6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead

6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead

      Eugénie Trochu is an editor in residence at Who What Wear, celebrated for her innovative contributions to Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she offers insights into emerging trends, her straightforward perspective on fashion and style, and other reflections. She is also in the process of writing her first book, which examines fashion as a canvas for memory, aspiration, and transformation. There are certain items that fashion incessantly tries to reintroduce season after season, as if the industry is trying to convince us they are sensible. These pieces surface on runways, in lookbooks, and on stylists’ mood boards, and each time, I attempt to envision a practical use for them. Each time, I am unsuccessful. Here are a few that have always baffled me, along with my alternatives.

      1. The "No Pants" Trend

      This refers to venturing out without trousers, sometimes called the “underwear trend,” or, for the adventurous, Miu Miu’s take on boldness. The concept? Throw on an oversized shirt, a chunky sweater, or a large blazer, and wear nearly nothing underneath—just a pair of briefs, a micro-short, or a “statement.” I strive to maintain an open mind. I have always supported personal style through clothing: kitsch, oversized, transparent. Why not? However, there comes a point when creativity is dictated by the weather, and the weather has never approved of the absence of pants. The trend appears to have originated at Miu Miu and was later adopted by a few celebrities with exceptionally long legs. While it works on stage or in photos as daring and somewhat conceptual—almost a body manifesto—in real life, the result is more alarming than provocative, making one look as if they left home in a rush. Instead, I would choose an ultra-short, well-tailored pair of shorts that resemble reimagined underwear but are suitable as real clothing, or my go-to choice, a miniskirt. For the top, I would opt for a structured blazer or an oversized sweater to create a balanced silhouette. Still daring, still bold, but styled more as an outfit rather than a challenge to decency.

      2. Sheer Skin-Tone Tights

      Honestly, I've never grasped their appeal, yet I feel like I encounter them daily. They shine, snag, become discolored, and cut off the leg at unflattering points—they match with nothing. Sheer tights are the epitome of a failed compromise: too chilly for bare legs but not confident enough for actual tights. Let’s be real: either you make an effort and commit to being cold with a long coat, a scarf, or something intentional, or you wear trousers. There’s no middle ground. Sheer tights evoke nostalgic '90s notions of having to “even out” your leg tone as if applying foundation. Nowadays, there are countless ways to style a skirt without delving into that awkward beige limbo. Personally, I would opt for a pair of very fine black Wolford tights or fishnets. For others, I suggest colored tights—plum, forest green, midnight blue. Bold, graphic, and joyful, they allow you to display your legs without the pretense of matching a so-called "human skin" shade.

      3. Rain Ponchos

      I refer to those oversized ponchos, typically in navy or khaki, that balloon when it rains excessively, featuring large hoods and flapping sleeves. I see the logic if you’re cycling or live in Copenhagen and embody that effortless Scandinavian practicality. But in Paris, honestly, I find it hard to relate. Let’s face it: most of us don’t bike in the rain. We take taxis, then transition to the metro, or rush from one meeting to another with coffee in hand. In that scenario, a rain poncho simply turns into a portable tent—possibly practical but not flattering. Instead, I would opt for a beautiful trench coat, which is the epitome of elegance in the rain. It's a piece that matures gracefully, softens, gains character, and always exudes that '70s British film vibe. Paired with a fitted cap to shield your face a bit and provide a chic-casual touch, and of course, a reliable umbrella. I have a slight obsession with hotel umbrellas—the type you “borrow” (or accidentally keep) from a grand hotel exit. They are heavy, sturdy, discreet, and convey an air of competence. Otherwise, a small, ultra-strong black umbrella, the kind you forget in your bag until it saves your outfit, will do. The essential trio remains a trench coat, cap, and umbrella—not folkloric or sports gear, just a refined way to tackle rainfall.

      4. Color-Block

      I know many adore this trend, and on some, it looks stunning: bold harmonies, perfect layers, the delicate balance between mandarin orange

6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead 6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead

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6 Clothing Styles I’ve Never Comprehended and 6 I Would Choose Instead

No trousers, raincoats, transparent tights: an ironic examination of fashion choices.