Blame the undying desire to be fashionable. Whether you care about what’s “trendy” or not, you’re bound to be familiar with these tired signatures of the supposedly stylish, captured on the sidewalk and plastered on fashion blogs. With New York Fashion Week a month away, here’s to hoping a number of hallmarks get retired once and for all.
You know the type: the over-accessorized (and often under-confident) ilk who lurk on the Lincoln Center plaza vying for someone with a big-ass camera lens to approach them for a photograph, in hopes they’ll end up in a slideshow somewhere online. A “take my picture!” mentality, especially in the age of instantly gratifying social media, means the originals and eccentrics get copied. It’s only natural for aspiring subjects to emulate the people who are lauded for getting it right (Carine Roitfeld, Emmanuelle Alt, Miroslava Duma, Taylor Tomasi-Hill, Kate Lanphear, Giovanna Battaglia, etc.).
Naturally, many fashion sites have come up with surefire ways to emulate the look of an in-the-know editor or successful blogger—that’s how computable “street style” has become. With that, here’s a roundup of the most irksome, overdone street style signatures, mega-trends and micro-trends.
1. The Gigantic Portfolio as Clutch
Not to be confused with its miniaturized, evening-ready counterpart, the box clutch or minaudière, an oversized clutch is designed to be shoved underneath the wearer’s arm and sweat upon all day long.
Who Wears It: Editors and those wanting to resemble editors, who refuse to admit a bag with straps is more convenient than an oversized leather (or fuzzy, furry) filing folder.
Why It’s Irritating: The fact that it looks downright uncomfortable yet no one who carries this style of bag will admit it’s physically awkward
What Should Replace It: Shoulder bags, hobos, satchels, backpacks, doctor bags, duffels and anything with straps or a mere semblance of accommodation.
2. The Artfully Shoulder-Draped Jacket
This one originated out of a need for speed. Busy editors would toss their jacket over in a fit of rushed anxiety to get to the next show. It’s cool to look busy, so that’s fine. You know what’s not cool? Carefully placing your jacket over your shoulders and pretending it’s a nonchalant cape.
Who Wears It: Those vying to look like editors or well-versed fashion bloggers. If you are actually too lazy to put your jacket on, even though you have one on you and you’re stuck with it, this doesn’t apply to you.
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