Rudegirl Fashion
DO's and DONT's
These are some fashion pointers that we have compiled to help produce a clean, well-polished rudegirl look. These are mere suggestions, for those of you who are either unfamiliar with rudegirl style, or who wish to refine their look. They are mostly geared towards a retro, mid-sixties, early seventies look, but we have thrown in a few 90's style tidbits. In no way are we trying to tell you how to dress. If you already have a style of your own, well, good for you. Then you can go on to another section of the site. This is fashion aide, not fashion dictation. We are against a set dress code for rudegirls. Use this page if you wish, but above all, don't forget your individuality.
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Dresses
A dress can really make or break your style. Keep the lines simple, the hems and neckline modest, and choose tasteful fabrics. Think Audrey Hepburn.

DO
DON'T
Modest but flattering straight/square neckline, covering or right below the clavicle. Plunging scoop-or-V neck with lots 'o cleavage
Cotton knit, linen, shantung, a low sheen satin Vinyl, rubber, spandex, denim
A clean, slim A-line or sack-style shape. Second-skin tightness with a tacky 'ol panty line


Tops
Shirts and sweaters define your everyday style. So make 'em say something about your taste.

DO
DON'T
If you are into a retro look, a knitwear top with cap sleeves, if you're into a more 90's-creeper-and-kilt look, a girl-sized tee or a polo. Your boyfriend's XL tee-shirt over a skirt (don't laugh, I've seen it happen ).
A 36" Fred Perry sweater or Ben Sherman Oxford, clean and pressed. A hand-me-down Fred so dryer faded that you can't tell if it's pink or red, in a size 48".
A solid or gingham check button-down shirt. halter tops, midriff tops, tube tops, a tacky tangle of spaghetti straps and bra straps.


Skirts
Choose your skirts with care, they will play a major role in your wardrobe. No matter how triumphant the top, no matter how swank the shoes, if you have a bad skirt, you have a bad outfit.

DO
DON'T
A lean, slim skirt that ends an inch or two above or below the knee. Short, short, or tight, tight skirts.
A two-or-three inch slit to the side (for easier walking). A five-or-six inch slit to the side, or a four-inch slit on a twelve inch skirt (aye carumba!).
A grey or black skirt in wool felt. A red skirt in leather or crushed velvet.


Shoes
Shoes are a touchy area. Everyone seems to have their own view on rudegirl shoes. Maybe we can help:

DO
DON'T
A delicate, slender-heeled mule with a touch of movie-star glamour. Your mom's cracked white polyeurathane pumps you dug out of a cardboard box in the garage.
A sturdy wingtip, maybe in patent leather. Big, fat ornamental goldtone buckles.
A chunky-heeled maryjane or a wedge. Platform Spice Girl-esque shoes, shoes spackled with sequins.


More Fashion Tips
  • Rudegirl Transvestism
    Nothing looks more ridiculous than that clueless "rudegirl" who shows up at a show wearing her big brother's slacks, white shirt, and a fedora (cause she hasn't heard of a porkpie yet.) We are rudegirls, not rude boys. Don't be a rude transvestite. I know that Pauline Black wore men's clothes and hats, but she's Pauline Black, for Jesus' sake. When you are as cool as Pauline Black, you can do just about anything you want. So, I guess, if you have the audacity to claim you're half the woman Pauline is, maybe you deserve boy duds.

  • Keep your look consistent
    Don't have a confused wardrobe. Rudegirl fashion is a commitment. You must choose between the slender black skirt and your cut up Jnco jeans, girls. Dressing up as a rudegirl one day, a gangsta the next, and sportin' your Bush tee and vinyl pants the day after that just confuses people. If you can't find a way to buy a whole rude wardrobe at once, try to slowly work the pieces that you do get into your regular rotation of outfits, don't go all rude one day and run out of clothes right away.

  • Gwen Stefani Syndrome
    So, uhhh, you think Gwenstyle is rudegirl style? Well, you're wrong. No Doubt even said themselves that they are not a ska band. So get over it. They're not ska, and little Gwen-Gwen isn't a rudegirl. Quit assimilating her in the name of rudeness.

  • Checkerboard, Checkerboard
    Hey, show me a well-rounded ska fan who doesn't have a checkered item of some sort. Checkerboard is great. However, being coated from head to toe in it isn't. Don't put on a checkered skirt or dress with those annoying K-Bell checkered tights and a checkered pair of shoes. It looks like hell, especially when the checkers are all different sizes. Choose one or two strategic checkered items, like a top paired with those lovely checkered wingtips by Underground Shoes. Don't end up looking like a Nascar cheerleader. Be tasteful. And I'd steer clear of those tights altogether.
  • Be Neat
    What good are cute clothes if you don't keep up the rest of your appearance? Dirty fingernails, shaggy hair, and B.O. just aren't very becoming. It takes seconds a day to file those nails, it takes thirty minutes to put a decent coat of polish on them. Then they'll look neat, almost as nice as arcrylic nails (which I also highly reccomend, they're more flexible than you think). You can also tweeze your own eyebrows and take good care of your skin. A healthy white smile never hurt anybody.

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If you have a fashion tip to contribute, e-mail us.