Given it's close proximity to Western Europe, one might make the perfectly logical conclusion that the Czech Republic would be right on the receiving end of the latest fashion and trends. For those who had, unfortunately I must debunk this rather big misconception. I mean no harm by the following comments I am about to make and I am by no means saying this applies to all Czechs (quite often I'll see an impeccably dressed Czech man or woman), however more often than not I find myself internally raising the question, "What is that person wearing?!?"
Perhaps it is a leftover mentality from the previous Communist days, where the production and distribution of clothes was centralized and largely limited to 'fellow' Communist countries. As a result fashion was largely functional, conservative and ultimately in keeping with the Communist 'classless' regime. But this regime fell over two decades ago and since then the fashion gates have been opened to Western European and British fashion brands such as Zara, Mango, Topshop and the ever-affordable H&M, along with many other brands from around the world. And not just opened a little, their presence along main streets and in shopping centers as well as advertisements around the city are all unmissable. For a fashion lover such as myself it is heaven to pop into any one of these shops to scope out (and often pick-up!) the latest fashion and trends. Why then are the Czechs not better dressers? The answer/s I will continue to seek, but for now I will put it down to (and I realize this is a gross generalization to make) an inability to dress well. In the meantime here are some of my favourite 'Czech fashion faux pas'...
Faux Pas #1 - The 'Puff' look
I am mostly referring to the 'puffer jacket' trend here. When I hear this item of clothing mentioned I automatically conjure up images of the classic The North Face puffer, which is mostly designed for extreme conditions such as very cold, wet and/or windy weather. Granted these conditions are experienced in Europe, so it would make sense that this item of clothing would become part of mainstream fashion. The reason I am opposed to the puffer jacket however, is because I believe it's not easy to design one that is visually appealing. Again, granted there are some well-tailored ones on the market. But more often than not I see people wearing cheap versions that are overly 'puffed', made of an overly shiny or plastic/space-like material and generally badly designed. What's more the 'puff' look is expanding to other areas of fashion as well - many shoes shops now sell 'puff' boots in a hideous array of 'spacey', shiny colours such as blue and gold.
I am mostly referring to the 'puffer jacket' trend here. When I hear this item of clothing mentioned I automatically conjure up images of the classic The North Face puffer, which is mostly designed for extreme conditions such as very cold, wet and/or windy weather. Granted these conditions are experienced in Europe, so it would make sense that this item of clothing would become part of mainstream fashion. The reason I am opposed to the puffer jacket however, is because I believe it's not easy to design one that is visually appealing. Again, granted there are some well-tailored ones on the market. But more often than not I see people wearing cheap versions that are overly 'puffed', made of an overly shiny or plastic/space-like material and generally badly designed. What's more the 'puff' look is expanding to other areas of fashion as well - many shoes shops now sell 'puff' boots in a hideous array of 'spacey', shiny colours such as blue and gold.
A typical overly 'puffed' and shiny puffer jacket
Faux Pas #2 - The 'Socks and Sandals' look
This look is not just limited to sandals, it applies to any shoe that is open (i.e. sandals, ballets flats, thongs or strappy shoes) and hence should not be worn with socks! I don't know why, but the Czechs are a huge fan of this look. More often than not it is the older generation who fall victim to this, however I have seen many young women wearing socks with ballet flats. I will admit, I have gone to open my apartment building door and (previously only wearing socks) slipped on the nearest pair of shoes - which may just so have happened to have been open. But to wear this combination out in public for extended periods of time (i.e. to work or on a day's trip out) is just not acceptable in my books! If your feet are cold then I believe enclosed shoes will suffice, please save open shoes for summer.
A 'socks and sandals' victim
Faux Pas #3 - The '3/4 pants with boots and/or tights' look
This look particularly bothers me as it seems like an odd choice of clothing to combine. I was told (by a Czech friend) that it was a fashionable trend a few years back but why exactly I am unsure. To make matters worse, I often see woman wearing this look in a very colourful manner - picture cream 3/4 pants, bright red tights and black/brown boots. For me boots should be worn 1 of either 3 ways - 1. below full-length jeans/pants, 2. over full-length jeans/pants or 3. over tights with a skirt/dress. If you decide to wear 3/4 pants then it is usually because the weather is warmer so you can afford to show a little leg and thus wear open or strappy shoes. Similar to my logic with open shoes, if it is too cold to wear 3/4 pants then please wear full-length ones!
This look particularly bothers me as it seems like an odd choice of clothing to combine. I was told (by a Czech friend) that it was a fashionable trend a few years back but why exactly I am unsure. To make matters worse, I often see woman wearing this look in a very colourful manner - picture cream 3/4 pants, bright red tights and black/brown boots. For me boots should be worn 1 of either 3 ways - 1. below full-length jeans/pants, 2. over full-length jeans/pants or 3. over tights with a skirt/dress. If you decide to wear 3/4 pants then it is usually because the weather is warmer so you can afford to show a little leg and thus wear open or strappy shoes. Similar to my logic with open shoes, if it is too cold to wear 3/4 pants then please wear full-length ones!
This is the only picture I could find - but you get the idea!
Faux Pas #4 - The 'Alternative' look
I went to a music festival not far from Prague over the Summer and it was here I realized just how common the 'alternative' look is. Never in my life have I seen so many white-skinned people with dreadlocks and/or shaved sections of hair. While the hair isn't always part of the look, the Docs (Dr Martens), grungey clothes (in more ways than one - they often look like they need a wash!) and oddly shaped plastic protruding from both male and female earlobes usually are. Albeit I was at a festival where some rock bands where playing, but the 'alternative' look is not just limited to music events. It is very often visible around Prague or other places I happen to visit. When I asked a Czech friend as to why people dress like this, she told me it was because they chose to as it is considered an 'underground' and hence 'fashionable' trend.
Faux Pas #5 - The 'leftover from the 80s' look
This look is mostly worn by older generations and involves clothes which are literally still being worn from the 80s. I know 'everything old is new again' and 'vintage' is a major trend right now, but this does not apply to everything. Victims of the 'leftover from the 80s' look wear ill-fitting clothes, jeans and patterns that are completely out of fashion and often have an unflattering hairstyle to match. In the summer, I have seen some men (both young and old) wearing short shorts (either denim or material) with a tucked-in shirt for work! My advice for those sporting such a look - invest in a wardrobe update!
So there you have it, some examples of some rather 'distinct' Czech fashions I have come across many times since moving here. Again I must repeat, not all Czechs fall victim to these fashion faux pas. Although I think it is fair to say that the Czech Republic is a long way off from becoming one of the fashion capitals of the world - but then again it wouldn't be the Czech Republic if it was!
Australian in Prague
