"Keep the Cat Free"

17.05.2012

FELIX

The student voice of Imperial College London since 1949

Fashion faux pas to avoid

Kicking off a new year, Alice Yang shows us the style resolutions to adopt for life, not just for novelty
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GIRLS: Bin those Uggs

Understandably, after seasons of toe-crunching towering stilettos, the female population are seeking out more practical and cosy footwear. Yet regardless of how appealing a shearling lined boot may sound, we must remember and endeavour to live through the famous quote: ‘no pain, no gain’. Now girls, that is not to say that we should start sacrificing our feet every day, but it really is time to ditch those monstrosities, better known as Ugg Boots. Even the name of these clumpy sheepskin clad slippers gives off a repulsive sound – so throw them to the landfill where they belong and instead invest in a good pair of leather boots. Not only will these keep your feet warm, but they’ll also keep them dry – without the use of ‘care kits’.

Break the bank and bag a pair of elegant leg extending Rick Owens wedge boots or opt for a less demanding pair of ankle boots from Office. With so many choices out there that eliminate ‘fat calf syndrome’ and guarantee you walk upright (as opposed to on the side of your Ugg), this resolution will not only improve your posture but will also help you give off a more sophisticated look.

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Rick Owens wedge boots 

GUYS: T under V is never good

Should you be reading this issue of Felix prior to catching sight of your own reflection for the first time today, fear not because the t-shirt under the v-neck is a fashion pit that Justin Timberlake, Gordon Ramsay and even Brad Pitt have fallen into. However, lets make this clear once and for all, a round neck protruding inconspicuously from under a sharp V, especially in clashing colours, is identical to hanging a sign around one’s neck reading “I blindly picked what I’m wearing off my floor this morning” – also known as a big red warning sign to your female counterparts regarding your sense of style.

Now boys, your mother did not buy you v-neck sweaters in a desperate attempt to wean you out of your hoodies and band-ts just to see their efforts ruined by such carelessness. Instead, make the conscious decision (preferably starting as soon as possible) to match a smart shirt with your v-neck. Should this look be too formal for you, a casual shirt is a wardrobe staple for the modern man and with the high street offering such a plethora of styles and patterns; you really are spoilt for choice.

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Justin gets it wrong 

GIRLS: VPLs no more

The return of the 70s has landed with us recently in the form of glitter and gold, yet not all the looks from the decade are ones to copy, and topping the list are the unsightly sight of VPLs – most commonly seen under excessively tight lower wear.

Leggings/jeggings/treggings, regardless of what you call them, undeniably have their uses – thicker than tights, and with the ability to sit perfectly under long tops without the need of shorts. However, the unfortunate fact is, too many have been ignoring the word ‘long’ prior to ‘top’, resulting in what can only be described as flashing the world a disturbing peek down where-the-sun-don’t-shine.

So should your backside be perfectly pert, I am by no means preventing you from giving the male population their eye candy, but for those wishing to keep their dignity having indulged somewhat more humanly over the break on comfort food instead of trips to the gym, opt to dress with a lengthy shimmering top à la Kate Moss in vintage Chanel or perhaps throw on a pair of treggings under this season’s favourite large jumper for an overall cosier effect as seen on Rumi Neely.

GUYS: Roll long sleeves, burn short sleeves

Referring to formal short-sleeved shirts as opposed to the standard t-shirt, this section is the start of an attempt to ban the wearing of such items. If you are not yet aware of the risks of wearing such pieces – they hang on even the hunkiest of men in the most unflattering manner, then perhaps it is time you cleared out your wardrobe out and indulged in what women call ‘retail therapy’.

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Burn...


The hatred towards these shirts arises because not only are they cut out in the shape of square for some mysterious reason meaning that wearers are expected to be as wide as they are tall, but they also posses the most ridiculous loose flappy sleeves. Not quite as short as on a t-shirt but most definitely not full length, these sleeves hobble somewhat uncertainly around the elbow so that even the most gym-loving biceps seem somewhat lanky and lacking in substance.

Make a new resolution for life to avoid such items and instead opt for rolling up the sleeves on your long sleeved shirt in warmer conditions. Not only will you be able to show off how miraculously athletic you’re destined to become, your future office reputation will benefit too. 

Comments (4 comments)

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anon

Friday January 13 2012 15:13

love this, totally agree about the Uggs, i have a fake pair from shoe zone i wore during the snow last year because i didn't want my nice boots being ruined, other than that, they are just glorified overpriced slippers. Also agree about the 'wearing leggings as trousers' thing - that is not what they are for! Keep up the good work

Shruti

Monday January 16 2012 20:15

I am afraid you've got it completely wrong about Uggs. I bought a pair 6 months ago and they are the best thing ever. They can be worn with everything!!! skirts, trousers, jeans, dresses you name it. Uggs are also extremely confortable and keep you warm These wedge shoes that you have suggested seem too formal and cannot be worn on a daily basis and also look uncomfortable. I agree Uggs are expensive, but they are a great investment and will always be in style. How are these wedged boots practical? Not everyone is comfortable with walking in high heels. Not everyone has fat calves... and even if you do Uggs will be better for them. In the long term, Uggs are better for your posture in the long term. So while these wedges might be fashionable you cannot deny that Uggs are infinitely more practical, comfortable and will be worn for centuries to come!

Alice Yang

Tuesday January 17 2012 10:21

Dear Shruti,

Thanks for the comment and expressing your views, however although your statement that Uggs can be worn with everything may be true, it is only in the physical sense and not in a fashionable related sense. For example, one could say that trainers or walking boots could be worn with everything - a literally true statement, however that does not mean they look good and it definitely does not mean they are the recommended footwear for any stylish outfit.

If you find heeled or wedged boots uncomfortable, you could perhaps look towards flat boots in leather, or if you prefer something softer, in suede - most high street stores stock a good range in very reasonable prices.

As for Uggs being worn for centuries, that is a statement I can not agree with and God forbid that it does prove to be true.

Alice

aos

Sunday February 12 2012 21:48

The wedge boots look stunning, they can make any outfit look stylish, well put together and edgy. Sadly, they might become uncomfy after a few hours of wearing, especially during long days with labs and all that jazz (yup, thumbs up for the ankle boots in this case - for which I personally opted. They are so comfy and go well with almost any outfit I choose). Now the thing with uggs, I had the opportunity to see quite a lot of girls wearing them and my conclusion is that they look reasonable only when worn by skinny girls. If the girl is more on the curvy side (my case too), the uggs look very unflattering - so big no-no. Another important thing in order to create the illusion of longer legs is pairing the colour of the jeans/tights with footwear in the same colour (though if long boots are taken, this might not be the case). If you have thicker legs like me, pairing, for example, brown ankle boots with black jeans shortens the legs - and we don't want that, right? Just my opinion :)

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