21 Once-Popular Fashion Trends That Would Cause Outrage If Revived Today
In the ever-evolving fashion world, trends come and go, often leaving behind cringe-worthy moments. While some styles are fondly remembered for their nostalgia-inducing charm, others are best left in the past. Here, we take a trip down memory lane to revisit 21 once-popular fashion trends that would undoubtedly spark outrage if revived today.
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Mullets
Originating in the 1980s, the mullet is a hairstyle characterized by short hair on the front and sides and long hair at the back. While it enjoyed popularity then, its revival would likely provoke ridicule today due to its outdated and often mocked appearance. Associated with a bygone era of excess and questionable fashion choices, the mullet’s return would clash with contemporary style sensibilities.
Low-Rise Jeans
Once a staple of early 2000s fashion, low-rise jeans featured a waistline below the hips, often resulting in exposed underwear and awkward adjustments. While celebrities and fashionistas of the era embraced them, their comeback would likely be met with skepticism and discomfort in today’s fashion landscape. With a growing emphasis on comfort and body positivity, the unflattering fit and constant need for readjustment makes low-rise jeans a trend best left in the past.
Visible Thongs
A hallmark of early 2000s fashion, visible thongs deliberately showcased the waistband of one’s thong underwear above low-rise jeans. While this style choice was once considered trendy and provocative, it now feels dated and unnecessary. The days of purposefully displaying one’s underwear as a fashion statement are over. Today, visible thongs would likely be viewed as tacky.
Fur Coats
Once a symbol of luxury and status, fur coats have fallen out of favor recently due to growing concerns about animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Reviving this once-prevalent fashion trend would not only be seen as socially irresponsible but also insensitive to the ethical and environmental issues surrounding fur consumption.
Ed Hardy Everything
Ed Hardy clothing, adorned with flashy tattoo-inspired designs, epitomized early 2000s excess. Favored by celebrities, its revival would likely provoke eye-rolls rather than admiration. The brand’s gaudy aesthetic and over-the-top motifs no longer align with modern fashion sensibilities.
Trucker Hats
Once a ubiquitous accessory among celebrities and fashion influencers, trucker hats experienced a resurgence in the early 2000s before fading into obscurity. With their mesh back panels and adjustable snapback closures, these hats were often adorned with logos or quirky slogans. However, their association with early 2000s pop culture and mainstream fashion trends would make their revival unlikely to gain traction today.
Popped Collars
Popularized in the 1980s by preppy fashion icons, popping one’s collar was once considered a stylish statement of sophistication. However, its revival in today’s fashion landscape would likely be met with skepticism and ridicule. Seen as outdated and pretentious, popped collars evoke memories of a past era characterized by shameless displays of wealth.
Platform Flip-Flops
With their elevated soles and thong-style straps, they briefly captured the spotlight for their blend of comfort and style. However, their chunky design and impracticality now make them a relic of past trends. Reviving platform flip-flops in today’s fashion scene seems unlikely, as sleekness and versatility have become the new standards.
Visible G-Strings
A relic of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the trend of visible G-strings involved deliberately exposing the straps of one’s thong underwear above low-rise jeans or skirts. While it was once considered edgy and provocative, this style choice now feels dated and cringe-worthy.
Velour Tracksuits
Synonymous with leisure and luxury, velour tracksuits, favored by celebrities and trendsetters, experienced a surge in popularity during the early 2000s. Velour tracksuits are now more likely to be viewed as relics of a past era, best left to nostalgic reminiscence rather than contemporary style.
Juicy Couture Everything
A symbol of early 2000s excess and luxury, Juicy Couture clothing was once a coveted status symbol among fashion enthusiasts, with its velour fabric, bold logos, and rhinestone embellishments. However, their association with a bygone era of wealth and luxury would make their revival challenging.
Jelly Sandals
A staple of childhood summers for many, jelly sandals were once a popular footwear choice among individuals seeking comfort and style. However, their association with childhood nostalgia and whimsical charm would not be sufficient reason for people to start wearing them again today.
Shutter Shades
Made famous by celebrities and musicians in the late 2000s, shutter shades were a quirky accessory favored by trendsetters seeking to make a bold fashion statement. However, their association with a fleeting moment in pop culture history isn’t sufficient for today’s comeback. They are best suited for “dress up” parties.
Visible Bra Straps
A relic of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the trend of visible bra straps involved deliberately showcasing one’s bra straps as a fashion statement. While it was once considered edgy and rebellious, this style choice now feels dated and unrefined.
Bleached Tips
A hallmark of 1990s pop culture, bleached tips were a popular hair trend among male celebrities and musicians seeking to make a bold style statement. However, their association with an outdated era of boy bands and pop idols consigns them to Halloween parties today.
Tribal Tattoos
Once considered trendy and edgy, tribal tattoos have fallen out of favor recently due to changing attitudes towards cultural appropriation and body art. Their association with cultural insensitivity and superficial trend-chasing makes them a relic of the past.
Bell Bottoms
A symbol of 1970s counterculture and bohemian style, bell bottoms were popular among hippies and disco dancers seeking to make a bold statement. Bell bottoms aren’t out! They do come back in style occasionally. However, the trend now leans towards straighter-leg styles like skinny jeans or mom jeans. Today’s fashion embraces a broader range of silhouettes, and bell bottoms might wait for their next turn in the trend cycle.
Bucket Hats
Once a staple accessory among fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts, bucket hats surged in popularity in the 1990s before fading into obscurity. Unlike other hat options like baseball caps or beanies, bucket hats might not be practical for all occasions. Ultimately, people wear what they feel comfortable and stylish in, and bucket hats might not suit modern tastes.
Track Jackets with Pop Collars
A symbol of 1980s preppy fashion, track jackets with popped collars were popular among style-conscious individuals. Popped collars add visual bulk and can appear dated. Second, the association with 80s and 90s pop culture and some rebellious figures makes it less versatile. Finally, practicality often wins – a popped collar can be uncomfortable and obstruct movement.
Puka Shell Necklaces
A symbol of 1990s surf culture and beach fashion, puka shell necklaces were a popular accessory among beachgoers and sun worshippers seeking to add a laid-back cool to their outfits. Trends move on, and their surfer-chic vibe might feel dated. Cultural appropriation concerns exist, as puka shells aren’t always sourced respectfully. Some might associate them with a bygone era or see them as cliché tourist souvenirs.
Visible Logo Mania
A hallmark of 1990s and early 2000s fashion, logo mania involved the conspicuous display of brand logos and symbols on clothing and accessories. Characterized by bold and often oversized branding, logo mania is associated with an outdated era of conspicuous consumption and logo-centric fashion, challenging its revival.
