an outfit, then it probably should not leave the confines of your home.

3.) Offensive Costumes

Blackface, whiteface, religious symbols, American Indian garb, dead celebrities—these are just a slew of what makes up the list of offensive costumes. If you do not wish to be featured on a social media post or called out for being a racist, then leave these costumes alone. Take a leaf out of a famous celebrity’s book, every time they don on a similar or offensive costume they would almost always be immediately involved in a cultural appropriation issue. Regardless of whether you are famous or not, someone is inevitably going to call you out on your ignorance and insensitivity. If you are trying to be clever or funny, you are not either. Do not wear costumes that would offend in a misguided attempt at being witty—not unless stirring controversy and ruffling feathers are your thing, then, by all means, do so.

4.) Costumes that take up too much space

Personally creating your Halloween costumes is an excellent avenue for you to showcase your creativity. Indeed, if DIY costumes are your thing, then Halloween is definitely an event for you to shine. However, there is a difference between beautifully crafted costumes and costumes that look like a school project. The former would be well-received in Halloween balls and parties and might even be commended. The latter, however, would make peeing more of a challenge than a simple act. If your costumes consist of too many cardboards and boxes, consequently restricting any movement you make, you might want to reconsider wearing it. Apart from making you uncomfortable the entire night, you might also be encroaching the space of other party guests, and they might not take it too kindly if you happen to spill their drinks the second time around with your humongous left wing.

5.) Dressing up as someone you know

While Halloween is that one holiday in the year to dress up as someone other than yourself, that does not mean you should dress as someone else that you DO know and KNOWS YOU as well. Unless it is a part of a synchronized gag, you should never dress as someone else you know—even if it is your arch-enemy. Chances are, they would not take it too kindly, and they may see it as a direct mockery of who they are. You might think of it as a harmless gag, but they would likely take it as an insult. If you are wearing a costume as a joke at another person’s expense, you might want to reconsider not only your get-up but your life choices as well.

 

So, while Halloween is an excellent time to put on clothes so different from the ensembles we garb ourselves in the rest of the year, there are some guidelines you need to take note of. Apart from that, there are some costumes you should never wear to ensure that everyone is having an equally good time without anyone getting offended. Remember, your costumes say a lot about the kind of person you are. You might be a different character for a night, but your attitude and inner persona should stay the same.

 

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Fashion Faux Pas: Seven Style Mistakes Most Men are Guilty Of

October 16, 2017 by admin
Posted in Fashion Tips, Fashion Tips for Men

 


“Fashion has the power to not only redefine our own industry, but become a role model for others to reinvent their practices.” –Timothy Ho

Iris Apfel has once famously said that the greatest fashion faux pas man can ever commit is to look in the mirror and see someone else. In this regard, individuals are then expected to dress as they see fit and as is appropriate to their personal style, taste, and preferences. As a result, people should garb themselves in ensembles they feel themselves gravitating to and which reflects their character and personality. Unfortunately, when such liberties remain unchecked, people would then think they can get away with fashion faux pas—a phenomenon wherein your assemblage of clothes would not make the remotest sense. Although being fashionably stylish is something that is largely associated with female fashion, it is undeniably an evident aspect of how men should dress as well. Regrettably, though, some men adopt a very devil-may-care attitude when it comes to their fashion choices and would often look like overgrown schoolboys as a result.

Although fashion’s definition has expanded to include more of what makes you feel comfortable and which styles define you, it does not mean that the styles you do choose look appropriate on you. In this regard, individuals—both male and female should make a better attempt in refining their fashion options and choosing only those that suit them best. While modern fashion today has more to do with what makes you feel good and less of what experts say is trendy, the fashion industry is not above labeling trends to follow and ones that you should avoid. Whether it is outdated streetwear clothing or apparel you used to rock during your fraternity days, here are some of the styles men should always avoid:

1.) Dressing well outside your age

You might think it is cute—being the middle-aged man wearing edgy statement shirts or college university jackets, but here is a well-deserved reality check: You do not. On the contrary, however, you would look like you are just trying too hard to blend in with the younger set by wearing garments that seem more appropriate on them than on you. Remember, while men’s style is a personal choice, there is a certain point in time where you need to start to shift the clothing choices you make and how you wear it. As you mature, so should your style as well.

2.) Choosing a style that does not fit you

Men are just as guilty as women are when it comes to sporting styles and ensembles that do not fit them. Sure, you can be in denial as much as you want about how much weight you have gained, but when you look like you are about to burst at the seams, then it would be pretty apparent that you are wearing clothes not meant for you. If you regularly wear clothes whose buttons you have a hard time closing or if you have to suck in your gut just to fit into a particular pair of jeans, it might be time to choose clothes that would suit you. Consequently, clothes that fit you would not only make you look your best, but you would feel comfortable wearing it as well. Similarly, men with thin frame should not wear baggy clothes as well if they do not wish their clothes to engulf and overwhelm them.

3.) Choosing colors that do not flatter your skin/eye tone/ hair

While choosing appropriate colors that would flatter your eye tone can be overlooked, having hues that clash with your natural coloring and your hair is much too noticeable to be neglected. Choosing colors that work well with your skin tone would make you appear more sophisticated and can do wonders in elevating your ensemble.

4.) Letting your trousers bunch up on your shoes

A well-tailored suit to a woman is what lingerie is to men. In this regard, your suits should not only fit you well but should flatter your silhouette. This means having a suit that fits you from head to toe—from your coat down to your trousers. You may look dapper and sophisticated in your suit, but you will be docked style points if you have an overflowing bunch of material that can be seen making a puddle at your shoes.

5.) Not paying attention to male’s style accessories

When it comes to committing a faux pas in wearing men’s style accessories, it can only be either of two things: Wearing too many and not wearing nearly enough. When it comes to wearing men’s style accessories, you have to apply it just right. There is no need to go overboard and adorn yourself like a Christmas tree or look like an up and coming famous rapper. Subtlety is key, a simple watch and some cufflinks would already do wonders.

6.) Wearing nipple-showing V-neck shirts

Wearing V-necks is considered sexy—particularly if you have a chiseled frame and a buffed out chest. Unfortunately, if you do not possess the physique for the V-neck shirt, it might not look as excellent as it would on others. V-necks are great to a fault. Sure, they function superbly as undershirts to a dapper blazer. But by themselves, they can be a hit or miss. If they show your nipples, then it is probably best if you chose something else.

7.) Refusing to keep up with the times

Sure, trends have a proper time and place, but if you are stubbornly wearing the same outdated and obsolete styles, then it might be time to reevaluate your style choices. While Fedora hats were once the modern in-thing, they have run their time. Consistently wearing dated trends and fads would not do your ensembles any favors. Chuck those in favor for styles that are classic and timeless.
If you wish to be taken a lot more seriously at your workplace or by your peers, more often than not, sometimes a change in your fashion choices is all you would need. At this point, if you have consistently committed any of the fashion faux pas above, it might be best to take a look at your wardrobes and see the various styles that are holding you back. From there, you can then reassess your style, update it and look every bit of a sophisticated and well-dressed man as you can be.

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Fashion Faux Pas: Eight Fashion Mistakes You May be Unknowingly Committing

June 29, 2017 by admin
Posted in Fashion Tips for Women

“I have so many fashion mistakes, but that is part of being in fashion. I think the people that you see make the most mistakes are usually the best dressers.” –Zac Posen

 

According to Donatella Versace, the three biggest fashion mistakes are cheap suits, shoes and shirts. She asserts that when it comes to fashion, people should spend their money on something good. Unfortunately, when it comes to fashion, the errors and faux pas committed extends way beyond cheap suits, shoes and shirts. In fact, women remain notorious for making these fashion errors. Whether these are hard ingrained style habits they have developed or fashion clichés and trends they tend to religiously follow, it does not matter.  Regardless of what the reasoning behind their fashion lapses may be, it does help them one bit in enhancing their style. Women who want to improve their fashion and reach their full style potential should break away from obsolete styles as well as adapt to modern fashion practices to avoid damaging their personal style. If you want to be a chic, sophisticated and fashion forward woman, you need to break away from the style errors you are constantly committing.

If your fashion choices have been largely questionable (regardless of whether they are retail or wholesale clothing), then you need to revisit your personal practices and choices when it comes to fashion. Here are some of the mistakes you might be unknowingly committing:

 

1.) Wearing retro clothes without giving it a modern spin

While wearing retro pieces is not necessarily a bad thing (nor is it even remotely considered tacky), donning them without giving them even the slightest modern twist is. Fashion is cyclical and the trends of tomorrow are sure to make a comeback anytime soon. However, this is absolutely no excuse to garb yourself from head to toe in a style reminiscent of the roaring sixties. Unless you are attending a costume party, dressing yourself from head to toe in another decade’s outfits is never acceptable. Instead, incorporate small pieces from another fashion era and combine them with modern fashion staples.

2.) You believe tall women do not need heels

Not only is this notion erroneous, but a bit silly as well. A pair of heels does not only serve to add to a woman’s height after all, it does wonders for her posture as well. This misconception stem from the sexist idea that women should not be abundantly tall as it is not considered feminine and would only accomplish in drawing more attention to herself. However, a tall woman would still look graceful and every bit as feminine and sultry in heels as any woman would. So, do not let this skewed perception on the rules of high heels deter you.

3.) You primarily shop for Instagram

Since the advent of social media, more and more women are a bit more particular on how they portray themselves online–even going as far as to showing off their branded buys on social media platforms in an effort to impress their friends and followers. While we hate to think that this would be your reasoning for buying that Kate Spade Bag, the reality is we live in a materialistic world obsessed with appearances. So, ask yourself: Are you buying that exorbitant branded purse because you love it? Or because you want others to know you bought it?

4.)You only wear one bold color at a time

More often than not, you wear apparel in bold colors only one at a time. You either match them with much subtler pieces or patterned ones with the idea that it would look tacky or a bit much when complemented with another piece of clothing in a bold color. However, you will find that bold saturated hues look better when paired with another bold saturated hue. The effect is simply stunning, chic and modern.

5.) You avoid wearing horizontal stripes

Most women have this deep-seated belief that wearing anything with horizontal stripes would make them look wider. Although this antiquated notion may be true for body-hugging pieces, they do not necessarily hold the same for clothing pieces that are made well and would fit you well. Try on a blazer with this pattern and pair it with your favorite dark skinny jeans and see the effect for yourself.

6.) You do not mix prints

It has been the belief of many women that mixing prints creates visual noise and as a result, what you are wearing would look too busy. But on the contrary however, mixing prints can elevate your look and make you look fresh. You would be surprised at what you can achieve by mixing stripes with florals or polka dots with Ikat. Start small and break into pattern mixing slowly. Start by treating camo and leopard prints as neutral and add a colored print to it.

7.) You are quick to buy on trends

While there is nothing wrong with a splurge or two on fashion trends, exclusively buying trends is. Every fashion purchase you make does not necessarily have to be a classic, but buying an excessively expensive trend that would potentially fade into a tacky fad within a year is nothing short of unwise. After the season is over and the panache your once so coveted fashion item fades, you are stuck with a very expensive item that would probably hold no value even when it is sold. So, before buying expensive trends, think twice and mull it over. Otherwise, you might want to purchase cheaper alternatives instead.

8.) You believe loose styles would flatter plus-sized women

You are under the impression that in hiding your imperfections, you are effectively concealing your wide frame from view. The truth is, you are only making yourself look wider than necessary and truly are. Instead of trying to hide your body underneath mountains of clothes in a couple of sizes bigger than yours, opt for clothes that are well-tailored and would fit you well instead.

 

Elevate your style by getting rid of outdated fashion practices and beliefs. Start with the eight most common listed above and reach your true fashion and style potential so that whatever the occasion may be, you will always be sophisticatedly chic and  fashionable.

 

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