FASHION NO-NOS (editable version)

APRIL 2011

FASHION NO-NOS
Activity 1. Look at the list of fashion no-nos. Which of them are the crimes of fashion committed by men and which ones are women guilty of? Which of them would you choose as top 5 wrong fashion statements?
stockings with open toe shoes white socks with black shoes coloured bras under see-through shirts wearing jackets and sweatshirts with Disney characters on them tube tops showing tan lines

socks and sandals

visible panty lines

denim shirts paired with jeans wearing too skinny jeans leggings underneath a mini-skirt low riding jeans with brightly coloured boxers sticking out over the top

clogs

polo shirts with popped collars

exposed thongs

outrageously tight tops

designer gumboots

socks pulled up to the knees

dark tights with light shoes

Activity 2. Indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each statement. Then compare your answers in pairs. Is your shopping behaviour similar or different? Do you have the same attitude to fashion?

Definite ly Agree

Somewh at Agree

Neither Agree or Disagre e

Somewh at Disagre e

Definitel y Disagre e

I buy clothes I like, regardless of current fashion.

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I am not as concerned about fashion; modest prices is what Im looking for. My friends regard me as a good source of advice on fashion selection. I am confident of my own good taste in clothing. Im not afraid to be the first to try new fashions. Many people regard me as being a fashion pacesetter. Wearing good clothes is part of leading the good life. What you think of yourself is reflected by what you wear. In this period of rising prices, spending excessive amounts of money on clothes is ridiculous. I plan my wardrobe carefully.

Activity 3. Discuss these questions in pairs or small groups.

Why do people buy expensive designer clothes? What benefits does wearing a particular label bring? Do you have a favourite designer? Why do you like them?

Activity 4. Read the article below and decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F).
1. According to Tom Ford, men should never wear shorts. 2. Tom Fords boutiques sell luxurious shorts and flip-flops. 3. The article says that Tom Ford prides himself on his manners. 4. The author of the text intends to follow Tom Fords advice. 5. The author of the text believes Tom Ford exaggerates his self importance.

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FASHION NO-NOS (editable version)

APRIL 2011

Gentlemen, Hide your legs at least in the city!

U.S. designer Tom Ford has made the lives of gentlemen more difficult by saying that they should never wear shorts. Apparently, the male fashion guru finds the sight of hairy legs too much to bear even in the heat of the summer. Tom Ford suggests that such an ungentlemanly garment as shorts should only be worn at the beach or on the tennis court. Probably a lot of British men were horrified to hear that they should part not only with their shorts but also their flip-flops as they are considered another no-no by the fashion guru . The source of the designers gripe is not clear, although there is little doubt that shorts and flipflops are extremely casual compared to the luxurious clothes he sells at his own boutiques. Ford did not limit himself to talking just about fashion when sharing his thoughts on what it means to be a modern gentleman. In a magazine interview he jumped at the opportunity to boast about his impeccable gentlemanly manners. I always open doors for women, I carry their coat, he said. Stand up when people arrive at and leave the dinner table. How impressive! Its easy to imagine sweat trickling down his thighs while he is making all this effort wearing trousers in the heat of the day. If Mr Ford says so, I suppose I'd better stop wearing shorts in summer. I'll put on something classy and expensive, and extremely uncomfortable. I might even splash out on something from Tom Ford's collection. I will do anything to conform to his idea of being a gentleman. I'm sure the guy is very important, in his own mind.

Activity 5. Discuss these questions in pairs or small groups.

Do you resent being told what to wear by so-called fashion gurus? Why? Do you agree with Tom Ford that men should wear shorts and flip-flops only at the beach or on the tennis court?

Activity 6. Try to explain the following words and expressions from the text.

1.garment ...................................................................................................................................... .................... 2.gripe ...................................................................................................................................... ....................

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3.to jump at the opportunity ...................................................................................................................................... .................... 4.to boast ...................................................................................................................................... .................... 5.impeccable manners ...................................................................................................................................... .................... 6.to splash out on something ...................................................................................................................................... .................... 7.to conform to something ...................................................................................................................................... .................... 8.in ones own mind ...................................................................................................................................... ....................

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