The Style Ref's Hails & Fails: Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Fashion & Style So Far

Sochi 2014 is finally here and as expected, there has already been plenty to talk about. The Winter Games may seem like a whole lot of snow and medals, but this international event has something for everyone, especially sports fans with a passion for fashion.

In honor of today's Opening Ceremony, The Style Ref breaks down the Hails (worth cheering about) and Fails (worth sneering about) of Winter Olympics fashion and style so far.

HAIL!

It's easy to take best dressed for team uniforms at the Olympics when you have a major fashion brand like Lacoste doing all the work. TSR roots for Team USA all the way, but France wins gold for uniform style.

fail.

Sochi Winter Olympics staff and volunteers had enough to worry about with the games approaching. Then they found out they had to wear these uniforms. Oh, dear.

HAIL!

This necklace is a beautiful way for Olympics fans to celebrate Sochi 2014. Plus, it's reusable for future Olympic Games, so don't view it as a splurge, but a worthwhile investment.

fail.

Fashion designers don't always get it right. Case in point: this Team USA Ceremony Cardigan by Ralph Lauren (which, by the way, is sold out online). Yes, quilts happen to be warm and part of American culture, but that doesn't mean Team USA has to wear sweaters made of them. We CAN do better than this.

HAIL!

This official cowbell is probably the best thing to come out of Sochi 2014 so far for Team USA fans. With all the worrisome news about terrorism and security, this is one thing the world needs more of. Cue Will Ferrell's SNL skit. Yeah, you're welcome.

fail.

Mexican skier Hubertus von Hohenlohe set out to make some kind of statement with his mariachi-themed speedsuit for Sochi 2014. It might get him a few laughs and extra television time, but this outfit makes a mockery of a competition that athletes take very seriously. Plus, out of context, he looks like a grown man wearing his childhood Halloween costume.

Do you think TSR got it right? Leave your Hails and Fails in the comments!

XO,

The Style Ref