#Fashion #AlbanyFashionWeekExpo #Trends #KelseyWells #TheSpot518
By KELSEY WELLS
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Throughout the past few years the fashion scene has exploded with tons of shockingly bad trends. Trends that are so bad, they’re almost… good? Personally, these trends excite me in their unconventional ways that bring childhood dress up into real life fashion. In honor of these tastefully bad frocks, here are my top 5 fashion trends that are bad in a good way.
1. Clear plastic clothing
What is the point of clear clothing? You obviously can’t wear it by itself unless you’re looking to get arrested for public nudity but I’d argue that the see-through aspect is what makes it so good. There’s something dangerously cool about the layering effect you get when you wear it over something. It’s edgy, fun, high fashion and most importantly, waterproof!
2. Birkenstocks
These Jesus-esque sandals have become a big fashion statement within the last year. Girls, including myself, have been flaunting them barefoot or with socks. I can admit the shoes are a little unsightly, but they’re so unsightly they’re cute. Ugly footwear adds a bit of originality to a look without trying too hard. Not to mention they’re extremely comfortable.
3. Crocs
Similar to Birkenstocks, Crocs are also the ugly footwear of choice these days. While the shoes had their peak in the mid 2000s, they are still floating around wardrobes and the runway. Major fashion line Balenciaga has recently released platform Crocs. Yes. You read that right. Some may argue that the platform sole erases the little practicality that Crocs had, but I’d argue that they elevate them, literally and figuratively. Platform shoes themselves are a statement, but platform Crocs are sure to establish you as a trendsetter.
4. Deranged denim
I think we can all agree that denim is always in style. But the latest trends in 
insanely damaged denim threatens to uproot that. I’m not just talking distressed jeans, I’m taking jeans with clear plastic knee panels, lace up jeans, and even jeans that are nothing but the seams. Seriously. Though this all seems very out there, there’s no denying that they’re intriguing. Wacky pants can completely make a look, and paired with a plain white tee and sneakers, distressed denim has a home.
5. Pleather
Similar to clear plastic clothing, pleather clothing offers no practicality whatsoever. It’s sticky and uncomfortable that chaffs leaving rashes and red spots. However pleather is not just for Halloween anymore. It’s the perfect statement to any outfit. You can dress it up or down and either way you’re sure to get a badass biker look that’ll turn heads.
Wacky fashion trends have been around for decades and these five prove they are here to stay. This season, I encourage you to try out one of these for yourself. Stepping out of your fashion comfort zone is guaranteed to bring some playfulness back into your closet and remind you of those childhood days playing dress up. And who knows, you may even find that you like one or two of them.
Kelsey Wells is an intern with Spotlight News and is a senior at Shaker High School.
