When Fashion Forward is Actually a Fashion Disaster

By: Ashley Otero

Russell Westbrook 'Geek Chic'? — Russell Westbrook ‘Geek Chic’?

@NutsAndBoltsSP has recently inquired about the bizarre fashion seen on several athletes. I cannot say much as to why they are dressed the way they are except that I too have been convinced into dressing like a lunatic a few times by my dear sister (@MakinfunOu) with the encouragement that I could “totally pull it off” when the truth is I can’t. You Can’t. No one can. Why? Because these wild clothing choices aren’t fashion. What Lady Gaga wears is not fashion. What Katy Perry wears is not fashion (usually). It is meant to draw attention, it’s the theology of no press is bad press IRL. Do you think Madonna use to walk around her house in a pointy bra? Negative, but it sure did get her a lot of press.

Inspiration you say? Possibly. Yet, the most probable reason is that a screwy fashion consultant/stylist is behind the rare gems I like to call fashion bloopers. There is also the chance they are doing a favor for perhaps a very unique designer (read friend or family member) and have been convinced it is fashion and they “just don’t understand”.
Well, the issue is that although it is true that many do not understand fashion especially the fact that trends fluctuate with seasons as much as with the years my general rule of thumb is simply. If you REALLY feel like something is wrong, it probably is. Trust your gut, don’t show it (that’s a bonus).
Exhibit 1:

Photo Credit: @DimeaMagazine

I mean… come on…. Is the cardigan doing anything except covering his shame? Is it even doing that? I wonder how that sloppy burrito contraption is cut in the back. This is certainly not something I recommend wearing to your next… well anything. Ever. Not even as pajamas to bed.

Exhibit 2:

Photo Credit: USA Today

Now Mr. Westbrook is quite an oddity. His outfits seem to be getting more outrageous as does each game of this years playoffs. He is gaining moderate media coverage due to it, but perhaps he should focus on his on court skills as these looks aren’t bringing home any trophies.
I could list Exhibits 3- 100 with just Russell Westbrook, His earlier fashion looks like he is going for ‘geek chic’ however, lately he seems to be slowly turning it into fashion. I said SLOWLY, as in he hasn’t gotten the hang of it quite yet.
Here he is channeling Lenny Kravitz:

Here we have… well I honestly have no idea:

And again, we are all apparently not privy to the joke:

Although I am glad the glasses are now gone (if they weren’t prescription) he is still constantly missing even some semblance of a shirt but I suppose all we can ask for is one step at a time.
Bad fashion is like a drug addiction, you usually are the only one who isn’t aware it’s a problem and you never listen to anyone trying to help you. I’m addicted to Mountain Dew (it’s a family gene) and look what Mountain Dew has done with Mr. Westbrook: