I think the concept of Wardrobe Pet Peeves is similar to Fashion Faux Pas…kind of it’s sister. I googled the definition of ‘pet peeve’ because I want to get it straight in my mind that it is a different concept as my other posts Fashion Faux Pas Part I and II. And it is different, yet related. Going back to google, the definition of pet peeve says “something that a particular person finds especially annoying”. From the perspective of wardrobe or fashion, I think the word ‘annoying’ is a little strong, so I choose to consider it more like ‘unfortunate’.
So let’s get started. I have gathered below 10 pet peeves or what I see as unfortunate mistakes in wardrobe or fashion that you may want to be aware of. The idea would be that the opposite of the wardrobe pet peeve – would be the goal. By bringing these pet peeves to the forefront, you may choose to avoid these peeves to look more put together, more polished and intentional. All with the end goal to help you present yourself in the best light.
Please know that peeves on this list is not meant to criticize or make someone feel bad. My goal is to bring these peeves to the forefront so you are aware of what could be changed to help you look and feel your best.
| Pet Peeve | My thoughts |
1. Coat vent still has stitches | When you buy a new blazer, suit jacket, coat, skirt etc., remove the little “X” stitching on the back vent flap. This is stitched to keep the back vent from getting creased or misshaped during shipping and storage. It is not meant to continue to be sewn together when you wear it as it looks unpolished. Spread the word because I see it all the time. |
2. Hangar straps on tops showing | The clear rubbery or material hangar straps are there to keep clothing properly hung in the store. These should be cut out once purchased. Yes it would be great to keep them on so they hang in your closet better also, however, no matter how well you try to hide them, they will peek through or you will fuss with them. Not only does it give an unpolished look, it is distracting from the outfit and the other person you are with will always be looking at it. |
3. Pants hanging way, way below the hips | You know what I am talking about. This fashion is worn by men mostly. I recognize this is an actual style for some people, especially young people. However, if you look strictly from the perspective of what this style does to your body, it’s impossible to argue that the look is flattering. I, years ago, like way years ago before this look even became a style, saw a comedian once who, on stage, shimmied his pants down low and said “look, torso man!”. Everyone laughed because it looked hilarious. It does make one look like a torso man! You are all torso! All disproportionate. How can it be flattering when your torso is 4 feet long and your legs are 2 feet long. I don’t know, call me crazy, but fashion or not, this look is ridiculous and unflattering. I can’t get that comedians bit out of my head all of these years. And never, ever, did I think this would become a ‘style’ and here we are. |
4. Nails on heels or worn rubber on shoes | The sound of heel nails on flooring is never elegant. The sound of shoe nails clip-clopping portrays an unkempt vibe and it can ruin flooring. Similarly, with a flat shoes, whether on a male or female once the rubber wears off and it can be the same issue of an uncaring look and ‘unfortunate’ sound. Ok that sound is verging on annoying 🙂 And is also dangerous, you can easily wipe out. |
5. Dirty or smudged glasses or sunglasses | Not only is the dirt or smudges restricting your view, it is very distracting for the other person because that is all they notice when looking at you. It portrays an unkempt look and the other person will wonder why you do not see it’s dirty. I recommend a specific glass cleaner product or you can use your own concoction, but they should be kept impeccably clean. |
6. Shirts that have too much material to be tucked in | Very boxy, big, square-cut shirts tucked in, is out of style and very 80s, yet I still see this. Plus it is not flattering to your body and will make you look bigger than you are. The idea is to aim for a slimmer fitting shirt so there is not a ton of excess fabric. |
7. Wearing clothing with a company logo | If you are attending a company conference and you feel you have to…uh ok. Outside of that, not to be worn under any circumstances. For the reason that it looks like you essentially cannot afford a regular shirt or laundry day has come and gone. |
8. Handbags or cross body bags with ultra long straps | Bags should not be worn lower than just below the waist and upper hip. I see bags that are hanging at the buttocks or even below the buttocks and bump against the body and swing when walking. This is not a good look. This is most important if you are not very tall as wearing a long bag will actually make you look shorter. |
9. Pajama pants worn in public | Ok what? I thought wearing baggy, dirty sweat pants in public was bad enough. Nope, now it’s pajama pants! What’s next? If you think about it, what could possibly be next? The only possible next step downward I can think of is wearing a towel out in public. I don’t mean to be facetious, that is the only next step think I can think of. |
10. Pants that are too short | I have this also in my fashion faux pas post, however, I have to mention it again as it is my pet peeve. It looks like you have owned the pants so long you grew out of them or they shrunk in the wash and you do not care they shrunk. I see this all the time, mostly on people who are not that tall, and it will always make your legs look shorter than they are. |
Credit: bag Fossil
Final Thoughts
As mentioned above, I hope the pet peeves I listed help bring awareness to some wardrobe no-nos you can do to improve your look. I assume that some of my readers probably have wardrobe pet peeves of your own! If you have wardrobe pet peeves that you would like to share and you believe it will help people look more polished, please send them to me through the blog and I will add your pet peeve to Part II, with credit to you, of course. If you are comfortable, please indicate your first name and city.
All the best and until next time…
