Many would argue that there are no limits to fashion; that it’s an expression that comes with no guidelines. And to some extent, this can be true. However, over time, society has formed an overall opinion on certain styles that tend to impact the clothes we choose to wear. But with every limitation, there are those daring trailblazers who push them.
In 2022, there are now many fashion trends which would have been considered fashion faux pas to avoid in the past. Let’s take a look at what trends have made a comeback and are now seen as stylish and trendy in 2022.
1. Double Denim
The cursed pairing of denim on denim has been debated for as long as we can remember. Some people love it, others hate it, but what is the overall consensus on double denim? Both then and now, is it a trendy fashion choice or a big fashion faux pas? Although it made a huge comeback in the late 1990s, double denim was actually the love child of popular 70s and 80s fashion.
Thanks to the likes of Blondie’s Debbie Harry and Charlie’s Angels, double denim was hot in the 80s with many pairing their acid-washed jeans with a matching oversized jacket. It was the epitome of a ‘cool’ look and combined the acclaimed ‘punk rock’ with casual wear.
The noughties saw the birth of many iconic pop culture moments in combination with fashion, but none quite stand out the same as Britney and Justin’s double denim moment on the red carpet. At the 2001 AMA awards, the then-celebrity couple walked the red carpet in a matching look, taking the idea of double denim to new extremes. In a full-length gown made entirely of patchwork denim, Spears made a statement hand in hand with her then-beau, who wore a full denim suit and a fedora to match.
The look has gone down in history with an abundance of respect for their committed efforts.
Once a highly talked about fashion faux pas, Today, double denim has a much easier rep with more people filtering it into their wardrobes. Instead of just pairing the same coloured denim (which some may still consider a big no-no), many are choosing to style different colours together for a more toned-down look. A double denim outfit doesn’t look as obvious and bold for example when you pair black skinny jeans with a light blue denim jacket.
There are actually many celebrities embracing fashion faux pas today who are making them look really cool. For a more diluted effort nowadays with double denim, you might want to think more of Hailey Bieber and fewer B*Witched. Try to differentiate between the shades of denim – you don’t have to stick to blue. You could lighten up the look the best you can, whether that be with lighter shades of denim or adding a white tee exposed underneath your jacket.
2. Ill-Fitting Clothing
In the past, having clothes that don’t fit well would have been a massive fashion faux pas. Remember the days of oversized baggy jeans that led to ripped trousers ankles because they dragged on the floor? Nowadays, sizing up is the way to go but certainly not leading to ripped and worn-down clothes. There’s no better staple today than wearing oversized hoodies and shirts, for men and women. From baggy cargo and parachute pants to oversized sweatshirts, bigger is officially better. But it’s important to play around with proportions – don’t let the clothes wear you!
Try oversized pants with a shorter, tighter top. This creates a complimentary silhouette and helps capture that effortless look – which actually takes a lot of effort! This being said, we don’t need a repeat of Justin Bieber’s ‘ankle-wearing’ jeans exposing his entire white briefs during his 2015 ‘frat boy era’. This is definitely a big fashion faux pas that you would want to avoid today! But his now updated more skater-boy, leisurely, oversized clothes are something we can all get behind.
In recent years, there have been many celebs who have loved the oversized clothing trend, from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Halsey to Lady Gaga and Kylie Jenner. Many female stars have been pictured out and about wearing oversized blazers, wide-leg pants, and coats. Oversized sweatshirts and hoodies have also been popular items to wear since the 90s.
Think the late Princess Diana running errands in her NorthWestern or Harvard sweatshirt and short biker shorts. No matter what, if you’re going big on the top, go small on the bottom and vice versa for complimentary lines and figures.
3. Mixing Jewellery Metals
It’s a rule as old as time – you either wear gold or silver jewellery, not both together. Wearing jewellery used to involve pairing all of your items together in one jewellery metal, from your earrings to your necklace, your bracelets to your rings. Having mismatched jewellery was a small but obvious fashion faux pas for many. However, in today’s day and age, more and more people are taking back their right to enjoy both metals. Why spend so much time finding jewellery that matches when you can mix things up a bit?
If you’re a lover of mixing jewellery metals together, it can be wise to wear at least one combined piece – this can be a watch, or a ring, as long as it features both metals. It’s also a good rule to position your jewellery well – a popular look is to layer your mixed jewellery. For example, experiment with necklace chain lengths and try two silver necklaces, one longer and one shorter, with gold in the middle. If you have many ear piercings, you could alternate silver and gold jewellery for your earrings or find a statement earring which features both metals.
There’s no set way really how to mix your jewellery metals, as you can choose to go for a subtle look or a statement one. With sterling silver jewellery, rose gold, or gold plate jewellery, the options are endless on how you want to mix and match them.
