Fashion Blogger Flubs: Trends That Never Took Off

If you want to stay updated on the latest trends, all you need to do is look at a fashion blog or two. Between their strong social media presence, relationships with leading designers, and precise visions, fashion bloggers are setting trends on and off the runway. But for every couple of fads they highlight that gain mainstream appeal, there some trends that miss the mark entirely and look more costumey than stylish. The next time you’re scrolling through your favorite fashion blog, here are five trends to avoid.

1. Sandals and socks

Just because you saw it on the runway doesn’t mean you should try it. | Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images

We’re all for getting a lot of mileage out of your favorite platform sandals, but pairing your shoes with socks is not a way to do so. Unless you’re starting up a street style blog of your very own or going to an industry event, we can’t think of many places this look would be viewed as polished, professional, or practical. If we’re being completely honest, it looks childish. The next time you’re picking out some summer shoes, invest in a versatile neutral color, so you can wear them with dresses, pants, and event shorts. If you want to amp up your winter footwear, try pairing your favorite short booties with thick, knit socks — it’ll look sharp and is a lot more seasonal.

2. Sparkle shoes

So much sparkle. | Tristan Fewings/Getty Images

While we’re talking about shoes, your favorite sparkling ones aren’t appropriate for everyday wear, either. If you’re going to a holiday party or sporting a Halloween costume, they could be a charming addition to your outfit. But otherwise? They’re anything but subtle. We celebrate tastes and personal styles of all types, but a pair of sequined Mary Jane flats or pumps are kitschy and unprofessional — we doubt you’d get the job if you wore them to an interview. If you want to push the envelope with a pair of novelty shoes, opt for a velvet or faux-crocodile pair. They will pack the punch without looking childish.

3. Anything emoji

This purse is one of the least offensive uses. | Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

On your phone screen, emojis are a great way to add a cheeky touch to your text messages or express something you simply cannot put in words. But on your outfit? They have the tendency to look too young and kind of tacky. We understand why a fashion blogger might adorn her clothes with emojis, but any non-blogger over 15-years-old should think twice about incorporating smiley and kissing faces to any outfit. For a more sophisticated look that’ll pop just as much, try mixing and matching multiple prints in one outfit. All you need to do is select patterns in a similar color palette.

4. Daytime pajamas

A pajama party might be the only place this is acceptable. | Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images

Lazy Sundays are a great excuse for rocking your pajamas all day long as you curl up with a good book or Netflix show. But we recommend you limit your sleepwear to your apartment. Over the past few years, many bloggers and tastemakers have worn silky matching sets to fashion shows, red carpets, and upscale events, but this trend has yet to gain any mainstream appeal.

In theory, it’d be great to have a pair of ultra-luxurious pajamas at your disposal, but since most of these pairs will set you back a couple hundred dollars, they’re not the most practical investment for your wardrobe. Plus, depending where you wear them — think a birthday party or meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time — you might give off the impression that you’re lazy or sloppy. For a look that’s comfortable and more put-together, pair a oversized sweater with some cotton trousers.

5. Overalls

Wearing overalls can look a little silly. | Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Overalls are well on their way to becoming a big trend, but that doesn’t mean you should pick up a pair anytime soon. Most of us wore these decades ago when we were children and, though they’re making a comeback, they still look juvenile. If you’re working in a creative industry, these may be okay to wear to work, but we seriously doubt she who wears overalls will land that sought-after promotion.

On a practical level, they are hard to take off and put on. If you’re having a bathroom emergency or need to quickly change into another outfit, you’ll likely end up spending five minutes unfastening them.