Double popped polo shirts, frosted tips, ski goggles—we’ve tried to banish these downright scary trends to the far recesses of our collective memory. But this Halloween, three honorable souls from our team bravely volunteered to dig into their vault of chilling fashion fails for the sake of our education (and amusement).
While Trevor, Jose and Madison may have fallen victim to these fads, they are proof that with a good tailor and some style guidance, anyone can bounce back from JNCO jeans. Submitted for the approval of the Indochino society, we give you, the Tale of the Fashion Faux Pas.
JOSE CASTRO
Retail Sales and Experience Manager
Describe what scary fashion trend you have going on in your picture.
That’s me rocking the Jordan headband, mockneck sweater and frosted tips a la Pacey from Dawson’s Creek for my ninth grade yearbook picture. I wanted everyone to know that I was sporty and classy—also because MJ.
Are there any traces of this sentiment left in your current, more sophisticated style?
I’d like to think that everything is still there but just more grown up. I wear less headbands (at least off the court) and more cashmere sweaters (effortlessly tossed around my shoulders).
What are the most essential pieces of your wardrobe?
Honestly for everyday wear, it’s gotta be my sneakers. A nice gray T also makes the list.
TREVOR CLARKE
Customer Experience Support Specialist
Describe what scary fashion trend you have going on in your picture.
Brands, brands, brands. I was a part of the mid to late 2000s generation that was heavily influenced by our favorite hip-hop and rap artists intertwined with various sports teams. I do not think my head went without a snapback hat for a good two years. Plus, why put on a shirt that fits when you can wear one three sizes too big?
This photo was taken at a high school party, and I was definitely cutting a rug and wanted people to think I had that cool LA or New York vibe, as my shirt and hat combo implies.
Why did you think it was cool at the time?
For me, it was all about the brands. It was all about association. If it had a brand on it, I lapped it up, regardless of the color, cut or fit. The bolder the pattern, the better. The clothes were also really different from what my friends were wearing and I loved the individuality of it.
Are there any traces of this sentiment left in your current, more sophisticated style?
I think the desire for individuality is still there, but there is a lot more intention and versatility in what I wear now.
What are the most essential pieces of your wardrobe?
A good pair of jeans and black boots.
MADISON NORTON
Marketing Manager, Customer Retention
Describe what scary fashion trend you have going on in your picture.
In the photo you will see the notorious double popped collar polo shirt. To make this fashion trend even more egregious, the particular shirt in a question is actually one single polo with an additional collar stitched on to add dramatic effect and increase style points no matter where or how you wear it. I honestly have no good excuse or explanation for owning this shirt. Most fashion decisions made before age 20 are ill-advised and reckless.
Are there any traces of this sentiment left in your current, more sophisticated style?
The only trace remaining is my small collection of polo shirts, all of which have a single collar and are worn conservatively, one at a time, collar never popped.
What are the most essential pieces of your wardrobe?
Those would be raw denim jeans, worn 99% of the time; a leather jacket—they only get better over the years; and Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots—they’re insanely comfortable and can withstand our gloomy and rainy BC Winters.
