Why do we love watching fashion critics slag off stars' outfits?

Fashion criticism has always held a unique place in popular culture. In the past, shows like Fashion Police, featuring bold personalities like Joan Rivers, were a must-watch for style lovers, especially those who enjoyed unfiltered critiques. Today, a new generation of fashion critics, such as Mandy Lee and HauteLeMode, are stepping up with diverse approaches, often laced with sarcasm, social insight, and even political engagement. Why does this guilty pleasure persist, and even grow? What draws us so strongly to seeing celebrities torn down for their style choices? The answer lies in a mix of social psychology, confirmation bias, and an inclination toward transgression.

Fashion criticism, particularly the kind that "tears apart" celebrity outfits, offers an escape from daily life and a form of collective judgment. This judgment partly relies on a confirmation bias, a well-documented psychological phenomenon that explains our tendency to seek and value information that reinforces our beliefs or opinions. Watching a YouTuber roast a celebrity’s risky look validates our own judgment. This bias is reassuring because it makes us feel like part of a community with shared tastes and aesthetic standards. In other words, seeing fashion experts agree with us on Zendaya's latest dress comforts us and encourages us to consume more of this content.

It’s hard to ignore the concept of “schadenfreude”, a German term meaning “taking pleasure in others' misfortunes.” It may seem extreme for a fashion misstep or poor color choice, but schadenfreude also applies here. Watching celebrities get criticized for their striking fashion choices evokes a form of guilty pleasure because their “failure” reminds us that no one is flawless. In a world where celebrities are often idealized, it’s almost liberating to see that their taste—or sometimes their sense of decency—can betray them. This fascination with others' mistakes, especially when they’re often seen as style icons, fuels the popularity of sharp fashion critiques.

However, fashion criticism has evolved to be much more than simply stating “this is ugly” or “this is beautiful.” Newer generations of fashion critics, particularly on YouTube, are taking a more nuanced and thoughtful approach. In this constantly evolving landscape, some critics consider factors such as sustainability, body inclusivity, and cultural appropriation in their assessments. A fashion influencer might explain why an outfit is problematic from an ethical perspective or how certain industry practices harm the environment. This deeper analysis responds to a growing demand for transparency and social awareness in fashion, especially in an era where consumers expect more accountability from brands and celebrities. Watching fashion critics mock celebrity outfits satisfies several needs: validating our own tastes, putting celebrity status into perspective, and even experiencing a collective judgment without personal consequences.