When we consider a protagonist's defining flaw, we often think of a tragic backstory, a deep insecurity, or a self-destructive habit. What if I say your protagonist's biggest struggle was just an awful fashion sense and nothing else? Yes! In storytelling, even the most seemingly insignificant flaw can create depth, humor, and unexpected conflict.

Why Fashion Matters in Characterization

Clothes say a lot about a person, whether they care about fashion or not. A character who wears socks with sandals or insists on neon-colored suits might not see anything wrong with their choices, but the world around them will. This creates a unique dynamic—do they own their terrible taste, or are they blissfully unaware? So, fashion sense could reflect personality, social standing, or inner conflict. Consider Arthur Dent from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. For most of the book, he appears in a bathrobe, which is not necessarily a crime against fashion, but it does set the tone for his chaotic journey. The bathrobe is a symbol of his disconnection from the grand space adventure. His clothing—or lack of fashionable effort—tells us a lot about him.

How Bad Fashion Can Shape the Plot

Terrible fashion choices can be a source of comedy, social tension, or even personal growth. Imagine a detective trying to be taken seriously while wearing bright polka-dot pants or a medieval knight whose favorite battle tunic is neon pink. Their appearance can lead to misunderstanding or even mockery. Think of Bridget Jones in Bridget Jones's Diary. While her fashion choices aren't always horrendous, she puts herself in somewhat awkward situations. The iconic bunny costume is an excellent way to demonstrate her fashion choices. Her fashion mishaps reflect her endearing awkwardness: the gap between how she wants to be perceived and how she actually is.

How to Consider Fashion as a Metaphor

Other than being funny, bad fashion can symbolize different meanings. For example, a character's refusal to dress "normally" might symbolize their rejection of societal norms. Or perhaps their mismatched outfits signal an internal conflict—they don't quite fit in, no matter how hard they try. Take Ignatius J. Reilly from A Confederacy of Dunces. His outdated, ridiculous clothing matches his outdated, ridiculous worldview. His fashion sense isn't just bad—it's a symptom of his inability to adapt to the modern world. This is a very clever way of portraying a character's inner flaw without any lengthy descriptions or explanations.

When a Flaw Becomes Endearing

At times, a character's bad fashion sense moves from embarrassing to charming. If they wear it with confidence, it can become part of their unique charm. For instance, Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter, with her outlandish accessories and radish earrings. What others see as odd, she wears with pride, making her all the more lovable and attractive. Similarly, in Anne of Green Gables, Anne's obsession with puff sleeves in her early years reflects a combination of innocence and a desire to belong. When she finally gets the dress with the sleeves she's dreamed of, it is an acceptance and love moment. Her fashion choices, as small as they seem, carry emotional weight.

How to Write a Character with Bad Fashion Sense

How do you go about getting into the subject in your writing? An essential element is to introduce bad fashion sense naturally into the world of your character. Instead of just stating that your protagonist wears clashing colors, show how others react. Do their friends tease them, or do they accept it? Does their style improve as they grow, or is it getting worse? Imagine a corporate drama, and you create a brilliant lawyer as the protagonist who wears tacky, bedazzled suits. Everyone judges them initially but later realizes their potential. Or perhaps their wrong sense of style makes their rivals underestimate them—until they deliver a crushing legal victory. This contrast between appearance and ability makes the character interesting.

To sum up, A protagonist with a bad fashion sense may not seem dramatic, but with the right touches, it can create wonders for your story. By using this awful fashion sense, you can say a lot without a single word of dialogue. So, the next time you want to explore something fresh, create a character who has a terrible sense of fashion.