There were a lot of fashion highlights in 2013 (Jennifer Lawrence in Dior, Kerry Washington in anything…) and we’ve already done a roundup of our top posts of 2013, but let’s be honest: It’s way more fun to look back on the worst fashion mistakes made this year. So, in the spirit of the new year and hopefully in the spirit of not making the same mistakes again (though, give it 10 years. If the 90s made a comeback (eesh), then so will peplum), here are the seven worst fashion mishaps of the year.
7. Rihanna for River Island
The pop singer debuted her second collection for River Island this year, and it was hideous. She may be quite beautiful, but her “designs” were more of the “Just put some leather or camo on it and call it a day” kind of effort.
6. Denim…EVERYWHERE
Sleeveless denim jackets to denim headbands to denim purses—all places where denim should never, ever go. Or visit again.
5. Flatforms
They’re platforms…that are flat. Say that out loud and decide if it sounds as dumb as it looks.
4. Peplum
Peplum, you tricky minx. I started 2013 absolutely loving peplum, and my closet shows it. I have a peplum dress and at least two peplum tops. The problem is that everytime I put them on, suddenly I’ve gained 10 pounds and lost my sanity. Seriously, it throws me for a loop at how bad peplum looks and how it manages to cut you off in the worst spot possible. In conclusion, peplum on models and super skinny celebs=yes. Peplum on everyone else=no.
3. Sheer Panels
Blurg, I’m bored just looking at this. Next.
2. “Designer” T-Shirts
Oh, you changed Hermés to Homiés? Céline to Féline? And then you charged a buttload for it on a t-shirt? How inspired.
1. Lady Gaga
I go back and forth about all this Lady Gaga business. On the one hand, she’s extremely talented. And she certainly isn’t afraid to take fashion risks. But at a certain point, Lady G is just dressing weird for the sake of dressing weird. It’s no longer fresh and cool; it’s reaching. You know what Gaga could do to be shocking? Sweatpants and a ponytail. And Birkenstocks. (Oh, holy goodness, I’d flippin’ love to see Gaga in some hip 90s sandals.)
Because, eh. Enough already. I think her whole out-there image thing was less grating when she was making decent music. But Artpop? Techno throwaway junk. Which is a shame, because she can play the piano like a monster. Can we rally for a Gaga acoustic show? Sweatpants mandatory.