Photograph: David Newby. Styling: Melanie Wilkinson/The Guardian. View image in fullscreen. Photograph: David Newby. Styling: Melanie Wilkinson/The Guardian.
Jess Cartner-Morley on Fashion: Is Your Wardrobe Cringe?
If you are still sporting a cross-body bag and French-tucking your shirt, it might be time for a reality check. According to fashion insights, these once-trendy items could now label your wardrobe as 'cringe'. But what does that mean, and how can you avoid falling into this style trap?
Understanding the 'Cringe' Factor in Fashion
Being 'cringe' in fashion terms is more than just being old-fashioned; it is about losing touch with current trends while mistakenly believing you are still in sync with younger, cooler demographics. It is a harsh label that often comes with pitying glances from those in the know. Before delving into the specifics, consider this: do you use full stops in text messages, or were you baffled by recent pop culture references? If yes, your wardrobe might be at risk.
Key Fashion Items That Are Now Considered Cringe
Let us break down the elements of a cringe wardrobe. First, the French-tuck, once a hallmark of sophistication about a decade ago, has now lost its appeal. Similarly, cross-body bags, which felt novel and youthful not long ago, have crossed over to the wrong side of the generational divide.
Another critical aspect is the fit of your clothes. For Generation X, the ideal fit might be the smallest size that slips on easily, akin to a glove. However, Generation Z prefers a looser, more relaxed silhouette that hangs off the body. This shift is not just about comfort; fitted clothes are increasingly seen as ageing. Tight trousers or jeans that grip the knee, for instance, can even evoke discomfort.
Beyond Size: The Styles That Miss the Mark
The cringe factor extends beyond mere sizing to specific styles. Leggings, once a staple of fashionable streetwear, have fallen out of favour. For gym-to-street looks, consider switching to tracksuit bottoms or flared workout pants for a more contemporary edge.
Leather jackets are a major trend this winter, but the style matters immensely. Think big and blowsy, reminiscent of a vintage minicab controller's jacket, rather than a close-fitting biker style, which could harm your credibility.
The Ankle Controversy and Other Details
Ankles have become a point of contention, with Generation Z adopting a Victorian-esque horror of exposed ankles. Trainer socks are now deemed a fashion crime, and sturdy socks are recommended for coverage. Trousers should no longer hem at the ankle bone; instead, the current trend favours a length that pools on top of your shoes. This might seem unhygienic or impractical to some, but it is what the younger generation deems stylish.
Embracing the Cringe: A Millennial and Gen X Perspective
Many from millennials and Generation X, including the author, acknowledge their cringe status as a trade-off for refusing to accept ageing. It is a delusion that brings joy, a belief in perpetual youth under the right lighting. This article serves as a wake-up nudge: fashion will keep evolving, and trying to keep up might lead to embarrassment, but if being called cringe is the price for feeling alive, it is a bargain worth making.
Model: Orla at Milk. Styling assistant: Charlotte Gornall. Hair and makeup: Delilah Blakeney using Moroccanoil and Charlotte Tilbury. Bag, £445, Sessùn. Shirt, £188, Rails. Trousers, £139, Cos. Belt, £95, Me+Em. Earrings, £145, and ear cuff, £130, all Otiumberg.
Explore more on these topics: Fashion, Jess Cartner-Morley on fashion, Jeans, features. Share. Reuse this content.
