As a personal stylist, people always ask me if I am constantly judging people’s looks.
The answer is no.
Besides the fact that there are better things to do than mock terrible style, my line of vision is instinctively attracted to beautiful, fun and interesting sights. Who wants to stare at an over accessorized outfit, velour suit, or love handles pouring out of too tight pants, when you can be gazing at a gorgeous Elie Saab dress harmonized by the perfect platform peek-a-boos?
This makes for a fabulous time in San Diego clubs, with all the fashion eye candy, but creates difficulty when trying to describe all the local party trends, not just the good ones.
Who’s Looking Dapper?
The San Diego clubbing experience is filled with bottle service, bouncers, banging beats, flowing cocktails and of course hot bodies in revealing clothes.
Taking the cue from trendy celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Sienna Miller, the mini dress, skirt and fancy shorts are no longer just for floozies.
From promiscuous to prude everyone is hiking up the hemlines in low-end mocks (three cheers for Forever 21) and high-end versions (nod to Phillip Lim). No matter the price tag, the 2009 mini is cutting edge with the range of details, tones and textures.
Color is also stealing the show. The usual sea of black has become passé in this dark economy. The entire rainbow is clubbing VIP along with unique and wild prints and interesting textures. Stripes, sequins, artistic details, faux flowers, coloring blocking and shimmer are all the on the list. Also modish, but far less frequent, is the use of neutrals like grey, beige, tan and white.
And let us not forget the onesie, romper and jumpsuit. Bless this trend. I haven’t seen anything this charming in years and the clutch purses every fashionista is currently gripping are divine.
The well-dressed men are not quite as elaborate in their variety, but still diverse. Although most every man is sporting designer jeans or dark denim, tops and toppers are the new outlet for personal expression. The best looks spotted have consisted of blazers, v-necks, Henleys, vests, classic button fronts, thin polos and garments with right now details (hello epaulets). These items are coming in every shade of blue, greens, reds, an occasional yellow, white and of course black. Crown it all with the number one cool guy accessory, a hat, and call it a night.
What are you wearing?
Once I started looking for bad taste I couldn’t stop.
The sight of a mini dress is fantastic, but the sight of your labia majora is not. When wearing a mini skirt, dress or shorts put some kick pants underneath those things. As for cleavage, I didn’t see too many felonies, but I am spotting drooping strapless tops. If you can’t keep your top up, keep it at home, or better yet, don’t buy it. Only purchase things that fit you smoothly or that can be easily tailored.
From here it only gets worse. Denim is not awesome. The perfect pair of jeans is essential, but jeans don’t cut it in the club anymore. If you want to wear pants, throw on some quality leggings, some silk harems or try on Katherine Hepburn inspired slacks. On to the denim skirt, I want it murdered. During the day, I tolerate its presence, but at night I am horrified. This goes for most denim jackets as well.
Another offensive tendency is the cheesy prints. Oddly, these insulting patterns, usually on some stretchy fabric, have a major attendance at every affair in even San Diego’s hottest spots. Whether it’s from SAKS or JC Penny’s it looks cheap and dense.
As for men, I will simply say: do not over accessorize. Looking like Johnny Depp only works out for Johnny Depp. To elaborate on the old-timer adage: before you leave the house take off everything but two accessories. Maybe it’s those giganto watches, bandanas, hats, bracelets, scarves or necklaces. You get two, choose.
Also, I am still seeing a lot of matchy-matchy, particularly from the DJs. Stop matching your hat to the inane graphics on your tee. A fashionable look is made of pieces and colors that complement, not match. Speaking of colors, pink is not yours.
Lastly, light wash and torn denim paired with nice dress shoes, bedazzled anything, crushed velvet, that button front shirt that hangs past your bum, crosses, skulls, and Ed Hardy Tees is a thumbs down.
Whew! Apparently once you let the beast out of the stylist, she can’t stop. Discover the best boutiques and malls in San Diego in our shopping directory, and keep up to speed on style trends in our shopping blog. For more fashion advice or a wardrobe consultation with a personal stylist, visit vanessavaliente.com.
Find more stylish – and not-so-stylish – locals in our huge directory of San Diego party pics.
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