Exploring the "Ugly" Clothes Phenomenon And Anti-Fashion Movement

Instagram is full of hip young things sporting a dazzling array of fashion choices, or should that be anti-fashion choices? From downright and undeniably ugly Croc shoes to fluorescent bum bags last seen (and perhaps best kept?) in the 80's, why are more people turning their back on fashion as we know it, and carving their own style?

It's impossible to talk about anti-fashion of course without mentioning the much-derided hipster. Hipster is one of those words that means something different depending on who you talk to.

Whilst there are some universal hipster cliches like beards, over-sized cardigans, wide-leg trousers that are much too short and ugly specs it looks like you're wearing as a dare to name but a few, it's the seemingly often contrary regard of fashion that makes hipsters so fascinating.

Yearning to be different

I think it all comes back to wanting to feel like an individual in a world that's become largely homogenous with the same shops on the high street whether you're in London or New York.

Standing out in an Instagram crazed society can lead to the need to be visually striking, so as well as bright colours and crazy hair styles, your choice of clothing provides a highly effective way to stand out and differentiate yourself.

Having both the creativity and confidence to dress and actively take an anti-fashion stance is in my opinion admirable. People often follow trends in fashion mags because they want to fit in and be one of the 'cool' kids, but in our sustainability aware society, it now seems that being cool, relies on being different and on turning our backs on fast fashion and on frankly not giving a damn what the press tries to tell us is "in".

Retro style will always have an appeal, just as in the early 90's it was cool to wear platform shoes and flares, harking back to the 70's, for some time there's been a version of 80's and 90's style knocking around that's been adopted by millennials. Think scrunchies, denim dungarees and huge chunky trainers.

Authenticity and comfort

The current fusion of retro and contrary "ugly" fashion choices means the young and the hip are just as likely to buy vintage as they are high-street, perhaps even more likely and one thing to consider though about clothes that are "ugly but in" is that although they might well have dodgy aesthetics, most of them provide utility and are supremely practical and comfortable.

Not only is the anti-fashion movement good news for creativity, individuality and authenticity then, but could it also mean good news for the environment if more people are willing to mix up their looks by buying vintage clothing and accessories?

There's still no excuse for Crocs though, no matter how ironically they're being worn.

Whatever your style, look good for longer with our jean button covers that help to prevent tiny holes from appearing in your favourite tops.