The tackiest trend of 2010: Underwear as outerwear
January 28th 2010 10:43
Given that 2010 has only just begun, it's a big call to say that I've already identified its tackiest trend. But let's be real for a minute here: how much tackier can you get than having your underwear on show for all the world to see? I'm sure that designers like Christopher Kane, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, and Jean Paul Gaultier had a classier interpretation in mind when they first introduced their boudoir-inspired collections in 2009, but unfortunately certain celebrities have latched onto the trend and morphed it into something else entirely. It seems that for some, it's just another excuse to have their knickers on display, and worst of all is that this trend has been tagged by multiple sources as being the hottest look of the season.
To me, underwear as outerwear screams 80s throwback, and definitely not in a good way! Big shoulders? Sure, I can deal with that. Sequins and metallic embellishments, no problem. But visible underwear has always been, and as far as I'm concerned, always will be the number one way of telling people, "I'm cheap." In my opinion, showing your bra is the equivalent of letting your G-string show above your jeans: sure, it'll get a guy's attention, but unless your goal is a tawdry one-night stand it probably isn't the kind of attention you want!
Now don't get me wrong: I love corset-inspired tops, and lace, satin, sheer fabrics, all of it. But there is a time and a place for these things, and your local pub on a Friday night (or worse - the office!) most definitely isn't it. You have to remember that just because you're fashion conscious doesn't mean that everyone else is - you may be channeling Vivienne Westwood, but others will think you're channeling a street hooker. The bottom line is that this trend is extremely tricky to pull off, while still maintaining your dignity.
I'm all for pushing the fashion envelope, but I also emphasise the importance of carefully selecting which trends work with your lifestyle, and your personality. It doesn't matter if every fashion magazine from Vogue to Marie Claire is promoting the trend (and they are) - what matters is how comfortable you feel wearing it, and how reflective of your own personal style the trend is. So don't worry if you let this particular trend pass you by, because believe me: you won't be the only one!
Paris Hilton? Tacky? Surely not.
To me, underwear as outerwear screams 80s throwback, and definitely not in a good way! Big shoulders? Sure, I can deal with that. Sequins and metallic embellishments, no problem. But visible underwear has always been, and as far as I'm concerned, always will be the number one way of telling people, "I'm cheap." In my opinion, showing your bra is the equivalent of letting your G-string show above your jeans: sure, it'll get a guy's attention, but unless your goal is a tawdry one-night stand it probably isn't the kind of attention you want!
Lily Allen performs in see-through lingerie
Actress Zoe Saldana forgets to button her shirt
Now don't get me wrong: I love corset-inspired tops, and lace, satin, sheer fabrics, all of it. But there is a time and a place for these things, and your local pub on a Friday night (or worse - the office!) most definitely isn't it. You have to remember that just because you're fashion conscious doesn't mean that everyone else is - you may be channeling Vivienne Westwood, but others will think you're channeling a street hooker. The bottom line is that this trend is extremely tricky to pull off, while still maintaining your dignity.
Chloe Sevigny shows off her Miu Miu bra
Rihanna's ahead of the pack on this one
I'm all for pushing the fashion envelope, but I also emphasise the importance of carefully selecting which trends work with your lifestyle, and your personality. It doesn't matter if every fashion magazine from Vogue to Marie Claire is promoting the trend (and they are) - what matters is how comfortable you feel wearing it, and how reflective of your own personal style the trend is. So don't worry if you let this particular trend pass you by, because believe me: you won't be the only one!
Lady Gaga not only embraces this trend: she may very well have pioneered it!
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Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
Comment by Journeywoman
Great Hair Style Tips
I Dream of Hollywood
Fashion Peach
IMO, the only one who gets away with it (just) is Lily Allen, because she's on stage and you can be a tad more provocative when you're in performer mode. It's more of a costume than an outfit, in that context.
I really, really hope this trend doesn't hit the mainstream! I couldn't handle seeing naive chicks dressed like that in public.
Comment by Anonymous
A Fine Mess
Comment by Journeywoman
Great Hair Style Tips
I Dream of Hollywood
Fashion Peach
I can imagine that it would look okay if it was a 50s-style bra (i.e. full coverage) under a sheer top - actually I've seen this looking quite reasonable on the catwalk - but to call it classy might be pushing it a bit far.
Thanks for the comment