Wear Something Gaudy Day is celebrated on October 17 and we’re ready to pull out all the stops. If you’ve always wanted to show off some of the more bizarre items in your closet, this is the day to do so — whether it’s a chunky, rhinestone-studded belt, a pink velour Juicy Couture tracksuit, or a highlighter-yellow top that only ’90s ravers would approve of.
History of Wear Something Gaudy Day
Wear Something Gaudy Day first came into existence through the 1970s sitcom “Three’s Company,” which was based on a British TV show called “Man About the House.”
In the show, Larry Dallas, played by Richard Kline, is a used car salesman and flashy womanizer who frequently lies about his identity. True to his character, he proposed Wear Something Gaudy Day as a way to celebrate outlandish fashion.
The holiday didn’t catch on immediately, but over time, Californian natives began celebrating it in their tackiest outfits. Today, Wear Something Gaudy Day is celebrated all over the U.S.
One of the gaudiest trends to come about in modern history was the Y2K fashion of the late ’90s and early 2000s, which was popularized by celebrities like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, and Regina George in “Mean Girls.” Embellishments, including brightly colored tracksuits, were everywhere. To put it plainly, it was a fantastic time for gaudy fashion.
Another decade synonymous with gaudy fashion was the glam rock era of the 1970s, when singers like KISS and Mötley Crue sported outrageous hairstyles and costumes. In fact, a lot of other 1970s trends can work for your Wear Something Gaudy Day outfit: think crocheted shrink tops, swimwear made of yarn, bell-bottoms paired with platform shoes, short shorts, and striped tube socks, and coordinated leisure suits — there’s no end to the inspiration.
This may not be what Larry Dallas expected when he thought of celebrating gaudy clothes, but we think it’s very poetic!
Wear Something Gaudy Day timeline
“Three’s Company” character Larry Dallas proposes a day to celebrate wearing gaudy clothes.
Bright colors, rhinestones, and all the bling are seen on everyone from Destiny’s Child to NSYNC.
Universally hated for how they look, but loved for how comfortable they are, Crocs are brought out in the gaudiest colors ever.
Colorful low-rise jeans, plastic jewelry, and other fashion elements that catch the eye but don’t necessarily go together, come back into vogue.
Wear Something Gaudy Day FAQs
What are gaudy clothes?
Gaudy clothes are those that are considered tasteless for being too brightly colored, eye-catching, or otherwise unfashionable.
Is Wear Something Gaudy Day celebrated worldwide?
Wear Something Gaudy Day is celebrated nationwide in the U.S., but not worldwide. The holiday originated in an American sitcom and was later adopted throughout the country.
Are there any deals on Wear Something Gaudy Day?
Retailers may or may not celebrate this day, but you don’t need to fork out money to participate. It can be as simple as matching two very brightly colored pieces from your wardrobe together.
How To Celebrate Wear Something Gaudy Day
Organize a photoshoot
Get together with your friends in your gaudiest outfits and take photos. Use the hashtag #WearSomethingGaudyDay to share your unique sense of style.
Attend a themed party
Find a themed party that is being held on the occasion of Wear Something Gaudy Day and head over. Make sure you’re in an outfit that will stick out even at a party full of people wearing gaudy clothes.
Host a competition
Get your friends and neighbors together to see who can come up with the most eye-searingly bright and flashy outfit. Organize a prize for the person with the gaudiest outfit.
5 Facts About Gaudy Fashion That You Probably Didn’t Know
People who love gaudy clothes are usually extroverts
Brightly colored clothes that grab everyone’s attention are usually preferred by people who are more outgoing.
Men’s fashion in the ’70s was particularly gaudy
Men wore jumpsuits, short shorts, and tights that were brightly colored and very eye-catching.
Wearing too many accessories is considered gaudy
Especially if the stones on your jewelry are large and catch the light in an obvious way.
Y2K fashion is trending again
Rhinestones, whale tails, and embellished caps are slowly coming back in style.
Fashion houses are celebrating gaudy clothes
Fashion houses continue to challenge the concept of what’s fashionable.
Why We Love Wear Something Gaudy Day
Gaudy clothes are fun!
If we’re going to be breaking fashion rules, we like to do it in the most eye-catching way possible.
It's a great day to express yourself
This holiday is a great excuse to wear the tackiest, brightest, and most unfashionable of the outfits that you love — and no one can say anything about it!
Gaudy clothes start conversations
Who knows, you might meet another person in gaudy clothes and make a new friend.
Wear Something Gaudy Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 17 | Thursday |
| 2025 | October 17 | Friday |
| 2026 | October 17 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 17 | Sunday |
| 2028 | October 17 | Tuesday |
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