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Beware fashion faux pas

Skip the potato shoes, frayed jeans and giant headbands.

By Justin Whaley

Published May 7, 2010

We've all witnessed it -- the major fashion faux pas. The slap in the face to the stylish. The blatant disregard for what actually looks presentable. Is this virus curable? Hell to the no. However, the fashion-savvy can lead the march to sartorial improvement. When dressing, keep in mind these epic wardrobe failures:

The potato shoe Definition: clogs, slip-ons or double-strapped sandals resembling a delicious carbohydrate. Birkenstock made the potato shoe famous. Walmart and other chains carried on this tragic trend. The trashiest aspect of potato shoes is they resemble just that -- potatoes. Sure, they might be "comfortable," but comfort can absolutely be found elsewhere, like in a pair of Sperrys or Lacoste sneakers.

The common outfit with which to wear the dreaded potato shoe? An athletic tee, oversized (usually gray) sweats and white socks. Wrong, wrong and wrong on many levels. Some "fashionistas" think they're sly by sporting the double-strapped cork sandal, relative to the potato shoe, with leggings and oversized v-necks. I spotted one twisted sister donning this casual outfit while wearing a bandana atop her head. The next time I witness somebody wearing this God-awful ensemble, I'll have to hold myself back from either giving them a swirlee or shooting them with the "Who are you?!" stare down.

The oversized headband You've finished your 8 a.m. class, your presentation and your morning workout. Shower? Check. Clothes? Check. Ugly, larger-than life headband? You've got it. Maybe fashion-blind Martians abducted you after your trip to the gym, because the giant, cotton headband seems quite abnormal, though all too common.

We get it -- it's comfortable, but comfort can also be found in a leopard snuggie or your footie pajamas from age four. If you're dead set on wearing something comfortable that covers most of your head, sport a classy cap. The giant, cotton headband is not the only one of its breed on the market. Thinner headbands can easily be found at nearly any of your shopping stops. Unattractive, bulky headbands must be stopped, especially if they display the dreaded Under Armour logo across the front.

Ill-fitting denim for guys Rome, much like your current body, was not built in a day. Your form is changing to a certain extent. People get a big bang for their buck in jeans, but they're the one item they seem to neglect upgrading. I've witnessed far too many tragic souls with ill-fitting jeans trudging around campus, their denim fraying, dragging and fading with time.

It's time to set the record straight. Faded, baggy and ripped is out. Gents, invest in a new pair of jeans every few months as a reward to your hard work and to your wardrobe. Look for jeans that have just enough space for your legs, your ass and some pocket space for a thin wallet and iPhone.

Staying style-savvy is one of the easiest things an intelligent person can do. If something is a trend, it isn't always the best thing to wear. A fashion faux pas can easily be transformed into a stylish statement, given the right tweaking. Most importantly, the word "comfortable" is used frequently as an excuse for bad fashion. Put together something clean-cut and in-style to guarantee an excess of comfort and confidence.

justin whaley | staff writer