Anything that feels "slimy" on my skin, like silk or its fake equivalents. Wearing something even slightly uncomfortable all day drives me nuts; 90% of the time, I wear jersey knits.

Totally can't do flip-flops or any shoe that has a thingy between the toes. It'll be bleeding after a few hours.

Oh, shiny shirts should have been on my list.

Recently I've been looking to buy new clothes and Every. Single. Shirt. it seems has some kind of decorative studs, beads, or sequins on it. I won't do that. Also, no metallic threads.

Also, same as Miko, anything with writing or branding (same exception: I have some volunteer t-shirts and "cause" t-shirts I wear).

I can deal with shiny shirts and flipflops. In fact, I loooooove flip flops.

Heels are iffy; for sure not if they're too high or too tiny heel surface or super pointy.

Velour tracksuits. Tracksuits that match of any fabric.

I hate pants and skirts without pockets. I don't care about the supposed 'line' I have keys, change, mobile, notes and other stuff that needs to go somewhere.

Shoes that cripple. Seriously, it's the modern version of footbinding, and I know that women participate because they think it's sexy, but any man who thinks I look better when I'm damaging my body is an ass. Hmmm, why am I single?

Clothing that requires dry cleaning is really environmentally damaging.

I gave up ironing for anything but major events.

I can live with small embroidered logos, if the item is from Goodwill, or is otherwise a real bargain.

I don't wear advertising, including logo-y fabrics.

Current styles for women feature a lot of baby-doll styles. I have been too old for this style since I turned 30.

Bell bottoms and boot cut pants. They don't look good on me, and it 's made shopping a royal pain.

I just don't like glitter-y, sequined, metallic stuff, with very rare exceptions.

I pretty much hate the fashion industry. I'd really like to wear the same stuff over and over. I wish I had a replicator so I could re-create faves when they wear out, or in my new size, or a new color.

I did, however, enjoy that little rant. Thanks, Miko.

I'm with you on writing, logos, or insignia. I dislike words or obvious branding on my clothing or accessories. I do think a lot of people can carry off graphic tees and such but it was never my style and I'm too old for it.

I like the look of pointy toe shoes under long pants and jeans, and with dresses and skirts for that matter. I think it makes the leg look leaner. A too rounded toe shortens the leg and makes it look dumpy in my humble opinion. I just bought two pairs of round-toe shoes this weekend so I'm a hypocrite. I would never wear rounded toe shoes with skirts or dresses only pants. A lot of people can carry it off beautifully. I can't. My legs look too short.

Too high of a heel. Crazy high heels with platforms. Yes, shoes with higher heels are beautiful but not practical. I will never go over three-inch and I like to stay below that. The second pair of shoes I bought this weekend were pushing it at three but they are not teetering looking so they get a pass (this pump in bronze-y mushroom color). The other pair I bought in red (for 79.99 on sale at Dillards dept. store).

A very flat shoe. No flattering at all. Makes thighs look huge.

Ruffles. I'm too ample and curvy and large-chested for ruffles. They do not flatter. The same goes for any kind of ornamentation on blouses or tops such as rosettes or puffed sleeves. It all has to be very simple and streamlined on top.

Skinny jeans for the same reason above. Although I have warmed up to skinny jeans. I think they look good on some people and it doesn't look like they are going away.

I love the preppy style and I would consider myself a lover of the classic style but I don't think I would ever consider putting my body in a Lily Pulitzer printed sheath.

Any shoe that looks like a boy shoe such as Converse sneakers or plain loafers in black or brown. I love how these sneakers look on Trinny Woodall. I can't make them look like that on me. Maybe because I have not tried on the cream pair.

- heels except for really chunky heels for the rare dress wearing
- padded/push-up bras [sister tells me I should reconsider this. I have one no-nipple bra for big deal social events]
- shortwaisted military-style jackets look wretched on me
- any underwear that aren't basically cotton briefs
- pantyhose [I have one black pair which are more like tights for the rare funeral]
- heavy clothing that drapes, that sort of stretchy/shiny stuff. Feels awsome, looks terrible
- blazers
- more or less the same thing with the words except for some stuff I only wear to the gym
- umbrellas - I realize this isn't clothing per se, but for the most part I'd rather wear a jacket with a hood or just get wet
- leotards
- anything that costs more than about $20 for the most part, except for the rare new jeans.
- dry-clean only stuff is fine, but I just wash them like normal, basically anything that can't go in a regular washer with other clothes.

Things I wear that you'd think maybe I wouldn't: overalls, snow pants, flip-flops, slightly transparent shirts, tank tops w/ the built in bra, perfume.

ditto theora55 on the replicator. I search ebay for identical versions of stuff I like [favorite hoodie, favorite vest, favorite shoes]

Button-down collars.

A sport jacket with a turtle neck as the shirt underneath (t-shirts, long and short sleeve, are OK).

Being a Virgo, I probably have a few more. . .

Silk. Ugh.

Satin. Ugh.

Anything with studs, anything encrusted with fake gems or bedazzled.

Novelty sweaters.

Anything that comes pre-ripped or shredded or worn-in. It's so tacky. I'll make my own holes, thanks.

I now buy all (ALL) of my clothes from thrift shops or handmade on Etsy. I adore having all cheap, used, awesome clothes. Just this week I bought a 200.00 blouse for 4.00 and a gorgeous gray knit wiggle dress for 3.00. Both still had the tags on. Last week I bought an amazing black corduroy blazer for 14.00 and a white linen J. Crew blouse for a dollar. I buy undies and shoes and things new, but clothing is all used or handmade.

The feel of suede makes my skin crawl.

I won't wear anything with a collar. Including turtlenecks. I also won't wear cap sleeves. Or belts.

- Heels. Can't do 'em. My multiple sprained ankles + heels = emergency room.
- dresses/skirts. I feel like I'm naked & am about to fall down. plus, I'm short, so they make me look fatter.
- bracelets. hate anything on my wrists.
- wool. do not like the itch. unless it's smart wool socks - those aren;t bad.
- NO ruffles, sequins, glittery shit or other ornamental doodads. if it's not a button or zipper, forget it.
- bikinis. I'm almost 50, it's just not happening.
- big clunky jewelry. I'm the understated type: simple hoops or studs, & watches and the occasional necklace.
- underwire bras. who decided metal and breasts were a good combination? seems like a ready made guillotine, to me.

I generally can't deal with anything but 100% cotton and occasionally wool. The only exceptions are for workout clothes wear all that hi-tech slippery wicking material is useful.

Fake-practical details bug me: fake-pockets that don't open, fake-shoulder-straps that don't unfasten (so you could keep your binoculars safe).

I won't wear sweaters or anything wool (excepting the occasional pair of socks, and then only with liners). I have not owned a single sweater since I was seven, which mystifies some people.

I won't wear anything open-toed unless I'm going to the beach. I don't like stuff getting in my shoes, and I like being able to run if I have to.

I have a depressingly boring wardrobe. T-shirt, button-down shirt, long pants pretty much every day. What style?

Stuff made from fabric where the plaid or the stripes are printed on rather than actually woven in the fabric. It just looks cheap to me. Badly matched plaid is also on my NO list.

Oh yeah the fake details thing bugs. I really like pared down simplicity, and fake doodads ruin the look.

Bright colors. I'm a neutrals girl all the way. Everything goes with everything else and it's sooooo nice.

I don't like wearing watches. They get caught in my sleeves and I get a sweaty patch under the watch. I am thankful for the advent of cell phones with clocks inside'em.

Anything with studs, anything encrusted with fake gems or bedazzled.

What should I do with your Christmas gem sweater, then?

I have always hated wearing turtlenecks, and I refuse to wear khakis and polo shirts because that's what I wore back in college when I didn't know how to dress and thought girly clothes were beneath me.

I'm in a conservative job but nonetheless a fashionista of sorts, so I wear lots of things that many of us don't -- silky shirts, skirts, dresses, pantyhose, etc.

On my no way am I wearing that list, however:
1. Any kind of maxi skirt, regardless of the current styles.
2. Wool next to my skin. Makes me itch. I especially hate the boiled wool look.
3. Bras with underwire. Or girdles. Or spandex which operates like a girdle. I abhor being pinched and squeezed.
4. Super, super preppy a la Brooks Brothers. I think it is dowdy.
5. Speaking of dowdy, those clothes tailored to cover, like the skirts that are a little too long and baggy for the size stated, the sack like blazer, and mom-style jeans.
6. Pants cut at or above waist level. Most uncomfortable!
7. Teen style clothes, including shirts that are very low cut, fabrics decorated with names or logos, and super short jackets.

- I won't buy shirts with normal length sleeves. Definitely has to be sleeve length 7 or I'll look like an overgrown teenager.
- Neither suits/jackets that are too wide.
- polyester ties. Although I broke that rule recently to great acclaim at work: a tie patterned like the Frisian flag. (yes, the frisian flag really looks like that; they're not supposed to be hearts but leafs of the water lily) When I get a comment I mention that I'm from the Frisian Liberation Front.
- I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to shoes. Surely he's exaggerating you think to yourself. Hyperbole. Well, how about these 425 euro Italian hand made Santoni sneakers. ≡ Click to see image ≡ (bought in sales at a stupendous discount though)
- bright yellow or bright red don't flatter my pale skin I don't think.
- I won't buy a pair of trousers if it is plated. I don't mind being middle aged but there are limits.

I won't wear any sort of medium or narrow width shoe. If I must, I can suffer through shapewear, ridiculous pushed-up boobs, any sort of thing like that to look how I want to, but my feet must be comfortable. And I have very wide feet and a history of broken toes, which start sending shooting pains up my feet if they are confined.

Never look at my shoes. They are ugly :)

I had a doc who speculated that I have a touch sensitivity, because I wear as little as I can get away with (in any particular situation; it does, of course, vary). I hate clothes and shoes. There just aren't any that are comfortable. There are some that are minimally uncomfortable, but that's as good as it gets.

Also a shoe person, I will not wear ankle boots, gladiator sandals, crocs, or chuck taylors.

Red (alas!) or yellow.

Anything of a pant nature that comes up to my belly button - Mom Jeans, Briefs, etc. Pls. to ride on my hips, thx.

Skirts! I dont wear skirts. (I don't even own a single skirt!)

Low rise pants. (Have you seen the size of my butt???)

Thong underwear (see reason above)

Also in a conservative job, so I wear a lot of button down shirts and cotton slacks. My job is tie-optional, but I have to wear them to meetings. I only wear suit jackets when I absolutely have to.

No matter how hot it gets, I wear an undershirt under my dress shirts.

No shirts with too much of a shine to them. Or weird clips/buttons/pockets designs, etc.

I won't wear any jewelry other than my wedding ring.

Hats. I wear one in the winter only if the temperature drops to the "freezing my ears off" level.

Anything that is too tight or clingy.

I wear a size 15 quadruple-E shoe and a 14, 4E sneaker. So I try to make sure they're not too ostentatious or colorful because if they stand out, they look clownish.

Same with gloves. I wear these because they come in my size (I have large hands) and are comfortable. The shell can be worn year-round for mechanical/gardening purposes and polypro glove liners can be purchased that fit inside 'em for cold weather so you don't have to wear the wool ones.

Uncomfortable shoes, or shoes that don't fit reasonably well at the very least.

I will only rarely wear advertising. Usually that's a t-shirt someone gave me as a gift, and I'll wear it underneath another shirt.

Horizontal stripes.

Cufflinks.

Excellent shoes, jouke.

I wear single-vented suit jackets with two buttons, pleated suit pants, no cuffs. Other suit cuts make me feel like a poseur. I don't like button down collars unless it's a casual shirt, in which case I don't care. Generally I don't dress fashion forward; fashion is just a racket to get me to replace perfectly good clothes every year. Style is personal and timeless. Clothes last a long time if you're careful.

Khakis- don't like 'em, don't own 'em, don't wear 'em.

Also, for layering in the winter, I prefer stuff that opens in the front vs. stuff you pull over your head, because going in and out of public transit means the temperature is constantly changing, and I get overheated really fast.

Oh. Pleated pants, and, yes, ramix, no thongs here. Not a good look.

Tx JanetLand. :-)

But what about cuff links Hugh?
I like to buy old ones at second hand stores. That way I found a pair of funeral cuff links. So unostentatious as to be very ostentatious.
disagree with you on the single-vented though. But then it's your national folcloristic costume.

funeral -> funerary
plated -> pleated

I don't have conscious rules, but this thread is making me realise what my unconscious rules of thumb are:

-No pointy heels
-Generally no writing on clothes
-Plain over patterned, simple over complex, natural fibres over artificial
-Fabric must feel nice to me. Don't know how I'd define nice, but I know what I like.
-I always assume yellow makes me look terrible, because someone told me so when I was quite little. Might need to revisit that one. Love red and it looks good on me.

I also won't wear anything that has to be ironed (well, I suppose I'd wear it ONCE). I just gave away my iron because I hadn't used it for nearly 10 years.

Some of you have reminded me of other things:

Baby doll tops/dresses: bad idea for my body.

Anything that accentuates the boob area with ruffles, layers, etc. I don't want any additional volume there.

I love the flattering nature of wrap dresses but most often can't wear them because the V in front opens up too much.

Like iconomy, I am moving more and more toward consignment shopping. It helps that I live where there are a lot of good consignments with really nice boutique and good-label stuff. One of the things I like about it is that it immediately narrows down the choices and makes them easier. It is also truly different to wear well made clothes than poorly made clothes, but since I can't afford all-new Talbots and designer stuff, this gives me a way to experience that.

Oh, cuff links are great, jouke. I meant no trouser cuffs. I have a couple french cuff shirts and a small but growing collection of links. My initials in old typewriter keys, little opals, plain silver squares with a heraldic pattern.

The two-button single-vent preference is definitely because I'm American and that's what I started out with, but there's more. European and English suits hug my frame too much. My first suits were all for violin recitals, and in my experience a single vent allows the tailor to leave a little extra room in the chest and under the arms without compromising the drape. That's probably not universal, more a body-shape thing, but it's how it has always been for me. I'm sure a good tailor could prove me wrong, but now I'm set in my ways, anything else feels like a costume.

There is a brand called "Sag Harbor." I realize that it is supposed to conjure images of the Hamptons and environs, but given that it is a total mom brand that they sell at places like Kohl's and JC Penney, the images I get are more like tummy rolls and tired expressions. I don't care if it's cute; I'm NOT THAT OLD!

Same with the brand "Positive Attitude" and similar. Are you TRYING to remind the wearer that she should be grateful just to be upright after the Day She's Had? This also goes with anything else from the mom departments.

Nothing that's not washable by machine or that needs to be ironed. Le sigh.

Sadly, even though they look really cute, no button-ups. My chesticles protest[icle] :(

Really, I'm stuck in polos and jeans pretty much every day, of my own volition, because of the above two factors. I'm sure that I COULD dress nicer, and I do on special occasions, but I just can't be bothered.

RE: Printing on clothing: Be prepared to bend your rules a bit.

Hugh, I wish I could show you the gold coloured cuff links I found in a bricolage shop. They have purple faceted glass, probably '70s, with a gold chain linking both sides.
Or just plain mother of pearl.
Or the swiss flag. From ski vacation.
Or...

Wrt french cuffs; sometimes I like to look snazzy in my mtm pin stripe suit. Take advantage of being tall and thin. And then french cuffs seem fitting.
But mostly I tone it down a bit to match my coworkers.

My brother had all of his and my dad's old cufflinks in a little box; we took a road trip down to North Carolina for our friend's wedding a couple years ago and he left it in the hotel room when we checked out. I asked him why he packed all his cufflinks for a single event.

"I wanted to have options, man! Options!"

Also, I think Burberry(?) is just about the ugliest pattern out there. I'm not a fan of browns or beiges in general, so I don't like that Louis Vuitton pattern, either. I don't care how much you paid for it, it's ugly.

Yes, Hugh. The perfect choice depends on your mood at the moment, the weather (ambient overcast light or intense light and hard shadows) , the colour of the eyes of the woman you're going out with, the theme that you've chosen for the evening (Ludwig-II-meets-~-Wittgenstein, Yalta 1905, ...), the interaction between her perfume and your eau de toilette of the evening etc, etc. These all have to match and compliment the colour, texture, shape, iridiscence and cultural undertones of the cuff link.

Ok, I'll stop channelling Beau Brummell now.

Sheesh, I don't remember the last time I wore perfume. What a dowdy person I've become . . .

I even have cuff links that go perfectly with dowdiness. Makes them really stand out.

Heh, I love this thread. Many of my own aversions have already been mentioned (pointy-toed shoes, ruffled/flouncy/sequined/bedazzled stuff, underwire bras) -- but I would add: cropped pants. I do NOT understand the popularity of cropped pants, because to my eye they make anyone who is not a runway model look like Stumpy McStumperson.

I also have deep and abiding hatred for low-rise pants, and am mystified as to why so many women want to wear something that (a) creates a major visually-widening horizontal line right at the point (belly/hips) where few of us really want to be widened, and (b) makes legs look shorter (see: Stumpy McStumperson, previously referenced). My hatred is exacerbated by the extreme difficulty of finding any women's pants that are NOT low-rise, or that have a waistband that actually comes to the WAIST. I have three pairs of old pants that fit the way I want, and I live in dread of them wearing out. (Although I did score a pair of old perfectly-fitting pleated front Gap khakis at Goodwill that fit like a dream -- I should spend more time scouring thrift stores, I guess...)

Second your hatred of cropped pants, kat allison.

Re low rise pants -- I like them, but 1) not too low rise 2) the pants must fit very well, by which I do not mean tightly 3) must be boot cut, meaning a long leg look, good for us petite people.

I concur also with Hugh Janus re difference between fashion and style . . . I do not like or buy the super trendy stuff. I DO buy well cut things that also happen to currently be in style. A joy of my job is that I can afford to buy nice clothes, though I rarely pay full price.

I don't like clothes that are truly out of style, either. I sweep my closet about once a year and donate what I haven't been wearing.

On the color front, I avoid yellow, orange, greens with a lot of yellow or brown in their color, and bright reds, especially orange reds. They all wash me out. I am fond of black, a crisp white, jewel tones, and some pastels like blue and pink. I like classic patterned fabrics like (quieter) houndstooth and tweed but generally my wardrobe runs solid in color.

Nude pantyhose. NUDE PANTYHOSE!

I won't wear:
- pointy shoes
- heels
- branded (they should pay ME)
- shiny
- sparkly
- clingy
- fitted
- tight
- lace (unless it's nightclothes)
- ruffles (unless it's nightclothes)
- cap sleeves (must be to elbow, prefer 3/4 length sleeves)
- outerwear that has to be pulled over my head
- thongs (flip-flops and underwear)
- hose (I do have a pair of black tights for funerals to wear with my one black skirt)
- neon or overly bright colours

pleated-front pants, clothes with writing - The Miko Rule applies, turtlenecks, things pre-stressed, cologne or other scents, flip-flops, jewelry outside of my (exceedingly plain, inexpensive) wedding ring, bracelet-style watches, sleeveless shirts of any sort.

- No nude pantyhose, black tights only but I wear those all winter.
- No turtlenecks - I used to but I can't stand them anymore or anything really up close to my neck.
- Nothing with a logo on it - pay me if you want me to put your name on my body.
- No ruffles unless it's at the very hem of a prairie skirt.
- No silly extra details like weird little straps and fake pockets.
- No neon colors, nothing at all bright. Most of my wardrobe is black, the rest is army green, gray, dark blue, purple or, ok, a little pink and orange here & there. No red, no yellow, no turquoise.
- No pleated pants.
- No high rise mom jeans and no low rise kid jeans except for that one miraculous pair that actually looks good, gods know why. I need mid-rise jeans (tall, long legs, long waist) and they're impossible to find, grrr.
- No polo shirts, they irk me for some reason.
- Nothing super super tight.
- Fuck-me heels only for appropriate occasions.
- No bras. 99% of the time I will not wear a bra but sometimes the world demands that I do and I hate life when it does. Bras are horrible.
- No thongs and I don't much like boyshort underwear either.
- No stud earrings except the one I never take out. They bang up against the phone and bug me. Danglies are fine.
- No babydoll / A-line dresses or tops. I've been pregnant, thanks, and I got rid of my maternity clothes and I'm not putting them back on.
And no, Mom, I will never, ever wear a navy blue blazer with a khaki skirt, argyle knee socks and penny loafers again. Never, ever, ever, although a kilt with a black Uncle Fester T-shirt and tights with holes in them and Harley boots and an old flannel shirt of my dads is a classic and enduring look that I will never give up.

Stuff I will wear that the rest of y'all will not:
Graphic tees that may include writing, mostly threadless and concerts and random ones I get at Goodwill.
Shiny things! Sometimes I looooove shiny things. Look, shiny! I have a shiny orange and black striped shirt made of some fiber that is not of this planet and I wear it to go bowling. It could give somebody seizures. Yay, shiny!

OMG the Cupcakes Clothing Rules.....

Mostly I have a sort of standard equipment thing going. On any given day you will find me wearing:
* Maxi skirts, below the knee to ankle length
* Mary Jane syle shoes
* Black cardigan sweater
* Solid colors
* Color scheme is black, teal blue, purple, and red... I guess I like looking the the aftermath to a barfight

Big No-Nos
* No jeans, EVER. The single most uncomfortable clothing item in the universe to me.
* Pants in general, rarely worn and not prefered.
* Nothing itchy, heavy, bulky, or constricting
* Absolutely no flip-flops ever. That slapping noise they make as they smack against someone's dirty foot makes me GAG.
* Same with flesh-tone pantyhose. Not sure why they creep me out.
* I avoid prints like the plague, unless it's basic polka dots or stripes.
* No gold jewelry. It makes me look sallow.

I have been told I dress like Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. I don't think it was meant as a compliment.

No stripes.
No pointy shoes.
I hate long sleeves, because I have long monkey-arms and I either end up with the sleeves half-way up my forearms or with the rest of the clothing item being two sizes too big for me. My work shirts are long-sleeved business shirts, but I always roll the sleeves up unless I'm wearing a jacket (apart from a suit jacket on the odd formal occasion, my personal rule is that jackets/jumpers are not to be worn at work except in official winter).
No tracksuits.

Other than that, I'm a very boring dresser and don't really care about clothes. Work wear is business pants/shirt, leather shoes/tie, everything else tends to be shorts and t-shirt or polo shirt with sneakers.

Also, any form of pyjama-type apparel is a no-no. I sleep naked or not at all.

In addition to many of the rules mentioned above, I find wearing contacts and shaving both to be incredibly uncomfortable practices, so I don't do either.

Loin cloths. At least on the street.

I dress like a weird combo of jessamyn, deborah, and MGL. And assorted other folks.

I don't wear heels, ever. Mostly due to scoliosis.

At work, I wear jeans, comfy shoes, and a cheap Hawaiian or fancy flannel over a t-shirt, depending on the weather. When it gets cold, it'll be a sweater over a t-shirt. My sweaters are older than my kids.

At home, it's sweats (or other comfy pants) and a t-shirt.

No wired bras. Love the cotton briefs. Love the work jeans that fit well (and are often boy sizes).

I'm also about due for shaving my legs and pits.

I only wear makeup for very special occasions. Certainly not every day.

(have sudden wish to go to the opera with jouke)

Ah my dear alto. How I'd love to go to the opera tonight; it's always very gratifying to see the retired dentists and middle managers stare at one. Life is so dull for them in this provincial town.
Also the way the new conductor butchers Wagner has no parallel and has to been seen to be believed.

But I have to decline your very tempting offer. The comtesse de Greffulhe positively insisted that I'd visit her little soirée in honour of this brilliant Roumanian poet she has discovered. His accent is quite atrocious but somehow the syllables remind me of latin class as heard in a discotheque hidden away in a communist bunker in middle-europe. Hearing him speak is a subtle experience that makes me drift away to sordid memories of my well spent youth.