It's that certain thing.
That thing you can't stand.
That thing that makes you shudder (or scream or laugh or hit someone) when you see it.
There are certain things, certain articles of clothing in this case, that gross girls out.
If they see a guy on the street wearing that article of clothing, it makes them turn around and walk the other way.
Any potential the guy could have had to be cool/get a date/meet her cute friend is gone.
The pet peeves of fashion are a tricky business, as they are intrinsically linked with personal preference. For example, a lot of people I interviewed love short shorts on boys (especially boys with nice legs). Stop making that weird face: I'm not talking about shorts like the ones the guy in the "Call on Me" video wears; I'm talking about shorts between two and four inches above the knee. On the other hand, there were some girls who screamed in anguish at the mere thought of boys wearing shorts that are not at or just below the knee.
Why all the controversy about a few more inches of leg?
I'm not sure, though I do know the issue sparked a debate that lasted a good 10 minutes.
By the same token, the subject of guy's underwear was very divisive, as you can imagine.
This does not mean that tightie whities are acceptable.
The main point of contention with regard to underwear was the boxers vs. boxer-briefs issue. Some girls love one while others love the other. I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave it at that though, because writing about underwear is awkward.
But let me not digress.
The interesting thing about fashion pet peeves, as previously stated, is that they are so dependent on the preference of the peever, if you will.
Regular pet peeves are pretty universal. For example, I don't know anyone who likes the sound nails make on the chalkboard or anyone who likes it when people pop their gum in the middle of class.
Hence, the following list becomes problematic. In order to make my findings as accurate as possible, though, I have created a master list after garnering information from varied sources and consolidating the things that were mentioned most frequently.
Boys, are you ready?
Here goes:
God bless Levi Strauss. Jeans are a staple in every wardrobe, but if not executed in the correct fashion (get it?) they can go terribly wrong. Do not ever, under any circumstances, wear jean shorts. Just don't do it. They're terrible, and even without being prompted, every girl I asked said so. They were cool in the 80s, but unlike Chucks or stacked bangles, they aren't cool now -- and they never will be, I hope. The same goes for tapered jeans. I don't even think this warrants an explanation. Just don't wear them.
Related to jeans, sagging is definitely not a way to impress the ladies. This doesn't mean your pants should be at your belly button; it just means girls really don't want to see 10 inches of your boxers.
Another article of clothing that sparked impassioned responses was the jersey. There is a clear line drawn here, though. The girls I talked to said European and Central/South American soccer jerseys were great, but basketball jerseys were heinous. If you don't actually play for the team, please refrain.
Unless you want to look like a lumberjack, flannels are out of the question. I personally haven't seen one in years, and I guess most girls would think that's a good thing.
Also, cut-off shirts and wife-beaters were a no-no, according to many. The wife-beater phenomenon is an interesting one though, because lots of girls have started wearing them out and about but deem them inappropriate for guys. Is it time for guys to take back the beater? Perhaps yes, but for many, no.
Lots of girls enjoy the put-together, clean-cut "Euro" look, but they were sure to mention that there were some pitfalls involved with this imported style. Too much cologne is a bad idea. If the girl can smell you as you walk by, you have a problem. Besides, wearing that much cologne would probably make you flammable, and we wouldn't want that. Rings (excluding class rings) are a bad idea, especially pinkie rings (unless you're the Godfather). Also, highwaters/capris just look stupid on guys.
The most unpopular article of clothing I found, however, was the leather jacket. I think the only people who could possibly pull them off are street thugs, and I don't even think they wear them.
As for shoes, Tevas were detested, as are athletic sandals worn with socks. Any sandals with socks are just a bad idea. Also, black athletic socks are weird-looking to some, and high socks with running shoes were deemed pretty gross as well. Additionally, athletic shoes worn with suits aroused contempt.
Overalls? Please no.
Ties that are tied too short were mentioned as well -- random, but I think important, as it shows that girls do indeed pay attention to detail.
So now, you ask, what can I wear without being frowned at/kicked in the shins/stoned?
I, as your humble style servant, will scour the land to solve this dilemma.
As for now, please get rid of those jean shorts.
Demetra can be reached at fashion@cavalierdaily.com.
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