Outside the bounds of taste

As you read this, keep in mind that everything I know about fashion, I learned from "Project Runway."

Don’t ever try to tell me there is no fashion in sports. Yeah, high-priced sneakers tend to be gaudy and annoying. There are too many armbands, headbands, wristbands and assorted other fuzzy paraphernalia. And, come on, do we REALLY need baseball caps that come in non-team colors such as, I dunno, camouflage?

But you look at a beautifully designed team uniform—an esoteric balance of tradition and color—and it can bring a tear to your eye. OK, maybe only after several beers and a rendition of the alma mater.

Here’s exhibit A for good uniforms:

I can't believe they called that a charge.

And you can tell it looks good by holding it up next to this crime against eyeballs:

I can't believe they're going to charge for this.

The KU Athletic Department decided to change the team uniforms because, famously, a consultant decided that the university needed a unifying font. Yeah. Never mind that to most basketball fans, Kansas’ old "circus" font was the most distinctive thing on the uniform besides the Jayhawk itself.

So as basketball season approaches, I’m prepared to smile and cheer while wincing. I just hope none of the players try to wear dark socks with white sneakers.