When Girls Aloud first exploded onto the scene in 2003 they were the epitome of matching chavvy chic. The fivesome wore contrived collaborating outfits on numerous occasions which looked more at home on the Slater sisters down Walford Market than on the red carpet!
It has taken many years experimenting with an extensive array of ...costumes before the girls’ fashion star has started to really shine. The girls may have topped best dressed lists and recently been welcomed into the fickle exclusive world of the fashion industry, but things haven’t always been so rosey…..here’s an insight into the ensembles we bet they wish we’d forgot!
Cargo pants, timberlands and matching cropped vest tops was a favourite look for 2003, as the dreaded combination appeared on more than one occasion. This is one that definitely should have been banished to the very back of the wardrobe. The look was chicly accessorised with either white trainers or Timberlands. Despite all 5 getting a big cross of disapproval, the biggest black mark goes to Sarah for her hairstyle of choice. Pop princesses do not, repeat, do not wear cornrows. Ever.
For a night out on the town, the girls’ glammed up for the Love Actually premiere back in 2003 in, once again, matching outfits. This time the cargo pants and timbs were replaced with stretchy viscose dresses and diamante heels that actually matched their chandelier style earrings - accessories even Pat Butcher would have been proud of! Pointy trashy stilettos and a mountain of hair extensions completed the transformation.
A new year, and a new look. St Tropez entered the girls’ lives, in a BIG way! They were simply tantastically orange at the Woman of the Year Awards in yet another set of matchy-matchy black viscose dresses.
Cheryl’s biggest fashion disaster comes in the form of her doing her best JLO ‘Aint it funny’ impression . This flamenco faux pas, complete with giant sleeves, gathered cropped hemline and chavtastic chunky belt made this one of the worst horrors ever to grace the lovely lady.
In 2005 at a London gig, the girls went back to school in a mixed up matching collection of St Trinians outfits complete with heinous red ties. Our advice? Sack the stylist - and pronto!
The fashion offenders continued on their plight, turning up to The Poll Winners Party 2005 looking like your Nan’s toilet roll holder! Pukey pink ruffles, and realms of voluminous lace made this look one of the worst yet.
At the Girl Guiding UK awards, Chezza went all the way and we believe must have been mistaken and thought she was going camping in the outback, in a jacket straight from the army surplus store. We also cannot forgive that Rambo-esque headband. Nicola rivals Cheryl’s attempts at worst dressed, doing her best milk bottle impression! A badly fitting white trouser suit does not suit porcelain proportions.
Finally, in 2007 the girls left Chav chic long behind. At the Red Cross Ball Cheryl’s star shined bright in a floor length Cooper gown. A fashionista was born. We fear a relapse…..
Fear not followers! Cheryl makes it onto a Vogue cover star in 2009….
And Sarah and Nicola were welcomed into the front row at Vivienne Westwood’s Red Label Show at London Fashion Week in 2009 too.
It goes to show what a couple of years and armfuls of designer gear can do for a gal! Go girls!
