# Current fashions are ugly-I blame Paris Hilton **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 22, 2005, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689 "2005-04-22T23:48:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2005, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/1 "2005-04-22T23:48:08Z")
Today I had to go shopping to get something appropriate to wear for my cousin’s First Communion on Sunday. Now, I normally hate clothes shopping, so it really doesn’t help that everything is butt-ugly. Everything is floofy little flippy ruffled skirts in hideous pastels with sequins, fake-satin camisols, and these truly ugly cotton tennis dresses with ruffled bottoms. All of the dresses have more gathers and shirring than the lining of a casket, with layered ruffles or handkerchief hems (which I normally like), and it looks like someone is determined to bring back in the 1980s. And I blame Ms Hilton\*. EVERYTHING looked just like the ugly duds she used to sport on _The Simple Life_, with her fake orange tan, her bleached processed hair and her pink eyeshadow. Nothing simple. There was barely a trace of that age-old staples, The Little Black Dress. And if it wasn’t Hilton-Ho-Wear, it looked like something that women in their 80s wear. I’m not a teenybopper, or a great-granny, and I’d bet neither are most women. But you wouldn’t know it by the fashion industry. \*[sub]Not really. But I want to blame someone, and she’s the easiest target[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![Harborwolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Harborwolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harborwolf)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/2 "2005-04-23T00:59:52Z")
She’s too skinny to be an easy target. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/3 "2005-04-23T01:06:29Z")
I just looked and there are 2 jcrew stores where you are. They have some lovely things - [here’s](http://jcrew.com/catalog/category.jhtml?id=cat70271&navAction=jump) a link to their dress page - any of these with a little coat sweater would be very pretty for a Christening. ---
**Author:** ![TitoBenito](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2acd7d/32.png) [@TitoBenito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TitoBenito)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/4 "2005-04-23T03:23:37Z")
> [@alice\_in\_wonderland](#): > > I just looked and there are 2 jcrew stores where you are. They have some lovely things - [here’s](http://jcrew.com/catalog/category.jhtml?id=cat70271&navAction=jump) a link to their dress page - any of these with a little coat sweater would be very pretty for a Christening. Just don’t ever shop there for [Men’s](http://jcrew.com/catalog/category.jhtml?id=cat70173&navAction=jump) clothing… at least in the summer time. ---
**Author:** ![RFBluesValentine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ecccb3/32.png) [@RFBluesValentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RFBluesValentine)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/5 "2005-04-23T03:26:08Z")
And where the hell are jeans that AREN’T low-rise? :mad: ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/6 "2005-04-23T03:30:39Z")
Well, luckily I found a nice pair of black pants that would go with a top I have, and some new sandals. **alice** , those are beautiful-but WAY out of my price range. ---
**Author:** ![Daisy\_Mae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/46a35a/32.png) [@Daisy\_Mae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daisy_Mae)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/7 "2005-04-23T03:33:09Z")
> [@RFBluesValentine](#): > > And where the hell are jeans that AREN’T low-rise? :mad: Personally, I like low rise jeans but [here](http://www2.victoriassecret.com/collection/?cgname=OSCLODNMWST&cgnbr=OSCLODNMWST&rfnbr=1843) you go. Just one suggestions ---
**Author:** ![Queen\_Bruin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Queen\_Bruin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Bruin)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/8 "2005-04-23T03:52:30Z")
Thanks to the ugliness in fashion, I have only bought two articles of clothing in the last year: My first leather jacket from Wilson’s, and a pair of AC/DC pajama bottoms. If I ever wear one of those godawful ruffle miniskirt monstrosities, will someone please put me out of everyone’s (including my own) misery? Thanks. Oh and Guin: [Newport News](http://www.newport-news.com/) has a lot of junk, but even more really nice and versatile pieces. I’m saving money for part of a new wardrobe from there (always hit the clearance link!). I know it’s not before Sunday, but for future reference. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![RFBluesValentine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ecccb3/32.png) [@RFBluesValentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RFBluesValentine)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/9 "2005-04-23T04:11:51Z")
Oooh, cute! Thanks, **Daisy Mae**! I actually do own a pair of low-rise jeans… I just don’t like the way they make my tummy look, or the fact that they’re so trendy it hurts. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/10 "2005-04-23T05:00:58Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > **alice** , those are beautiful-but WAY out of my price range. Yah - I was wondering. $159 is a lot to pay for a summer shift dress for only one occasion. I ordered a few items from them, and been very pleased with the quality, so if you’re looking for more staple items, they might be a good choice to save up for. 🙂 PS - I’m glad you found an outfit. ---
**Author:** ![gum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bbe5ce/32.png) [@gum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gum)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/11 "2005-04-23T05:29:56Z")
Ooooo, **The Sausage Creature** , Thanks for that Newport link. Actually…No. Bugger for that Newport link. Now I see all kinds of dresses I like and I don’t know how to get them. ☹ [This](http://www.newport-news.com/shop/Product.asp?gpcatID=2&pacatID=1649&subcatID=1686&catid=4751&superstyleID=170288&productindex=12&firstpagetypeid=&pageindex=12) or similar styled stuff is what I wear and what suits me. Sadly they’re not for sale over here. And the price! Very reasonable! ---
**Author:** ![jabiru](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bbce88/32.png) [@jabiru](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jabiru)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/12 "2005-04-23T11:44:36Z")
I can’t remember the last time I bought a dress so I can’t comment on the frills/ruffles etc which is purportedly back in “fashion” but I’d like to know which colour blind galoot decided that baby-poo brown and icky orange would be “in” again this winter. Have they forgotten that these colors were so vile and sold so badly a few years ago? Or are the just recycled garments they couldn’t offload onto us poor suckers last time? ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/13 "2005-04-23T13:16:43Z")
What stores are you all going to? Every time I’ve been captured into going shopping with one or the other of the women in my life, there are some lovely things available at places like Dillards, Foleys, and Macy\*s. From basic to nearly formal. Sure, there’s some dreck to choose from, but them wimmins always walk away with something that suited them. I will say that we guys do seem to have it easier when it comes to dressing it up. In a three or five button suit, I don’t ever have to worry if I look either too frumpy or too sexy/slutty. BTW, glad you found something, **Guin** , and have fun storming the christening. ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/14 "2005-04-23T13:31:29Z")
> [@gum](#): > > Ooooo, **The Sausage Creature** , Thanks for that Newport link. > Actually…No. > Bugger for that Newport link. > Now I see all kinds of dresses I like and I don’t know how to get them. ☹ > > [This](http://www.newport-news.com/shop/Product.asp?gpcatID=2&pacatID=1649&subcatID=1686&catid=4751&superstyleID=170288&productindex=12&firstpagetypeid=&pageindex=12) or similar styled stuff is what I wear and what suits me. Sadly they’re not for sale over here. And the price! Very reasonable! You don’t know how? A friendly Doper can order them for you and then ship. If you’re serious, I’ll do it. Email’s in my profile. I had to shop yesterday for Dave’s high school reunion tonight. Ugh, ugh, ugh. I’m 33, not 17 or 57. Ugh ugh ugh. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/15 "2005-04-23T16:10:55Z")
It’s a communion, not a christening. But thanks. It should be nice, we’re going out to brunch afterwards. I can usually find staples at the local Fashion Bug, but Penney’s was having a sale, so I went there. _sigh_ I have a really cute sundress, but it’s too dressy-not to mention it’s not going to be warm enough to wear it. See, this is why I want to learn how to sew. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2005, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/16 "2005-04-23T22:36:42Z")
> [@The Sausage Creature](#): > > Oh and Guin: [Newport News](http://www.newport-news.com/) has a lot of junk, but even more really nice and versatile pieces. I’m saving money for part of a new wardrobe from there (always hit the clearance link!). I know it’s not before Sunday, but for future reference. 😉 I tried Newport News once. I ordered two items, neither came within a month. Eventually, the first item showed up - in the wrong size and color (it went back, but I had to pay for shipping) the second didn’t come with it, which was odd. I called, and they said they had oversold it, and if I waited a few weeks, I’d get it. Finally. I waited a few weeks, called again, and they told me to be patient. So, I waited some more, called, and they told me they’d cancelled my order because they weren’t going to get any more of the item. They did not, however, plan to tell me that I wasn’t going to get my purchase. I was not impressed overall. ---
**Author:** ![Cerri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@Cerri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerri)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2005, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/17 "2005-04-24T00:44:56Z")
Hm…I order from Newport News all the time (several times a year going back at least 8 years now), and have never had a problem, for what it’s worth. Decent quality, low prices, and fashions that don’t look _way_ too young for me (I’m 33). I get most of my wardrobe from Newport News and Dress Barn, personally. Love their stuff. ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2005, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/18 "2005-04-24T00:57:30Z")
> [@GingerOfTheNorth](#): > > Ugh ugh ugh. Sing it. _Shout_ it, in fact. I’ve _never_ liked frills, ruffles, flounces and eye-bleeding colors. Part of that’s probably because I’m 5’ 10 1/2" barefoot; fairly slender and very fine-boned but just godawful _tall_ no matter how ya slice it. Anything but clean, classic lines and I look like a giraffe wearing a clown costume. It’s hard enough to find things that _fit_. In fact I like and wear much the same type of style that **Sausage Creature** picked out–though anything with sleeves can be tricky, given my ungodly long arms. Why is it so damned hard to find clothes that just might possibly fit, or at least adapt, and flatter a body that doesn’t belong to a mythical 15 year old? IMO, damned few teens can carry off the stupid styles at the moment–and that’s sad. The kids are pretty; the clothes just suck. Lord knows ‘styles’ bounce around in silliness–and I’ve lived through more than a few bizarre quirks–but it’s getting harder to find basic clothes that don’t err on the side of extremes. Why are the bones of classic, flattering clothes so hard to find, and/or so pricey? I can update through accessories and layering, though none of 'em will be lime green and/or geranium pink, thenk yew veddy much. Just give me basic fit and good lines. Is that so damned much to ask? Lanky, pissed and shopping-impaired, Veb ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2005, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/19 "2005-04-24T01:55:06Z")
If I could just find a nice little cotton swing dress or a cheong-sahm. They’re so pretty, with the embroidered silk. OH, and I am LOVING Newport News, “Beauty of a Dress”. Feminine without being too girly. Beaded 1920s type dresses. [Now THAT’S more like it!](http://www.newport-news.com/shop/Product.asp?gpcatID=2&pacatID=9&subcatID=5850&catid=5856&superstyleID=174009&productindex=3&firstpagetypeid=&pageindex=0) And sixty dollars is NOT bad! ---
**Author:** ![racinchikki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eada6e/32.png) [@racinchikki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racinchikki)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2005, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689/20 "2005-04-24T01:58:48Z")
Old Navy is the higher end of my clothing budget - I have to buy pants etc. at Walmart unless they’re on clearance at Old Navy - so I don’t have a lot of options when it comes to shopping for fashionable new wearables. Old Navy used to be my favorite place to shop, because they have relatively long-wearing clothing (I have some basic t-shirts from them that I’ve had for five years or more - I don’t remember exactly when, but I’m wearing one of them in a photo taken when I was a junior in high school) and they USED to carry some cute stuff. The last few times I’ve gone in there, there have been items on the racks made entirely out of layers of ugly ruffled flounces of crappy slightly-sparkly jersey cloth. I honestly do not know whether those were skirts or tops. Most of the things that are readily identifiable as tops this season come down to mid-thigh and remind me of the “unisex” “futuristic” clothing of the '70s. I don’t mind the colors - they’re cheerful and spring-ish - but the STYLES would be horrid in any shade. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-fashions-are-ugly-i-blame-paris-hilton/300689.md?page=2)