half the responses in this thread remind me why i gave up on forums a long while back.
some helmets ARE really ugly, or cheap or garish looking. or sit funny on your head (mushroom top) compared to others. it might have been stated better than referring to "looking like an idiot" but it's a fair question. it's not like there's a lack of choices. and if you are willing to spend more than 40 bucks you can certainly find something you like the look of. i'll tell you what, especially for someone who might be new to it and not realize why a helmet is actually important, having one they like the look of is one more incentive to actually wear it.
for instance i personally currently have the
Bontrager Starvos MIPS helmet based on price, reviews, and yes i like the look of it preferred to other comparable helmets in the price range.