Back in the good old days, if you wanted to look modern, you just wore trendy clothes. I mean, if you wore the latest and “greatest”, what could go wrong? In 2023, the answer is—a lot.
Between blazers that make you look like a linebacker (I’m not even sure I know what that is, but I hear they have big shoulders), and dresses that make you look like you’re playing the role of the quintessential “frumpy” character, there are a lot of trends this season that are better left at the store.
Fortunately, I’m here to call out the bad trends for what they are: unflattering, impractical, and just plain unattractive. But I also point you to some far more stylish options.
And fortunately you can find everything right here.
And now, for the trends to skip this fall, and what to wear instead.
The Blah Blouse
There’s a category of frumpy clothing that is not awful, but not awesome either. These clothes are simply meh. And that is possibly the worst kind of offender. It’s insidious and can creep into even the most carefully curated wardrobes.
The blah blouse is one such item. These aren’t disastrous, but they’re also not chic. They are either simple yet not chic or they are statementy but not modern.
What To Wear Instead
Instead of the above blah blouses, try one of these chic versions.
The Barrel Pant
These are called barrel pants for a reason, and the shape is even less flattering that it sounds. Think inflated balloons tied to your legs. Even the very tall and slim should skip these.
What To Wear Instead
These modified barrel leg jeans look more like a wide leg, which is a good thing.
The Matronly Midi
There are good mididresses, and then there are the ones shown here: Shapeless tablecloths with no attempt at style and flattery.
What To Wear Instead
The Frilly Frock
As much as I love ultrafeminine styles, these dresses are so over the top they appear costumey.
What To Wear Instead
The Boring Dress
Often thought of as the work or church appropriate dress, these are classic to the point of being personality-less, and simple without being chic.
What To Wear Instead
The Bolder Shoulder
This very 80s-inspired silhouette makes your shoulders look powerful, and the rest of you look tiny in comparison. It’s a look, for sure, but one that’s quite hard to pull off.
What To Wear Instead
Keep a nice strong shoulder. It will balance your lower half and help your waist look defined. Just don’t make it too oversized and swap the skinny bottoms for loose ones.
The Appalling A-Line
Although the silhouette is flattering to most, to be modern, an A-line needs to either be flowy (the easiest to wear) or structured and short enough to show some leg. Pair an A-line style with a classic print and you have a matronly look.
What To Wear Instead
These styles are modern and flattering.
The Flowy Set
These blur the lines between pajamas and suits, and the effect is disastrous.
What To Wear Instead
A two piece set that is flattering can be a chic option.
The Oversized Sweatshirt
Because we’re not in high school anymore, this juvenile and unflattering style needs to be retired.
What To Wear Instead
A sleeker sweatshirt, or one with an open neckline, is much more flattering.
What do you think of these trends? Which one do you think is the hardest to wear? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Nada Manley says
Thank you so much Linda!! I appreciate it!
Linda says
Love your blog!
Nada Manley says
Thank you Kathy! That means a lot to me!
Kathy Mann says
I like the comparison of bad to good. And what patterns are bad