A prime example of an "unacceptable" outfit. Photo by Elizabeth Addabbo

Back to the Basics: What Not to Wear

By Elizabeth Addabbo
West Times Staff

Fashion and how to dress is a daily issue for everyone. Everyday one must choose their outfit, and thus how others will view them for that day. This, in essence, allows each person to tell the world how they are feeling and how they would like to be treated every day. For example, if a girl comes into class in baggy sweats, slippers, and a big dirty T-shirt, one should assume that she is either very tired or not feeling well.

Unfortunately, people often disregard the fact that their clothes send a subliminal message and wear very inappropriate accessories and ensemble. Some examples of unsuitable apparel I’ve seen around campus:

•Scrunchies — These, along with backcombed bangs and hair crimpers, are better left in the early 1990s where they belong.

•Sunglasses Headbands — Sunglasses are meant to be worn outside during daylight hours and removed upon entering a building. I don’t know when it became acceptable to wear sunglasses perched on the head during class, in the library and while eating lunch. If something is needed to hold back the hair, then get a headband or some bobby pins.

•ASU T-shirts — As much as I love our fine university, the paraphernalia that they sell in the shades of maroon and gold are not flattering to any body shape or size. The first thought one has upon seeing the school’s colors is ketchup and mustard.

•Sweatpants — These lovely garments are fine when being worn to the gym, but the baggy unisex sweats have no place in your closet or on campus. They are very reminiscent of MC Hammer’s parachute pants, which along with scrunchies, should be left in the past.

•Crocs — The only thing I have to say about these monstrosities is that they and whomever created them should burn in Hades for all eternity. I don’t care how comfortable they are, they are a moral sin and every one knows it.

•Multicolored Rubber Flip-flops — Matching your ugly ASU T-shirt to a pair of rubber gold sandals is one of the biggest fashion faux pas. I think that when a person reaches adulthood they should stop buying two for $5 Old Navy flip-flops and grow up. Please invest in a pair of leather flip-flops; they will last forever and not look as tacky as those dirty white ones sitting in your closet.

With just a little guidance and a Goodwill donation bag, everyone can dress decently. Fashion is about being an individual, and I don’t want to take that away from anyone. I just want to help students – and in some cases professors – dress more accordingly to inhabit the public space.

And by sporting clothing that should be worn in the private realm, people send mixed messages to others about their overall attitude towards the world.