I would dearly LOVE to see a special WNTW episode entitled something like, "Trends that Should Die, and Why," wherein loyal viewers (such as we obviously are, or we wouldn't be on this forum) nominate, via e-mail, phone or postcard, the trends we wish would vanish forever from the face of the earth, and Stacy and Clinton could choose their top ten, 20, 50, 1,000( ) and explain exactly why these trends are so repulsive/universally unflattering/obnoxious, and why they should disappear.
Okay, I nominate flip-flops.
I know quite a few people profess undying love for their flip-flops, but this has just gone too far; you see flip-flops EVERYWHERE.
Flip-flops are fine for the back yard, the beach, or the swimming pool, but I see them at church services, at formal weddings, just absolutely everywhere. I've even heard reports of flip-flop sightings at funerals.
To me, they say, "I am not at all enthusiastic about being here; I don't consider this occasion important enough to make sufficient effort to even find my good shoes, wherever they are. As soon as I get the chance, I'm out of here and back to my deck chair. So, hurry up, get on with it, and worship the Creator of the Universe, kiss the bride, bury the deceased. Whatever."

I'm with you. Even the dressed up ones don't belong at weddings or funerals. I never wear them anyway. I hate the feel of something between my toes. I bought a pair in Florida once as I had stubbed my toe and couldn't wear my shoes, but they were so uncomfortable!

I'm in total agreement about the flip flops, but as far as the show suggestion goes, they'd never go for it. If it doesn't involve spending huge amounts of money with the Visa cash card, fugghedaboutit! It would be an interesting show, but they have pretty much already addressed what's wrong with those things on the individual WNTW episodes so they probably wouldn't see the need for it. I'd watch it, though!

I am noticing that in my area the flip flop epidemic is not subsiding. I had hoped it would by now but I am seeing more people wearing them in more places than ever. As soon as the warm weather hit, they couldn't wait to go from their Uggs to flip flops.....Ughhhh.

My feet generally don't like them unless they're the rubber ones from Old Navy. I only wear them around the house as slippers. I never wear them out unless it's at the beach or a pool.

Uggs, flip flops, crocs, PJ's outside of the house, track suits for other than their original purpose.

The showing of undergarments. Bra straps above tube tops, g-strings out of the tops of pants. Underwear serves a purpose, not a statement. I think...lol

I think flip flops are okay like at an outdoor event, barbeque or festival in the summer. Tennis shoes would be too hot and heels would be excruciating. I wouldn't wear them to work or out to dinner. I live in the south and can't believe what people leave their house in sometimes. I agree on Uggs. They are hideous! And anything velour. Animal prints are have been around every year since the nineties. I am over it.

I'll agree on the animal prints--they've been around forever, so they can hardly be a 'trend' any more.

But, as you've defended the flip-flop, I'm going to defend Uggs and other sheepskin boots. I live in a chilly climate, and spent the winter not well this year. A lot of me hurt, and my feet weren't going to join the club. I didn't have use of one eye for a few months, so I had no depth perception and some balance problems, so heels were out of the question. I also never felt warm enough, and I bought a pair of dark brown Just Sheepskin boots, and they were the best footwear purchase I made all of last year.

They're also (surprisingly!) hand-washable, so they can stay fresh and fluffed up on the inside for a long time to come.

There are better and worse ways to wear them, and they've got to be clean and in good condition, but I've converted to that particular 'trend'.

I HOPE YOU ARE ALOT BETTER CATHLIB. I WOULDN'T PICK ON SOMEONE THAT HAD TO HAVE THEM OUT OF NECESSITY/MEDICAL REASONS. MY MOM HAS BONE SPURS ON HER FEET AND HAS TO WEAR SHOES WITH EXTRA PADDING. WHAT I DONT GET ARE YOUNG GIRLS WEARING THEM IN SUMMER WITH SHORT SKIRTS.

Thanks, got2bfab--I'm mostly better, but there are still some issues. My left eye is still weak, and there are still some balance problems. I think heels are a thing of the past for me, and I'm not entirely sad about that!

No, I've retired them for the spring/summer (although it's been cold enough that I've been tempted... ) I've worn them with opaque or patterned tights and knee-length skirts, or with trousers (over, not tucked in). I don't think they're any worse than any other utilitarian winter shoes when they're worn right.

The worst, though--and I'll agree they should go--is the knock-off Uggs made of tacky synthetic suede and polyfleece on the inside. Those get run down at the heels really fast, and look grubby.

quote:

Originally posted by CNo64:
Flip-flops are fine for the back yard, the beach, or the swimming pool, but I see them at church services, at formal weddings, just absolutely everywhere. I've even heard reports of flip-flop sightings at funerals.
To me, they say, "I am not at all enthusiastic about being here; I don't consider this occasion important enough to make sufficient effort to even find my good shoes, wherever they are. As soon as I get the chance, I'm out of here and back to my deck chair. So, hurry up, get on with it, and worship the Creator of the Universe, kiss the bride, bury the deceased. Whatever."

I know that one all too well. A couple of years ago I went to pick up my then-boyfriend to go to my little sister's high school commencement. (I have two sisters. It's my baby sister graduating next week). I was dressed nice for the event. He came out of his house wearing not only flip flops, but a Jimi Hendrix t-shirt and ripped blue jeans. I made him go back in the house and change.

What was worse, when we got there, there were dozens of people wearing stuff similar to what he was going to wear. Ratty t-shirts, jean shorts, athletic shoes or flip flops, etc. And these were people sitting in the lower bleachers reserved for close family members of the graduates. Ok, I grew up with the lesson that people were suppose to look and dress nice for occasions like this. Heck, the school MAKE the graduates dress up. If one doesn't that person doesn't get to participate.

quote:

Originally posted by cathlib:
Thanks, got2bfab--I'm mostly better, but there are still some issues. My left eye is still weak, and there are still some balance problems. I think heels are a thing of the past for me, and I'm not entirely sad about that!

No, I've retired them for the spring/summer (although it's been cold enough that I've been tempted... ) I've worn them with opaque or patterned tights and knee-length skirts, or with trousers (over, not tucked in). I don't think they're any worse than any other utilitarian winter shoes when they're worn right.

The worst, though--and I'll agree they should go--is the knock-off Uggs made of tacky synthetic suede and polyfleece on the inside. Those get run down at the heels really fast, and look grubby.

NOW THAT FLATS ARE ALL THE RAGE I BET YOU COULD FIND SOME COMFORTABLE ONES THAT ARE CUTE. I LIKE GIANNI BINI ONES AT DILLARDS.

quote:

Originally posted by ntuitive1:
as far as the show suggestion goes, they'd never go for it. If it doesn't involve spending huge amounts of money with the Visa cash card, fugghedaboutit! It would be an interesting show, but they have pretty much already addressed what's wrong with those things on the individual WNTW episodes so they probably wouldn't see the need for it. I'd watch it, though!

I don't know; they've done special episodes of WNTW that didn't involve the Visa card.
I remember that they at least once did a "Mail Bag" episode in which Stacy and Clinton reacted to questions sent in by viewers.
I think a "Worst Trends, and Why They Stink" episode would be a riot!
At the very least, those of us who stubbornly cling to the [apparently outdated] practice of donning real clothes before we go out might feel somewhat vindicated.
In the meantime, it'll be fun to vent on this forum.

CNo64, I'd love to see an episode like that but in the past whenever people have posted with ideas like that and I've agreed with them 20 people have come out of the woodwork to remind me that if it doesn't involve the Visa card, they won't do it. It doesn't matter what I say, there will always be someone who disagrees with me.

I am looking for support! Is anyone else tired of teenage girls and young women wearing strapless tops, camisole tops, off-the-shoulder tops, etc. with their bra straps showing? I really can't believe the fashion designers have worked on designs to have them worn this way. If Stacy and Clinton would label them "a trend that HAS died", maybe I could convince my teenager that it looks terrible. HELP!!

Trends that should be retired:
1) Posts in ALL CAPS LOCKS
2) Crocs, which are thankfully disappearing.
3) Graphic T-shirts: Graphic designers should not be confused with fashion designers

4) Severe square toe shoes for men. The most common culprits being Kenneth Cole, Aldo, and the like.

I agree about the crocs, the flip-flops & showing one's undergarments. Another trend I'd like to see die is the ultra low-rise jeans. My husband and I we recently in a grocery store when a woman passed wearing jeans so low (and 2 sizes too small) - he whispered to me that perhaps he tuck a fiver in them for the show!

I made a quick trip to the grocery store yesterday, and walked in behind what looked like a grandmother and her teenaged granddaughter. The granddaughter was wearing a grey hoodie (don't know what underneath), Eat At Joe's pajama bottoms, AND flip flops. She was truly sloppy looking. Just to dash to the store, I wore a pair of dark wash jeans, a cute blouse, and flats. As Clinton once said, "if I have to get dressed to go out, you do too!"

quote:

Reply

I, personally, am not a fan of long, long strrraight hair, especially on more mature women.
If it's against your religion to cut your hair, fine, but I suspect that quite a few women cling to their super long hair because that's the way they've worn it for years and years and/or because they think it makes them look youthful and girlish. Not. The vast majority of the time, it just looks "dumpy."
BTW, I'm 45, and my hair just touches my shoulders.
I hate super short hair on me, but shoulder length is as long as I'll go these days.
When I was 18, I had gorgeous long wavy hair that flowed a little past my shoulders. But I was 18.
As Clinton says, "Don't try to compete with 18-year-olds, because 18-year-olds always win."

Belly baring shirts... especially those with a muffin top- eeewww!!!

Nice topic!

Ok, here are some trends that I think should disappear:

1. Bright colored skinny jeans (the ones that you can find at hot topic that are Neon-colored) and other non-blue/black/white jeans.

2. The Crocs- The Ugliest Pairs of shoes in the Universe!

3. The SUPER short mini-skirt and SUPER shorts (the ones you can find in A&F and Hollister). They bare TOO much legs. I think skirts/shorts should AT LEAST be a couple inches above the knee. Anything higher than that is unnecessary.

4. Uggs. They are SO generic, imo.

5. Excessive Tattoos and body piercing (that is JMO).

6. SWEATS IN PUBLIC.

7. PAJAMAS IN PUBLIC. I mean c'mon, are you serious?

8. The "uni-jump suit".

9. Obvious hair extensions/weaves. If you are going to add fake hair, can't you AT LEAST make it match your natural hair texture?

10. BLEACH BLONDES. What is wrong with having darker hair? Bleaching your hair only makes you look older and there is less of a contrast between your hair and skin tone.

11. SAGGY JEANS. NO ONE needs to see your underwear. Get a belt!

More for later!

Personally, I hope Crocs don't go completely away, because when you are recovering from foot surgery, they become the only shoes you can wear. I know this from personal experience, as I had surgery on both feet 9 weeks ago, and it was either Crocs or the even more hideous surgical shoe/boot. I can now wear normal shoes, but only for about 8 hours at a time, after that I have to switch to my Crocs because of the swelling that inevitably occurs.

As to the showing of bra straps: What's the big deal? We're WOMEN; we have BOOBS; the boulders need holders; and anyone who has eyes in their head knows it and knows we wear bras. As long as you are wearing a bra with a pretty strap that closely matches the color of what your wearing, I don't see a problem. I'd rather see bra straps than women walking around without bras at all (*shudder*) or non-supportive bras that just cause their boobs to bounce all over the place.

Granted, I wouldn't wear tops and dresses that would show my bra straps in professional settings or formal occasions/special events (most often clothing like that also shows too much skin), but for weekend wear, especially when the temp climbs to 100 degrees or above (as it so frequently does in the summer in Colorado), I don't mind seeing it or wearing it.

Maybe I'm just more progressive than most, but I rather think the idea of women not being able to show bra straps belongs in the 50s, no the 21st century.

quote:

Originally posted by Laurie:
Belly baring shirts... especially those with a muffin top- eeewww!!!

Amen, sister!
I have noticed, though, much to my relief, that the belly top thing seems to be waning, at least here in the Dallas area.
I'm in a wheelchair, which tragically means that my eyes are at belly level with many people.
You have no idea how tired I got of the sight of total strangers' navels.
HOWEVER, I still see young girls wearing jeans and tops that are MUCH too tight.
I want to say, "Honey, are you sure your internal organs are getting enough blood, there?"
What kills me is that I see girls wearing these kinds of garments to *church.*
On Sunday morning, yet.
While I have to give them credit for being there at all, not clad in *pajamas,* still ...
I want to rant, "Hey, I'm 45 years old and disabled, and I'm more dressed up than you kids!"
I feel like an old fogey saying this, but when I was their age, I *always* dressed up for Sunday morning services.
For me, you dress up to say, "I consider this occasion important enough to make an effort with my appearance."

For me, the bra strap issue has nothing to do with being modest or "progressive". It looks sloppy.

quote:

Originally posted by rokzane:
Maybe I'm just more progressive than most, but I rather think the idea of women not being able to show bra straps belongs in the 50s, no the 21st century.

I agree with donyap that it has nothing to do with being progressive, or women hiding the fact that they have breasts or anything like that. It looks sloppy - just like it would look sloppy for someone to walk around with their fly undone or their underpants peeking out from a pair of too-low jeans.

CNo64- you are sooo funny!! Im really glad you joined this board! Gotta say I agree with the bra straps showing looking sloppy... IMO it can ruin a otherwise good look... has anyone tried 'strap perfect'?? Its a little sliding thing that holds your bra straps close together so you can wear racer back tops without the straps showing... Ive been curious- guess they only cost $10...I should just lay out the cash and see! lol...

quote:

Originally posted by rokzane:
Maybe I'm just more progressive than most, but I rather think the idea of women not being able to show bra straps belongs in the 50s, no the 21st century.

Wow, you make it sound like it's a mark of liberation or something! I don't think the idea of leaving some things private as being outdated, just more refined. So therefore I think it's less progressive to show them! It looks unkempt, like you don't care enough to look put together. And I don't think there's anything attractive about them either. If you want a strappy outfit, wear a strappy outfit. You don't have to let your bra straps show.

And I personally think they call it "underwear" for a reason.

Yes, women wear bras, but that is not a pass to show parts of that garment in public, unless you give men the same pass to show their tightie whities, boxers or athletic supporters--I mean, we "know" about those too--LOL!!

I triggered IVY with a post, but I don't think fashion intends for a br@ with straps to be worn with a tube top (no straps). That's..just..so..wrong!

Not crazy about flip flops either, especially the sound they make when people walk in them. However, I've seen some better versions that look like they have a shaped footbed and better straps and those MIGHT be acceptable.

I also don't like bra straps showing, and tops w/bras built in never seem adequate. I HATE strapless bras, they never stay up and they smash the girls into pancakes as they slide down. I once saw a woman who had an image bra straps tatooed onto her back and shoulders. She was wearing a top that bra straps would've shown on, if she had been wearing a bra.

I also don't like bell bottoms or hip huggers. They can call them flares or boot cut or low rise but I grew up in the 60's and 70's and there was a reason bell bottoms and hip huggers went out of style--they looked ugly and they showed crack in the back.

But the one that bugs me right now that's really current is the tops that LOOK like maternity tops even though they're not. This is made worse if they're of see-thru material that requires layering another top underneath. Too many layers is hot and uncomfortable to me plus I don't want to look pregnant, so I'll be glad when this fad fades.

quote:

Originally posted by GoodbyeFlannelShirt:
Not crazy about flip flops either, especially the sound they make when people walk in them. However, I've seen some better versions that look like they have a shaped footbed and better straps and those MIGHT be acceptable.

I also don't like bra straps showing, and tops w/bras built in never seem adequate. I HATE strapless bras, they never stay up and they smash the girls into pancakes as they slide down. I once saw a woman who had an image bra straps tatooed onto her back and shoulders. She was wearing a top that bra straps would've shown on, if she had been wearing a bra.

I also don't like bell bottoms or hip huggers. They can call them flares or boot cut or low rise but I grew up in the 60's and 70's and there was a reason bell bottoms and hip huggers went out of style--they looked ugly and they showed crack in the back.

But the one that bugs me right now that's really current is the tops that LOOK like maternity tops even though they're not. This is made worse if they're of see-thru material that requires layering another top underneath. Too many layers is hot and uncomfortable to me plus I don't want to look pregnant, so I'll be glad when this fad fades.

Let me get this straight, the woman had a tattoo of bra straps? Are you kidding me?

My chest is too big to wear anything strapless. I tried strapless bras in the past with no success. I now have a couple of convertible bras that come with both regular and clear straps.

Aww man and I think boot cut pants and jeans look best on me. I do get them with a mid-rise waist so that my underwear won't play peek-a-boo.

I've never liked "baggy" tops. I like having people be able to tell that I have a waist since mine has always been slim.

I keep hoping those saggy hip hop pants that expose a guy's underwear and in some cases rear end go away but despite some town ordinances against them they seem to be persisting. Since when does a style last for close to 20 years anyway? Turn the page already!

quote:

Originally posted by Laurie:
CNo64- you are sooo funny!! Im really glad you joined this board!

Thank you!
I, too, am glad I joined this forum; I'm having loads of fun here!
Back to topic: I hate Crocs, and agree with Clinton that they're a "sign of the Apocalypse."
I'm also not a fan of black nail polish; it looks to me like you slammed your fingers in a car door.
And I'd better not get started on pajamas in public.
Mercifully, I don't see that much here in the Dallas area, but I don't get out much.

quote:

Originally posted by Sharee:
I'm with you. Even the dressed up ones don't belong at weddings or funerals.

What IS it about flip-flops?
I saw this post on another forum, and knew you all would appreciate it:

Speaking of funeral attire, I attended a funeral this weekend and saw things I never thought I'd see at a funeral.
*Ripped jeans.
*Flip flops.
*Tank tops.
*Spaghetti strap dresses.
*Miniskirts.
*backless shirts.
*Bare shoulders.
*Red, blue, orange, lime green attire.

I somewhat give them a pass, because most of these were 15-19 year old kids who'd never been to the funeral of a peer before, and don't necessarily 'know' from experience what proper attire is. A white spaghetti strap dress with cherries and a red sash IS NOT appropriate or respectful funeral attire. I don't offend easily, usually at all. This weekend I was mortified for those kids, because SOME adult in their life hasn't taken the time to teach them what to wear to show a family respect.

My daughter is 12 and she knew to put on a nice knee length skirt, black flats, and a black button up top. She was dressed appropriately, and looked like a young lady. My son wore a collared shirt and a belt and unripped jeans and nice shoes. HOW HARD IS THAT?

CNo64 Again:
What is going on here?
I guess I'd better submit my application for Official Status as a Fogey before all the spots are filled!

1. Teens wearing what Miley Cyrus wore at the Teen Choice Awards during her song, Party in the USA.

2. Crocs... I actually met the guy who created them (just when the style was taking off) and he said that they began as orthopedic shoes, but now a lot of people were wearing them.

3. Little girls wearing pants that have stuff written across the butt. Thats just wrong.

4. Flip flops in formal places. Enough said.

5. Bra straps showing. Sorry Rokzane, but it is not classy. Yes women wear them, but we wear underwear too, and that does not have to show.

CNo, I totally agree about the funerals, weddings, etc. At me and my sister's bat mitzvah (we're twins), we both wore beautiful dresses, but people showed up in tube tops and torn jeans. For a funeral I would wear a black dress with a white trim and silver ballet flats.

Let's give guys equal time here--the fashion trend I'd love to see crawl into a hole and die is those saggy pants with nine inches of boxers showing above the waistline.

sounds good. my vote is for this look:
sleeveless tank shirt
knit/basketball/poly shorts that come to the knee
socks and sneakers
baseball cap (often worn backwards)
silly sunglasses placed on the back of the tshirt for ultra coolness.
ay ay ay

I'll second that. And those oversized basketball jerseys that are almost as long as the shorts.

Very large tee-shirts. I've seen some young men wearing tee shirts so long, they practically come down to the knee.

Skinny jeans for men. I'm sure not everybody will agree, but it just looks feminine to me.

Super short shorts.

I can forgive a look where a bra strap is showing by accident, but I also dislike the look of delibertly using the bra for decoration.

I have a love-hate relationship with Crocs. Yes they're ugly and make your feet sweat. But they were the only shoes that fit my feet when I was pregnant so I had to wear them in public. These days I wear them to take out the trash or check the mail, just around the house. If I'm getting in the car I put on more appropriate shoes.

I hate flip-flops! Hard plastic between the toes hurts, and the shoes provide no support at all. And I don't get why people want to wear them everywhere. They're appropriate at the beach, the pool or the showers. That's it. Even dressier flip-flops have no place at weddings, funerals, corporate offices, etc. Especially when paired with pajama pants!

I agree about the all-too-ubiquitous flip-flops thing. I guess people wear them because they think they're comfortable (which they aren't very, although moreso than sky-high stilettos I suppose) and are afraid of looking like they tried too hard. Around here I frequently see girls wearing really cute dresses but ruin the look by wearing them with foam rubber shower shoes, aka flip-flops. I guess it's thought of as a way to "dress it down" although it actually just makes it look sloppy.

I see that the visible-bra issue goes back many months on this thread, but rokzane, I think catlover is right. It has nothing to do with apologizing for our anatomy, it's about concealing undergarments that are unsightly when poking out from beneath our clothes because they're meant to be private. Besides, there is such thing as a strapless.

I haven't seen the following for a while, but these are things I'd rather not see anymore:
--Weird haircolor jobs. Teenage kids walking around with just one blob of hair lightened at the crown--what is with that?
--Walking shorts with boots. I mean where the hem of the shorts meets the top of the boot. I've seen some businesswomen wearing this and it looks very "English schoolboy."
--Punk jewelry like the big cigar-butt studs that go through the earlobe, or the "flesh tunnel" kind--painful looking! Who wants to put a huge permanent hole through her earlobe? Looks very strange.
--T-shirts with rude messages. I'd give a good example but, you know, the mods.
--Coach logo shoes. Where would you wear these anyay?
--Dark dark dark dark tans.
--Lowrise jeans on people who oughtn't wear them (most!)
The "overgrown 5-year-old" look on guys: baggy jeans, oversized tee, baseball cap (extra points for backwards), sneakers.

Originally posted by agnieszka01

quote:

--Coach logo shoes. Where would you wear these anyay?

I actually have a pair of coach logo shoes that are casual sneakers for me. Then again, I'm 13. I can't actually imagine any adults wearing them though. Other than that I agree with everything you said.

The boyfriend blazer--most women are swallowed up in them, and they do nothing to flatter womanly curves.

FlipsFlops in formal settings.

Jeans slung low enough I can see your boxers.

Babydoll tops and dresses. I'm so sick of every female looking like they're wearing "maternity clothing. Plus I think it adds ten pounds to everyone!

i sure agree woth that!
bren

Sorry, but this will likely upset some people, but...cropped pants and capris get my vote. They just look sooo frumpy to me regardless who wears them and how they are styled.

I agree with you Andrea. I think that no matter your body type or height they look ridicolous. There's something just bizarre to me about how they make you look. Just go for a bermuda!

I agree with Andria too. I have yet to see a woman who actually looks good in cropped pants.

The Goth look. All of it, the black clothing, the black make-up, the facial piercings.

I hate to see tattoos on women. What started out as a small butterfly or rose on the ankle, has turned into large tattoos on arms, legs, across the top of the chest, you name it. It looks disgusting.

Oh. And nothing looks more silly than boys/young men wearing a baseball cap cocked to slightly to the side with the brim slightly turned up. You don't look like a gansta; you look like an idiot!

Hmmmm... top 10 trends that need to die:

1. tattoos that are visable when clothed.
2. Facial piercings of any kind
3. black lipstick
4 .black fingernail polish
5. flat black hair dye
6. underwear showing
7. ill fitting men's jeans and shorts (you know, the ones that hang down to their crotches?)
8. clothing that shows bumps and bulges
9. mom hair (yes, I am talking about Nick's many makeove hair cuts!) and for men, shaved heads w/ designs cut into them.
10. the tummy role over the low rise jean and the too short top

Trends I love:
1. layered mid length to longer hair on both men and women
2. empire wasted blouses and dresses
3. Wrap dresses
4. Trouser jeans
5. mid rise jeans
6. no pantyhose required (wish we could get our corporation to let us do that one!)
7. not having to match the purse and shoes
8. getting rid of rule about no white after Labor Day
9. kitten heels
10. natural fabrics