Many women spend a lot of time over their appearance. Sometimes it may be to impress someone, most of the time it is simply to look good. Inspired by one of those recent MSN articles-by-numbers (those effortless things their editors throw together on a Friday afternoon), I aim to explain why this article slightly misses the spot in terms of trends men 'hate'. At least this man, anyway.
The article in question has caused uproar. Even allowing for the usual tirades of criticism online articles and posts usually attract, the article has attracted criticism from men and women alike. From men, there are claims the writer Sarah Hecks has simply got wrong what men dislike. From women, the understandable response is they dress for themselves, not for the benefit of men.
With that in mind, I am sure my opinions will barely register - though I am prepared to express them.
Some of the trends Hecks argues men dislike, I do actually (shock, horror) dislike, though I have to admit most of them us men can surely live with. The first picture (number 10) is very showy, but when I see someone wearing something similar on the street, my head tends to move towards the clouds and my thoughts become consumed with the word 'awkward'. Short shorts are great, but they ought to cover up what is necessary.
But other fashions, such as the large beach bag and string bikinis, are fine when used in the right context - on the beach. However, there are some inclusions I for one am delighted about.
The oversized sunglasses are currently big among the posh ladies in south-west London. Do I... (a) tell them they look ridiculous, (b) I have just seen Katie Price (Jordan) wearing them in the above article I refer to, or (c) say nothing and have a good laugh to myself? Okay, I will dispense with the suspense - (c) is the only option.
There are one or two current monstrosities I am disappointed not to see in Hecks' article. First of all, leggings. Ladies, just because your legs and bum are covered in an opaque black material does not mean you look 'decent'. Often that awful material clings to everything, and you are left leaving nothing to the imagination. There is one crumb of consolation though - that material would look ten times worse on men.
And finally, tracksuits. I feel great lounging around in them at home. But for men, and certainly women, they look dreadful.
