8 Controversial Trends That Are Just Basics to Kim Kardashian

There's no going around it—Kim Kardashian West is a modern-day style icon and risk-taker. Every time she appears on a red carpet, she wins the imaginary award for "most talked-about outfit." For proof, we need only look back to her Met Gala outfit. Her skintight, wet-look dress looked otherworldly. Then, there was the vintage Thierry Mugler dress that she wore to the Met Gala after-party, which was equally as daring (if not more so, seeing as there was a blue-and-silver tinsel wig involved). The point is that no matter if people love or hate her fashion choices, they're still talking about them. That is a true sign of a trendsetter.

Clearly, Kim isn't one to shy away from a divisive fashion moment. In fact, she embraces it by taking some of the most controversial trends and turning them into her wardrobe basics. Keep scrolling to see the eight trends we're talking about, but be warned: Doing so might inspire you to take a few fashion risks of your own.

1. Flip-Flop Heels

Flip-flop heels are one of the most controversial trends of the moment. Some people love their hybrid design, while others find them, well, off-putting. Kardashian West belongs to the former category since she wears them consistently. It kind of makes sense. After all, flip-flop heels look retro and edgy, which are two words you could use to describe her style as a whole.

2. Bermuda Shorts

Bermuda shorts—you either love them or you hate them. Kim makes them work for her by pairing them with other similarly casual pieces, such as T-shirts, tanks tops, bodysuits, and bomber jackets. 

3. Bike Shorts

Bike shorts have been embraced by many celebrities, influencers, and editors, but we must not forget how controversial they were when they first came back into style. Kim was one of the first A-listers to adopt the '80s-inspired item. In fact, we think she played a big role in bringing them back into mainstream style. 

4. Sheer Tops

Kim Kardashian West is known for showing and embracing her body, whether that's on social media, in magazines, or otherwise. Here, she's pictured out and about in NYC wearing a sheer black tank top (or is that a bodysuit?) with a pair of camouflage Bermuda shorts.

5. Lingerie Tops

Wearing lingerie as clothing is nothing new (perhaps it started back in the '90s when slip dresses became the new norm), but Kim is a particularly big proponent of the trend. She's worn bras and teddies in lieu of more traditional tops multiple times over the past few years. Often, she'll layer a blazer or some other type of overcoat on top for more coverage. 

6. Allover Print

Many people would argue that bold prints—especially animal print—look best when worn in moderation. Kim Kardashian West is not one of these people. Take this showstopping outfit as proof. She's not afraid to fully embrace a print and wear it from top to bottom.

7. Latex Clothing

Kim and latex clothing go together like peanut butter and jelly, chocolate and strawberries, or any other classic pairing for that matter. She's been wearing latex (particularly minidresses) for years, but that hasn't made the trend any less divisive among the fashion elite. 

8. Rectangle Sunglasses

Remember how we said Kim seems to take a liking to nostalgic trends? That certainly holds true when it comes to her eyewear. The only sunglasses she wears these days are thin, '90s-inspired styles. Is it just us, or are these reminiscent of the ones Keanu Reeves wore in The Matrix? (Also, peep those latex pants.)

Next up, 10 shoe trends celebrities always wear with dresses.