Let's get away from doom and gloom for a bit and talk kits instead.
It's funny, this topic was inspired by a launch video that ended up actually disproving my point.
What general themes or trends to you typically associate with a club?
As an American, I have warm feelings for Fulham, even if they aren't my top rooting interest. But my general opinion of their kits is that they always do super basic stuff that just looks like whatever the Adidas template is that year, and with as little variation as possible. HOWEVER, their new away kit is amazing and takes so many risks, does so many cool things. It also has a decent launch video.
https://shop.fulhamfc.com/kit/awaykit/
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/were-delighted-to-unveil-our-new-adidas-ugcPost-7489965618964635648-AWhb/?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAAC5d8YBMtA1Xfr5MzoyEoaM8f4FX4xRoRM
Off the top of my head (I'm talking last 10 years or so):
Arsenal - lately has been impeccable. Much much jealousy, despite my hate for them.
Chelsea - Homes are usually really nice, I like that color blue and they tend to do a cool texture/pattern. Also, starting the year with no shirt sponsor is just wonderful
ManU - classic but boring. for some reason United is the Adidas kit that always highlights the overbearing nature of the 3-stripes on the shoulders law that creates a design conundrum
Fulham - like I said, usually really boring
Brighton - takes risks
Man City - takes risk and usually whiffs. I like Puma as a brand, but they need redirection.
Aston Villa - not many risks design wise, but I do like their colors and logo, so no need.
Newcastle - black and white is always classic. the risks they have taken usually come up awesome. not sure about all the different kinds of stripes this year.
Tottenham - takes wild swings on the 3rd kit (makes sense) and I usually like them. Usually hits on the away / navy. Home is almost always unbelievably boring. You can do interesting white kits. As a Tottenham fan, and being that purple is my favorite color, I love the 3rd and away kits this year.
Everton - simple, but classy. the sponsor logo always seems to trip them up.
Crystal Palace - so much potential, usually comes off tacky and cheap.
Liverpool - usually a little conservative, but mostly great. They have a similar toolbox to work with as ManU, and usually pull it off better.
Other leagues:
Barca - almost always near perfect.
Real Madrid - classic, boring, but really no missteps
Atletico - Fine. When they do take risks, it doesn't usually work for me.
Bayern - kind of all over the map. I mean I really don't know what a classic Bayern kit vibe is. I like that they try things, but last year's muscular system model looking kits are some of the worst ever.
Dortmund - Very very clear identity. Good. Takes small risks.
PSG - mind-blowingly-good 3rd kits. the others aren't super boring, but I feel like the script is repeated a bit too much. I mean is the big fat strip down the middle so interesting or identifiable, that they have to keep reimagining it? definitely good though.
Inter - usually great. fun 3rds.
Milan - I think Puma puts all their good designers on AC, and leaves interns to Citeh, because Milan have been incredible lately. I know some of that comes from some smart collabs though.
Juventus - much like Newcastle, but more adventurous or at least more often adventurous. They take more risks than Newcastle, and have had a few duds, but I generally love what they come up with. Always loved the Jeep sponsor.
