Wear what I say, not what I do

Ask people what they can’t stand and you’re guaranteed a passionate answer, even from the most casual looking hipster. That’s what I found in Shoreditch one afternoon when I asked what fashion trend or item was most deplored.

The responses were reassuring for most of us who don’t consider flip flops a valid complement to an outfit. Or those who firmly believe that if your shirt does not reach below the hips, trousers must be worn. I encountered a typical resistance to the revival of the more clichéd 80s staples and I confirmed that men do not appreciate the shapeless maxi.

Even in this scenario, I found that what you wear is often louder than the opinion you’re voicing. Louise, 21, right on trend and colour blocking like a champion mused, “I like a really classic look... I don’t like following trends at all”... even her Chanel quilted bag was cobalt blue. Or Ben, 21, who was raging against the lack of individuality in women’s fashion while adjusting his beige trousers.

Shoreditch is clearly the scene for strong opinions about fashion, whether you’re wearing a prison jumpsuit with heels or having a rant.

By Rebecca Pearson