Turn the Other Chic

​In the quest for chic clothing and fashion, many people may not even know when their sense of style crosses over the line into just plain bad taste.

Not everyone falls for bad fashions, but some people seem to enjoy taking odd styles to extremes and while people who don’t dress for their body types or those who wear clothing that is too small, too tight or too baggy may seem chic and unique to some, it just looks wrong to most people with normal fashion sensibilities.

Fashion experts agree that moderation and a sense of balance is needed when attempting a chic look these days, but since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, people with bad fashion instincts may not even know when their sense of style crosses the line into just plain bad taste. Current fashion faux pas can include wearing mismatched tops and bottoms like too-short or tight shorts with a belt and tight, tucked-in top or wearing shoes that don't match the occasion they're worn at like wearing high heels to a kid’s soccer game or wearing orthopedic sandals to a business meeting.

Styles like furry clothing or wearing clothes that match a pet, skin-tight latex or rubber clothing, and glittery, shiny outfits are common fashion disasters that some people might think are chic, but they are actually just bad fashion choices that will make a person stand out in a crowd, but the type of attention they are likely to get will always be far more negative than positive. Likewise for the silly trend of people who wear sports gear and cross-training apparel for everyday activities, and then they wear the same awful outfits when they go out on Saturday night. Sports team emblazoned apparel might be OK at the gym, but it just looks plain silly nearly anywhere else.

Good fashion does not necessarily mean that a person always has to play it conservative and safe with their daily outfits, and adding a bit of personality to their attire can make them more interesting and complete. However, good fashion is subjective, and what one person thinks looks outstanding, others may find totally distasteful. This is why it is important to dress for your body type and size and taking a good look in the mirror can help you to get rid of those items in your closet that don’t fit or simply do not look good on you.

Beware - Most fashion experts agree that the following items will never, ever be considered as chic styles:

Baggy, floral Hammer pants
Dressing like you are in the Cirque du Soleil
Tall furry boots
Dated Birkenstock sandals
Cheap Crocs (especially if they are dirty)
Tight jeans lacking pockets in the back
Bad midi-style dresses that end at the middle of the calf
Mesh, sheer, or fishnet tops (especially on men!)
Wrinkled thongs that show above your pants
Farmer-style overalls on anyone but little kids