The term "ick" has evolved from its origins on the sun-drenched set of Love Island, where contestants used it to describe a sudden feeling of disgust towards a potential romantic partner, into a ubiquitous part of modern vernacular. Today, this visceral reaction can be triggered by anything from food to the weather, and fashion is no exception. We asked industry insiders to reveal their personal fashion "icks"—those style choices that make them cringe or recoil.
Footwear Faux Pas and Fabric Frustrations
Alexandra Shulman, the former editor of Vogue, expressed a strong aversion to Mary Janes, citing the name as "ridiculous" and the style as infantilising. Similarly, Sophie Dearden-Howell, a fashion director, criticised women in dungarees for looking "juvenile and undone." Mesh pumps drew ire from Natasha Tomalin-Hall, a creative director, who compared toes inside them to "sausage meat in its casing." Hannah Skelley, a fashion editor, targeted cloven-hoof shoes, warning they make wearers resemble goats and collect debris.
Accessories and Details That Dismay
Liz Jones, a columnist, listed multiple pet peeves, including men wearing vests on public transport, unironed T-shirts, barrel jeans, and polka dots. Jackie Annesley, an editor, decried mid-brown everything and grey leather men's shoes, which she said whisper "Beware." Mary Killen, another columnist, pointed to fascinators, facial piercings, and shorts over tights as offenders. Joanne Hegarty, a fashion columnist, highlighted the annoyance of uncut threads on new coat slits.
Garment Gripes and Silhouette Slip-Ups
Charlotte Cox, a chief sub-editor, dismissed wrap dresses as reminiscent of 1990s makeovers. Maddy Fletcher, a senior features writer, questioned one-shoulder dresses, asking why an entire sleeve is missing. Rosie Green, a beauty editor, targeted "footsies" or low-cut pop socks for their lack of invisibility. Ester Malloy, a picture director, criticised men who wear sunglasses on their heads.
Seasonal Styles and Social Scenarios
Penelope Tree, a supermodel, objected to leggings worn on the street without long tops, labelling it TMAD—too much anatomical detail. Marianne Jones, a features director, singled out gilets, especially on finance bros during non-workdays, and sports tops worn outside athletic contexts. Kathryn Flett, a writer, warned against sleeveless collared shirts, saying they can make non-toned arms look "Hulk-y."
Summer Slip-Ups and Casual Catastrophes
Lindsay Frankel, a deputy editor, advised men to avoid flip-flops or at least groom their toes. Kath Brown, a features director, criticised puff sleeves and frills on women over 12, calling them unchic. Scarlett Dargan, a digital writer, mocked three-quarter-length Bermuda shorts for giving a "67-year-old dad on holiday" vibe. Farrah O'Connor, a stylist, urged hiding plastic bra straps.
Material Miseries and Final Frustrations
Victoria Hislop, a novelist, expressed an itchy disdain for mohair jumpers due to their fluff. Nicole Gray, an interiors director, bluntly stated that Crocs are "where style goes to die." Sophie Hines, a lifestyle director, admitted that pulling socks over leggings looks "preposterous." Jessica Carroll, a junior style editor, decried blazers with sewn faux turn-up sleeves as cheap.
This collection of fashion "icks" underscores how personal style preferences can evoke strong emotional responses, reflecting broader cultural trends and individual sensibilities in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
