We celebrate National Clashing Clothes Day on the fourth Thursday in January every year. On this day, people are encouraged to dress in clashing clothing items from head to toe. Anything that is in a neutral color like white, black, or gray is a no-go today! Navy and brown also match with most colors, and therefore they aren’t welcome on Clashing Clothes Day! Today is merely a day to have fun with your outfit and show up in the brightest, silliest of hues, without the fashion police raining on your parade. Mix colors, prints, and textures, and you’ll be clash-tastic in no time.
History of Clashing Clothes Day
Clothing has been around for over 100,000 years. In its earliest days, people made clothing using natural materials found in the environment, such as animal skin, thin sheets, big leaves, etc. The purpose of clothes initially was purely protective. They provided protection from rough surfaces, stones, insects, harsh warm and cold climates, rash-causing plants, ultraviolet radiation, infectious and toxic material, etc. Over time, lifestyle changes led to new developments in the clothing world. For instance, with warfare came the discovery of pockets to carry things and free your hands while on the move.
Clothes also came to have an important social role to play. Covering the genitals and private parts in public became the basic norm, and its absence is considered indecent exposure. Socially, clothing portrays cultural identity, wealth, etc. Gradually, clothing stopped being looked at as merely protective and became a way for people to express themselves and their individuality. Around the 1800s, designers set up fashion houses in France. With exciting, innovative designs and never before used materials, people were intrigued. Fashion took over the world, and fashion trends spread from Europe to other parts of the globe. Technological and machinery advancements were made, making it easy to mass-produce clothes. With clothing being available so widely, different categories began to form for different roles — sportswear, loungewear, businesswear, e.t.c.
Some voices emerged as experts and became reliable sources of information regarding clothing. Designers, celebrities, models, and more influential people played the role of trendsetters, and fashionistas established some unofficial fashion rules. For the longest time, these rules governed the majority of the public about what to wear. However, there is a newfound wave of experimentation and eagerness to stand out with confidence. Clashing prints and colors were no-nos for a long time but are now seen even in luxurious fashion labels. Clashing Clothes Day is a day for people to dabble into the bright, bold world of clashing clothes.
Clashing Clothes Day timeline
The very first outfits are made using natural materials such as leaves and animal fur.
The oldest woven garment, the Tarkhan Dress, is found in Egypt.
Designer Charles Frederick Worth sets up one of the first fashion houses ever.
‘Please yourself’ becomes the tagline for fashion choices in this decade.
Clashing Clothes Day FAQs
What does ‘clash’ mean in fashion?
In terms of fashion, ‘clash’ means when parts of an outfit don’t compliment each other and look ‘off’ together.
Can you wear clashing prints?
Wearing clashing prints can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Stylists suggest breaking the prints up using chunky belts and other accessories.
How many colors can you wear together?
Historically, a three-color rule was followed for outfits. However, there are no rules anymore and especially not on Clashing Clothes Day!
How to Celebrate Clashing Clothes Day
Wear clashing clothes
This one is a no-brainer. Ignore all your neutrals and put together a fierce, clashing outfit to rock throughout the day with confidence.
Buy clashing clothes
If you have never done it before, take this day as an opportunity to experiment with clashing colors and prints and get yourself a bold, new outfit that will turn heads.
Share clashing clothes
Document yourself in clashing clothes and share the pictures with the world to own your not-so-subtle look! You never know; you might even inspire others to put together their clashing looks.
5 Weird Facts About Fashion You Didn’t Know
Queen of white weddings
Before Queen Victoria’s white wedding dress in 1840, people associated the color with mourning.
The mismatched jar
A company called Little Miss Matched sells mismatched socks, assuming you’re going to lose them anyway.
Living brooches
In the late 1800s, people wore live chameleons as brooches.
N.S.F.W. jewelry
Ancient Romans wore penis necklaces and even hung penis charms on doors to ward off spirits.
It’s all commando
It wasn’t until the 1800s that underwear became an essential clothing item.
Why We Love Clashing Clothes Day
It’s an opportunity to have fun
There are so many unofficial rules of fashion — what to wear and what not to wear. Clashing Clothes Day is a chance to forget about those and just have fun.
It encourages experimentation
Have you been wearing the same old outfit in different versions for years? Is your wardrobe all black? Clashing Clothes Day is a push to step out of your comfort zone and try something you’ve never done before.
It’s a reminder to own it
A day like this is a reminder not to be afraid to stand out. Wear whatever you want to wear but do it with confidence and feel like the absolute legend you are.
Clashing Clothes Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | January 27 | Thursday |
| 2023 | January 26 | Thursday |
| 2024 | January 25 | Thursday |
| 2025 | January 23 | Thursday |
| 2026 | January 22 | Thursday |
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