Etiquette expert reveals ‘common’ fashion looks including pink rinses – & it’s bad news for Gogglebox’s Ellie Warner
MANY Brits are hitting the town and enjoying the freedom to socialise a little more.
After so long in hibernation we're all keen to look our best for the nights out but could you be crossing over from "best in class" to "out with the trash"?
Don't worry if you're not sure, we've consulted etiquette expert William Hanson to work out what's what.
From teddy fleeces and pink rinses, here are the items you may want to avoid, according to William…
Trendy pink rinses
First on William's hit list was the latest pastel pink and purple hair colour that is popular with the stars.
He said: "The trouble with these is that people end up unknowingly looking like the wonderful housewife megastar Dame Edna.
"Of course, the Shoreditch hipsters who do this have no idea who the great Dame is, making it all the funnier for those of us who are aware.
"Hello, Possums!"
Teddy fleeces
William also shared his disdain for the teddy fleece that recently made a comeback.
According the expert, this item puts you well and truly on the "common list".
He said: "Clearly, anyone wearing one is auditioning for a bit-part in Coronation Street."
Loungewear
Lockdown has meant many of us have embraced the loungewear look but William warns against the comfy trend.
He said: "Arbiters of socially appropriate language will know that ‘lounge’ is considered very downmarket, so by extension, loungewear is also naff.
"Perhaps, if one were being kind, it could be allowed in the privacy of one’s own house when not entertaining guests.
"But wearing it outside your property is verboten."
THE TOP LOCKDOWN PROJECTS THAT MAKE YOU LOOK 'COMMON', ACCORDING TO WILLIAM HANSON
- Trendy pink or purple rinses in the hair
- Teddy fleeces
- Loungewear
- Leather-look leggings on a night out
- Popping the collar
- Matching tie and pocket square
- Tie clips
- Hats after 6pm
- Being overdressed
Leather-look leggings on a night out
William also suggested that those not wanting to look "common" avoid skin-tight leather-look leggings.
He said: "These PVC pariahs will make each leg look like a drainpipe. So don’t say nobody warned you."
Popping the collar
William also warned against flicking up your collar for a laid-back look.
He said: "A polo shirt is a versatile garment, ideal for casual weekends lazing about at home during warmer months.
"Some even opt to wear these out of the house but elect to ‘pop’ the collar (wear it folded upwards) to give a perceived ‘preppy’ look.
"But be aware that this does not achieve what many think it does. Those who choose to ‘pop’ are generally those who have not attended a private school (even a minor suburban one).
"Those who did attend such a school wear their collars down as they don’t feel the need to flaunt it."
Matching tie and pocket square
William also advises that anyone wanting to emanate class should steer clear of a matching pocket square and hanky.
He said: "A top pocket handkerchief (a pochette, if you really want to impress) is a chic optional accessory for a man when wearing a suit.
"But if it matches the tie’s material and pattern, the man’s gone from Savile Row to Skid Row.
"Instead, the hankie should tone or contrast with the colour of the tie."
Tie clips
Another tie faux pas (and who knew they could be such a minefield?) is a tie clip according to William.
He said: "A pin of some sort to stop the tie from flapping forward when the jacket is unbuttoned is a good idea.
"What is not a good idea is having it on display halfway up the tie.
"Tie clips are meant to be hidden but have become showy items of jewellery - never desirable in a gentleman.
"Prominently wearing one makes you look like all those poor, desperate candidates on The Apprentice.
"The Duke of Edinburgh used an old nappy pin to secure his tie, but it was rarely visible. Quite right."
Hats after 6pm
William also had a bee in his bonnet about hats worn after hours.
He said: "Young women now think it’s smart to wear hats, usually big, floppy-brimmed ones, for espresso martini-fuelled nights out.
"Unless they have such an aversion to the sun that they will get sunstroke even at dusk, hats must go back in their boxes at 6 o’clock. Hats of any variety are daytime items only."
Being overdressed
William also highlighted the importance of dressing for the occasion when avoiding being "common".
He said: "Perhaps due to the culture of veneration of reality 'stars' in which we are now engulfed, people of any gender have started getting far too dressed up for any event - evening ones, especially.
"People put too much effort into their outfit, which is the biggest of social boobytraps and a sure-fire way to make sure you look common."
Well we're no etiquette experts... but we do think Gemma Collins is Fabulous with a capital "F".
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