The fashion scene loves nothing more than subverting expectations and throwing up the middle finger to antiquated fashion rules. The new prevailing fashion mentality puts unique personal style front and center, inspiring people to dress for no one but themselves. That ideology is exactly what sparked the sartorial world’s obsession with "ugly” fashion. Ugly fashion is one big tongue-in-cheek response to dressing for one’s body or choosing "flattering” clothing. What was once considered lowbrow has become cool and is now worn both ironically and unironically. If you’re still confused, just think back to how Birkenstocks, once the premiere middle-class dad sandal of the century, became a fashion-girl staple, inspiring a legion of high-end designer copycats.
As is the way of fashion, even ugly fashion trends are cyclical, a new crop coming in and out with each passing season. In anticipation of fall, we’ve rounded up five "ugly” items that are going to be big come September. Read on to see which styles you should keep on your radar.
Serious Stompers
Rejoice—practical boots are here to stay. The chunky, lug-soled stompers that have been trending are getting a new look this fall with an up-to-the-knee height like the ones from Ganni and Bottega Veneta.
Chocolate Brown
The color trend everyone loves to hate on is coming for your closet. Shades of rich mocha, espresso, and dark chocolate are on the rise, and in fall-ready silhouettes like ribbed knits and long skirts, it's actually quite chic.
Not Your Grandpa's Sweater Vest
Move over, grandma. The era of "grandpa" dressing is officially upon us, and fall is ushering in the rise of sweater vests. In everything from bright jewel tones and clean neutrals, these knits are 100% chicer than what our dear grandpas are sporting.
Victorian-Era Collars
Dramatic collars are taking it back to the Victorian era with oversized shapes and delicate ruffle trim. Style them with jeans for a bit of zhuzh or embrace the old-school vibe when you layer one underneath a sweater.
Frivolous Fringe
Fringe usually has a connotation with western style, but for fall, the fashion crowd is reclaiming the look and giving it an elevated new spin in exaggerated XL-length fringe as we saw on the Bottega Veneta runway.
Up next: New Yorkers predict these will be the biggest trends of fall 2020.
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