Five Fashion Trends to Avoid

From the big hair and neon colours of the 80s to the muted tones and obsession with taupe, mauve, and oatmeal of the 90s, women's fashion is known for making dramatic changes. However, fashion is largely dictated by the whim of designers who are using rail-thin young women as models. These choices do not always flatter the average lady. Here are five current fashion trends that just don't translate to the majority of real women.

Skinny Jeans

Skin-tight denim only flatters the prepubescent form. If you are over the age of 16, a mother, or over seven stone, skinny jeans are not for you. Not only are they unflattering to the bum and hips, but they leave little to the imagination. This makes them inappropriate for anyone out of secondary school.

Huge Earrings

Designers have been trying to bring back gigantic, dramatic earrings for the past year or so. Don't fall prey to it. Having door-knockers on either side of your face is not attractive. Wearing them can also pull your lobes out of shape over time. If one is caught up in clothing or the strap of your handbag, your lobe can even be ripped! Keep your jewellery within normal proportions and give this fashion trend a pass.

Low-rise Jeans

The trend to wear your jeans very low on the hips only looks good if your body is completely flat from your ribs down. Read that part again: completely flat. If your torso or tummy rounds out even the slightest bit, the extra flesh will hang over the jeans. It's unsightly and a fashion that very few women can wear. While a waistline that is too high can make you appear heavier, a super-low waist has the same effect. Choose a mid-rise waist and don't be afraid to practise bending, sitting, and squatting in the changing rooms before purchasing them. This will ensure the jeans fit your properly.

Faux Fur

Even though it is fake, that doesn't mean it's attractive. Faux fur also has the added inconvenience of frequently shedding all over the rest of your outfit. Do you really want to walk around looking like you are the proud mum to 17 cats? Speaking of cats, some fur that is labelled as faux is actually cat or dog fur. This happens with clothing from foreign countries with alarming regularity, primarily Asia. If you are allergic to animals, fur of any kind is not a good idea.

Dramatic Cosmetics

Women's fashion has taken a decided turn towards brightly-coloured and dramatic make-up once more. While this may be acceptable for a young girl for an evening out, it has little place in an adult woman's beauty regimen. This also applies to glitter. Unless you want to be thought a tramp, keep your cosmetics low-key.

Women's fashion is ever-changing, but don't be seduced by these five faux pas. A polished, dignified appearance is far more important than following the whim of fashion designers.

By Jamie Simpson

Posted in: Fashion Trends