Last night I threw together an outfit idea that I think is an upgrade to the US Opening Ceremonies preppy French beret look, but honestly, America was not the worst-dressed country at the ceremonies yesterday. I wanted to address some of the rest of the world’s fashion choices. Now, I know that some of the outfits were cultural, so I’m not going to pick on the men in skirts (which were kind of awesome, to be honest), or the island shirts. I’m sticking to the more Western style outfits.
First up: Sweden.
As someone in my Twitter feed said last night “The Swedish Olympic Team: Sponsored by IKEA.”
Now, when you’re as good looking as a Swede, tall and blonde and athletic, you should be able to pull off anything. And they look as good as they possibly could. But rugby shirts with horizontal stripes and shorts? Really? Plus, they have a flag that is NOT red, white and blue. They could use those colors in such fun, creative ways, and instead they go with sloppy rugby shirts.
Next up: Czech Republic. They tried a spin on dressing for Britain’s famed rainy days, but their wellies and shorts and umbrellas were kind of silly. Plus, the bicycle shorts on the women? The sloppy blazers? No.
I decided instead to give them blazers with a take on the classic trenchcoat and a fantastic Marni print top. The royal blue works to stand out from the crowd, so we hang on to that.
I think everybody had to shake their heads and wonder what was happening with the Spanish team. They had a Russian designer, and to be honest, I haven’t seen much great fashion coming out of Russia. Their outfits were a dowdy ketchup-and-mustard-and-print extravaganza. And the fan-shaped bags? Really? They are, without a doubt, my least favorite outfits.
I decided a more sporty, modern look would be a refreshing change for the Spanish team. I am quite in love with this top, a dip-dyed use of yellow and red that is not overwhelming, especially on the crisp white. Very sexy-sporty-Spain.
And then there was Mexico. I just…I can’t…I don’t…
There are no words. And I can offer no help here.
The great thing, regardless of fashion, was to see the looks on the athletes faces as they paraded in. Even the worst outfit is helped along by shining faces and excitement.
BONUS: the most kickass “team” at the Opening Ceremonies were the Independent Olympic Athletes. I think they were having the most fun of anyone there.
Love the orange and white vest!
Bug @ STYLEoverSENSE
I didn’t watch the opening ceremony but heard from others… I’m from Sweden and to see athletes from Sweden in stripes with the wrong blue colour on top of that… it looked horrible. Today I read in the newspaper that apparently a Chinese BUDGET clothing store/designer made the Swedish clothes – and you can definitely see that from the looks of it.
Anyway, just wanted to say that I liked your modern versions of the clothes for the different countries