Watching a band play at a bar over the summer, I secretly (or not-so-secretly…SG was a few brambles deep at that point) snapped this picture of a girl standing in front of me:

In case you’re having trouble deciphering what you’re looking at in my gin-infused photography, that polka dot shirt s what’s known as a “racerback” tank top, where the two straps in front connect at the back of the neck to become one (sing it, Spice Girls). She’s wearing this uni-strapped top with a bra that has – as you can see with your own two eyes – two distinct straps down the back. Two straps, one top.

A quick primer in women’s foundation garments: racerback bras exist solely to be worn with tops like the one above. That’s it. A good strapless bras would also work with racerback tank top, or any top where you don’t have the luxury of sleeves to keep undergarments…under your garments.

To me, this girl’s look strikes me as not only lazy – she couldn’t have dug a little deeper in her underwear drawer for the right bra? – but, and I’m just going to come out and say what we’re all thinking, a little slutty. I was taught early on that showing off your bra straps was not the most classy way to alert potential mates of the two reasons you’re wearing said-bra in the first place.

In my boozy state, I couldn’t help but wonder, what style missteps on the men’s side do you see that drive you bonkers? Suit pants puddling at a guy’s ankle? The dreaded stitch left unsnipped in a new jacket’s vent? A brown belt with black dress shoes?

And do you think there’s ever an opportunity to enlighten your less-stylishly inclined brethren? Obviously I couldn’t tap this girl on her multi-strapped shoulder to inform her that what she wears impacts people’s opinion of her, and shouldn’t she want her clothes to project a positive impression blah blah blah. But if we were friends? And I said it nicely?

At the end of the day, it’s all subjective, and it’s not my place to stick my opinion where it’s not wanted. Even three brambles deep. Especially three brambles deep.

What about you?

Tell me:

What’s your biggest style pet peeve you see on other people, and have you ever said anything to someone about their appearance?

Sound off in the comments…on this and how much you love brambles (they’re the best!)