On a college campus, there are many times where a student’s eyes are drawn to an outfit they’ve seen. Whether you were walking down College Ave. or booking it to your next class, this has probably happened to you more times than a few. That look might have caught your attention for two reasons — it was either really fashionable or awful.
While you might have felt a certain way about someone’s fit, another person’s eyes could have been drawn to it for the opposite reason. Opinions will always be the foundation of the fashion world, but is it possible for it to be objective? Is there an article of clothing that we all agree is great or gross?
In an instagram poll of 60 votes, 73% of them believe that there is such a thing as objectively bad fashion. Theresa Fox commented on this poll saying “Death to puffy sleeves. It looks so silly on everyone.”
The other 27% think that fashion is subjective. Specifically, Jessica Raskauskas answered the poll saying “I think that fashion is subjective and made to make people feel good! Wear what makes you.” Erika Kipreos said “Just like beauty, it’s in the eye of the beholder.”
Unlike the poll, the majority of the people interviewed in the HUB believe that there is no such thing as objectively bad fashion. Kassie De Abila said “I don’t think there is such a thing as bad fashion. If you like what you’re wearing, you like it. It does not matter what people think.”
Sarah McGlynn thinks that it is possible for clothes to be widely unpopular, but nothing is universally bad to everyone. “I don’t think there is such a thing as objectively bad fashion. If fashion brings joy to people, then it is always good.” When McGlynn was asked what fashion statement she personally disliked for herself, she answered with skinny jeans.
Ella Hollida had a similar opinion to McGlynn, that she doesn’t believe that any fashion is objectively bad. She does believe that some shoes are a bit out there and flashy for her taste, though.
Everyone has their own fashion opinions on what they consider chic and or impalpable. These critiques make the fashion industry what it is and they will continue on. More and more people, though, are becoming open to different styles and more expressive fashion, including on Penn State’s campus. But regardless of this, the possibility of it being objectively bad still lives on.
Tweet us @VALLEYmag and let us know what you think — is fashion really in the eye of the beholder, or should some things just be put to rest?
