Do you like crazy cars, day drinking, sore feet, and the smell of burning rubber? Then buckle up, my friends, because it’s the most wonderful time of year–Auto Show Season! The time of year that I bring you new vehicle launches, breaking news from automakers, but most importantly, what people are wearing at auto shows. And there’s no better place to separate the Dudes from the Dbags than the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
What’s The SEMA Show?
First of all, know this: SEMA is, in fact, a trade show. It may look like an amusement park, a festival, or the world’s craziest car event. That’s because it is. The Specialty Equipment Market Association puts on this show every year, and it gets bigger, faster, and more exciting each year. This year’s event concluded with a bang! The third annual SEMA Fest — a huge, ticketed event open to the public that featured cars and music — this year’s headliners included Queens of the Stone Age and The Black Crowes. I love it for the cars, the people, the excitement, and of course, the amazing outfits. Let’s go!
What About The People?
Let’s just say that this show attracts all kinds of people. Some are Dudes:
Pink Made A Splash At SEMA
For example, this person, who is not a Dude:
There’s a lot to unpack here: the pink suit, the presidential hair, the cowboy boots. I’m happy to say I didn’t get a full frontal view.
This guy (NOT shown in a Honda booth) was enthusiastically pink, which, honestly, I respect and is Dude-worthy. Take it from the blonde woman who walks the show with her cleavage fully covered (you’re welcome), sticking out in a car show crowd is for the brave.
Speaking of brave, this fantastically fearless, rose-colored ensemble is brought to you by Gabe Ionica of Autoblog. Don’t miss the watch! That’s the definition of Dude.
Dbag Often Wear Warning Signs
Dbags at SEMA tend to be more outrageous here than they are at home. Or as one female cab driver put it to me during our 1/4 mile drive, which lasted 45 minutes, “What Happens At SEMA, Stays At SEMA!”
In the cases below, let’s hope so:
What a lovely young man, I’m glad to see he’s using his sizable ‘platform’ to reinforce a message of positivity, hope, and love.
And to this gentleman, that’s lovely. I’m sure you’re mother is very proud. Make sure to change your shirt before you take Granny to church or the kids to school.
Hair At SEMA 2025
That’s fun, good for you! I respect the creativity. However, the next time you reach for the bleach bottle, remember that there’s a fine line between fun, playful hair and human Labradoodle:
(Dude or Dbag?)
You know what else is fun? Starspotting! Like seeing Gene Simmons walk among mortals, greedily grabbing all the car show swag:
How About A Dbag Throwback?
Even though it’s 2025, some attendees were inspired to bring back some things that I thought we’d all outgrown. Like glitter micro-skirts and cleavage:
I can excuse one bad player. But when I saw this impromptu meet-up outside thw show, I worried that it was a trend:
Listen, I’m not adverse to bikini shots. God knows, my daughters love the swimsuit selfie. There’s just something about putting a half-naked girl in a crowd like this that makes a mother uncomfortable:
“He’s the one with the black baseball hat and a backpack!”
(Overheard at SEMA)
Speaking Of Dbags In Hats
How about some young, able-bodied fools cruising around the million square feet in motorized wheelchairs? Ok, I get it, you’re lazy and maybe under the influence. But if I find an old man standing next to the wheelchair area without wheels, I’m coming for you!
Guess who I’m NOT coming for?
I found this posse holding court in the middle of the pedestrian walkway with zero Fs given. What a bunch of Dudes! These are officially my new squad goals.
(Dude or Dbag?)
I Suppose You Wanna See Some Cars From SEMA 2025 🙄
Looking For A Race Flag Girl? Try Again!
I’d also like to give it up to these queens, who arrived wearing checkered pants and, whether consciously or unconsciously, threw the “Checkered Flag Girl” trope on its head. Bravo!
She was not alone.
And Now, A Formal Apology From SEMA 2025
I need to say a word to this fella.
Dear coffee holding, appropriate footwear-wielding, media Dude,
I know I wasn’t remotely subtle about capturing your image in the media center. I’m sorry I scared you. In all fairness, 1) Subtlety is not my forte, 2) a jean jumpsuit is! But, luckily for both of us, you wore it well.
Stay awesome,
Mama