Fashion faux-pas

I've often looked around campus and found myself thinking Gee people wear some odd outfits. Perhaps it's just the whole university vibe, but students seem to feel the need to wear bright, outrageous or just generally weird clothing to parties, to lectures and just generally around town. I fully support people expressing their individuality, but there are certain items of clothing that HAVE to go.

1. Leggings
Now I myself often wear black leggings with a long T-shirt or a long tailored shirt. I happen to think that, paired with flat boots, it gives quite a nice look. But what is with all these girls wearing leggings as pants? I read Glamour magazine (don't judge me...) and I clearly remember one article about a year ago that stated "If you're going to wear leggings, make sure that your top covers your butt". I agree wholeheartedly with this idea. No matter how shapely your legs are or how pert your butt is, leggings should not be worn as pants. They were not designed as pants. And they look weird.

2. Extremely short rugby shorts
Obviously this one is pointed at the boys. If you're playing a rugby game or walking home from practice, then by all means wear your little shorts. But please, for the love of God, don't make a point of walking around campus in them. We all know that guys have bulky/muscular, hairy legs and I find it strangely disturbing to see a guy in tiny rugby shorts. I can only imagine how the poor lecturers must feel when these guys sit down and they are faced with an array of barely-covered crotches. I am pleased to say I've never had to experience the potentially horrific front-view of a boy in tiny rugby shorts sitting in a tiered lecture theatre, and I never want to.
Especially if the shorts are white.

3. Mix n' match
Some mix and match combinations look good. Masculine pants with a floaty top; a patterned top with solid, dark-coloured leggings; a black dress with bright heels...these are acceptable. But when you're wearing a flowery-patterned top that belonged to your grandma and pants that look like they were made out of an old living room carpet, then you're doing it wrong.

4. Revealed underwear
Girls, if I can see your pantyline then your pants are too tight. End of story. Don't wear black bras under white shirts or, even worse, a black thong under white pants. As a friend of mine pointed out the other day, it's just downright slutty. The world will automatically assume that you're wearing underwear, you don't need to show it. And on that point, if you're going to wear a tight top then make sure that your bra isn't too tight. The sexy effect of a tight top is ruined if you have unattractive bulges around your back.
For the record, this applies to guys as well. The "lockdown look" of baggy pants hanging low enough to show off your butt is so 90's. MOVE ON.

And so ends today's fashion lecture :P I know, I know, I'm not the most fashionable person on campus. I'm not always up to date with the latest French trends and I have no idea what the stars are wearing this season. But I like to think that people don't look at me and go "OMG what is she wearing??". Of course, I may be wrong. If you ever see me wearing a truly hideous outfit, PLEASE let me know. Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to know when you've overstepped the line of the fashion gurus :P