Fashion and Beauty Things I Have Issues With!

With all the talk about dress codes and “age limits” on what people can/cannot wear, I thought I’d write about what I have “issues” with.  First of all, I’m a big fan of dress codes.  Maybe it just comes from my background – I wore a school uniform for seven years, after all – but yes, there certainly SHOULD be limits.  And limits beyond the whole “no shirt, no shoes, no service” rule most businesses have.

fashion and beauty, blue lipstick, turquoise lipstick

Non-traditional lipstick colours like the turquoise shade above are a big no-no in my books!

So what are my issues?  They’re:

  • Super short shorts/skirts on males AND females outside of the pool/beach or while playing racquet sports – my general rule is mid-thigh or longer (it really hasn’t been much of an issue for me since I’m a bit on the shorter side.  And I don’t own short shorts/skirts outside of racquet sports gear anyway)
  • Pants where half of one’s behind shows (this mostly applies to guys – I have yet to see girls/women wearing pants like this!  Maybe we just know better)
  • Speedo and similar bottoms on guys – unless they’re in Europe, where it’s okay (I suppose)
  • Non-religious, safety or uniform headgear indoors (ladies’ dress hats and fangear at sporting events excepted – but only with appropriate clothing.  In other words, suits (or even business casual outfits) and ball caps = BIG FAT NO!))
  • Lip colour outside of the nude/reds/pinks/berry/etc ranges.  Basically blue, green, black, etc shades…I am okay with nails in these colours for some reason, however.  Hair?  Well, it depends.  Is it for a sporting event or school spirit reasons?  Halloween?  If not, then NO!
  • Bra straps showing on bare shoulders.  Go clear or strapless, please
  • PJs in public.  This is probably more of an issue on campus than with the general public (I haven’t been in school for a while, so I’m not even sure if people still do that).  What’s the deal, anyway?  You have REAL clothes.  Wear them to class.  Thanks
  • LEGGINGS AS PANTS!!!  Leggings ARE NOT PANTS!  Wear a tunic/longer top (or a long cardigan), for goodness sake!  Unless you’re at home or at the gym, of course
  • Guys who look like 80s rock stars – especially if they’re of a certain age.  Seriously, dudes, have you NOT changed your hair since 1985?  You’re 50!  This applies to women as well, but I don’t see too many who do this.  Men are WAY WORSE OFFENDERS
  • Speaking of guys of a certain age – seriously, dudes, tight tanks when you’re obviously in need of a good workout and change in your diet?  PUH-LEEEEZE!
  • Of course, clothing with obscene language is a no-no as well (I don’t see this very much, thank goodness!!!)
  • The OVER-USE OF BRONZER, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMBINED WITH OVER-BLEACHED HAIR.  Certain Hollywood celebs are among the worst offenders
  • OVERUSE OF SCENT.  Do people not realize that there are others who have sensitivity issues?  There’s a reason why many doctors’ offices are scent-free
  • White bottoms after Labour Day in North America.  Unless you’re a bride, debutante, flower girl, getting baptized, wearing tennis/racquet whites

To be quite honest, I would prefer that everyone just be a few notches more casual than business casual (or “smart casual” as they used to say).  In other words, I’m okay with denim – if it isn’t too distressed.  I actually did not wear denim for a few years.  In university, I was completely off.  In fact, I only wore dress pants/khakis and dresses or skirts to class – and even on weekends!  I’m sure people at school thought I was odd, but I didn’t care.  It was just what I “did.”  I didn’t start wearing jeans again until I was 26 – basically when I started going out with a guy who is now my husband!

I’m sure much of this was influenced by my middle and high school years – I wore a school uniform then.  I considered that to be “normal” and I suppose I expected things to extend well beyond graduation.  I just wasn’t exposed to unusual dress – not even in university (other than all those sloppy dressers – haha) and have extreme difficulty “dealing” with anyone who anyone who strays too far from the so-called “conformist” line.  And I also feel dress codes DO belong in many situations and we shouldn’t be too riled up on the fact that they exist.  But again, that’s just me.  And I shouldn’t have to be shamed for believing so.

 

Image courtesy of: Elisanth/Shutterstock

Cynthia Cheng Mintz

Cynthia Cheng Mintz, previously known for her sites, DelectablyChic! (still "live" and still active on social media) and Shorty Stories, was born and raised in Toronto. In addition to writing, Cynthia enjoys cooking and is an avid supporter of the Canadian fashion industry. She is involved with various philanthropic projects, including music, arts, culture and mental health awareness.

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