From skin-tight micro shorts to skin-revealing tops, why the latest fashion trends are a disaster for real women’s bodies

From tight shorts to skin-baring tops, High Street trends just don’t suit the average woman, as fashion editor Clemmie Fieldsend discovers

EVERY week, as I scroll through the “new” section on my favorite fashion sites, my heart sinks because lately, there’s nothing “new” for me.

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I’m a size 10. Well, maybe 11 since I’m in between sizes. I’m certainly not average or plus size, but if I wore the season’s styles I would look stupid.

This week, Italian fashion house Gucci descended on London’s Tate Modern with its Cruise collection. Supermodel Kate Moss and her daughter Lila, pop icon Dua Lipa and Normal People actress Daisy Edgar-Jones gathered to admire Gucci’s latest creations.

And they all looked absolutely beautiful.

I particularly loved 21-year-old Lila’s short yellow suit. The rich, buttery color, the tailored jacket, the perfect shorts with even more perfect legs peeking out of them. Good for her – if you have them, flaunt them.

The rest of the fashion pack also wore micro shorts (think a slightly longer alternative to your pants). But it’s a trend I wouldn’t – and couldn’t – wear. Ever.

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What a shame to go to Tesco in Cheeky Girl style hot pants, or what basically resembles guys’ Y-fronts? I shudder at the thought – and no doubt my fellow shoppers would too.

But barely-there pants aren’t the only trend alienating anyone who isn’t a pencil-thin 21-year-old.

My job as a fashion editor is to know what’s in fashion and what’s not, what’s in stores and what people are wearing. But this season, stores seem flooded with looks that I consider unwearable — and I’m sure plenty of other “normal” people do, too.

And I had to ask myself: ‘What reinforcements does she have to hold up her breasts?’

For example, I wouldn’t be caught dead in the low-rise jeans that dominate the High Street.

I recently saw a photo of stunning Sydney Sweeney in a pair – with boyish-looking boxers peeking out on top. Despite her beauty, I thought the White Lotus star was an idiot.

And I had to ask myself: “What reinforcements does she have to hold up her breasts?”

The other thing that irritates me about fashion is that if it’s not open in the back, it’s open in the front. While I’m all for body confidence and wearing whatever you want, there’s no way I’m on a crowded train or visiting The office, with belly, bra and breasts on display. I would hate to turn anyone away from cornflakes.

Unless you have a nice bust and six-pack abs, you will have a nightgown underneath.

I can’t use it either. If you have more than a cup-sized handful, you’ll need a bra. And your straps will be visible under the thin straps of your blouse.

Right now, Zara is the worst offender. When his models aren’t crouching awkwardly over kitchen stoves, they wear baggy crochet pants and sequin crop tops with spaghetti straps. After browsing the Spanish brand’s latest launch, I didn’t find anything for me.

Give us clothes we can actually wear

I’m a 33-year-old M&S woman. From underwear to outerwear, I love them and look at them every week to see what’s trending.

They are really nailing vests at the moment. Simple and elegant, they come in cotton, linen and a rainbow of colors.

But as Fabulous deputy fashion editor Abby McHale discovered last week, they weren’t designed for women with fuller busts.

Its custom fit hugs large breasts and won’t fit curvy hips. It’s a trend best left to slender models. . . and Ronnie O’Sullivan.

Social media is full of average-sized, curvy women who agree this summer’s trends aren’t for them.

One of them, Lydia – clearly annoyed by Zara’s tight summer dresses – said on TikTok: “Unless you have a model-thin body, these dresses don’t look good on anyone.” The alternative is sack dresses that scream, “Look, I’m covering my body!” And who wants that?

So, style gods, hear my plea. Next season, PLEASE give us some clothes we can wear.

Like all women, I have problems. I don’t like my arms, dresses with a waist don’t suit my shape and I would look like a cut-out pork leg. But it’s difficult to find clothes that cover the bust, aren’t open in the back, don’t have cutouts and have sleeves.

Unless you’re a jumper. Which isn’t exactly suitable for summer.

Fortunately, there are exceptions, such as utilitarian shirts and pants, midaxi skirts and draped dresses.

And let’s not forget that sneakers reign supreme among footwear. But you couldn’t wear many of this season’s top trends unless you were in your early twenties. And you wouldn’t wear them to work!

So, style gods, hear my plea. Next season, PLEASE give us some clothes we can wear.

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