Seven deadly fashion sins - Hindustan Times

We all know how famous Angelina Jolie's leg is (after all it has a Twitter handle of its own and quite a following too). Here's a tribute to the actress' leggy appearances!

Remember how Jennifer Aniston’s famous shaggy hair from Friends had so many copycat versions that the star had to publicly disown The Rachel? Or Lady Gaga’s infamous 2010 meat dress, that sparked off wars between fashion lovers and animal rights activists? Every year, celebrity fashion throws up mistakes that the rest of us can learn from. We chronicle the important style lessons we’ve witnessed this year

1. Angelina Jolie’s leg on the loose
No stranger to setting trends, Angelina pillow lips’ Jolie proved once again that her superpower is becoming the centre of attention. The soon-to-be Mrs Pitt wore a black velvet dress with a thigh-high slit to the Oscars. Sounds simple enough, except for the painfully skinny leg sticking out at an awkward angle as if it had decided to just pack up and walk away on its own. According to Varun Rana, stylist and fashion editor at Myntra.com, Jolie was just showing off her sense of humour.

“She was taking a potshot at her own sex-bomb image, which is one of the most confident and sexy things that any beautiful woman can do.”

Too bad some desi stars were caught following suit, only to realise that Jolie really does have a leg up on the competition.

2. Sachin’s playing it straight
The Master Blaster wasn’t known for making style statements, until he decided to chemically straighten his curly locks. His hair quickly became a subject of national concern.

As the country debated whether Sachin’s hairstylist should serve time for this potentially catastrophic decision, celebrity stylist Tania Fadte points out, “Sachin had been sporting this chemically straightened hairstyle for a while. It just took this length to get it noticed.”

We can only hope that unlike during Dhoni’s time, this doesn’t inspire men to have their own manes straightened. That bit of history doesn’t need to repeat itself.

3. Weight watchers united
Parenthood has been a rough ride for Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan. The former Miss World became the target of unhinged criticism for gaining weight after, of all things, her pregnancy.

“How well would anyone else have handled the comments that have been thrown at her, if it were their own mother, sister, daughter, or even themselves?” argues Rana, adding, “She's a mother first and a public figure after.”

If there ever was a debate over whether the nation was comfortable with its body image, it was settled forever.

4. Manly make-up
Prateik does many things his own way. Including, from what we notice, his own make-up. The actor loves to step out on the town with his concealer, foundation and eyeliner carefully painted on. Except, someone needs to teach him the basics about blending, because this ghostly pallor isn’t doing him any favours. We just hope some cosmetics brand notices the potential for a male make-up line, and makes him the brand ambassador. Now that’s a win-win situation for everybody.

5. That’s twisted
There’s a curious new trend on the red carpet, inspired by a circus act. Backs facing the cameras, face peeking over one shoulder, this new style of posing for the paparazzi have chiropractors in an uproar.

While Fadte insists that only those sporting funky hair buns have earned the right to do the twist, Rana highlights its plus points, saying, “It solves two problems. First, it stretches the skin around your face to hide any saggy chins. Secondly, it hides the drink/vomit stains on the front of your designer dress. You remain sexy, only at the cost of a few slipped discs.”

6. Bold and bra-zen
Your granny may have told you that underwear needs to live up to its name, and remain hidden properly. But lately, the bright headlights look seems to be picking up steam, with more famous ladies showing off their bare necessities through sheer tops and translucent pants. It  might work on the ramp, and maybe on the red carpet if worn right, but attempting this at home might get you into more trouble than you bargained for.

7. Lacking in lingerie
Yana Gupta’s little slip-up, when she showed up to an event without any underpants, has already had a dangerous landslide effect. Celebrities wearing short skirts are now terrified of sitting down, lest they fall prey to the same trap (remember one hapless Urmila Matondkar and a thoroughly unnecessary up-the-skirt shot?) On the plus side, lingerie sales in the city might go through the roof.