13 Style Moments That Make Everyone Cringe Now
Fashion often leads us to experiment with styles that, in hindsight, we might wish we’d skipped. Most people have at least a few trends in their past they’d rather forget.
These 13 fashion trends are commonly regretted, and knowing about them can help you avoid making the same style missteps.
Parachute Pants
Parachute pants were the baggy, shiny trousers that exploded in the 1980s. At the time, they seemed unique, but their oversized shape and material didn’t flatter every outfit.
Styling parachute pants was tricky, and pairing them with the right top or shoes wasn’t simple. They often ended up awkward or overly casual.
These pants have resurfaced, now mixed with modern styles. If you want to try them again, look for slimmer cuts or lighter fabrics.
Uncomfortable High Heels
Many of us have bought stunning high heels only to regret it after a night out. The discomfort quickly overshadows their beauty.
High heels can feel like a foot torture device, especially if they’re too tall or poorly designed. Blisters, sore arches, and aching calves are common complaints.
It’s easy to fall for style over practicality, especially with trends like sky-high platforms and skinny stilettos. Look for heels that balance fashion with support, such as kitten or block heels.
JNCO Jeans
JNCO jeans, famous in the ’90s, were known for their ultra-wide legs. They dragged on the ground, making walking tricky and sometimes messy.
Wearing JNCOs made a bold statement about individuality and rebellion. Now, they’re often remembered as a fashion experiment that didn’t age well.
Some are bringing them back with a modern twist, mixing nostalgia with current trends. If you try them again, expect attention—and maybe a few laughs.
Bedazzled Clothing
The early 2000s saw a surge in bedazzled clothing, with rhinestones and glitter on everything from jeans to purses. Brands like Juicy Couture and Ed Hardy helped make this look popular.
Wearing bedazzled items gave a flashy, glamorous vibe, but the heavy sparkle and busy designs could feel over the top. Bedazzling was a way to express personality boldly.
Bedazzled styles are making a comeback, attracting a new generation who enjoy customizing their clothes. If you loved sparkles once, you might be tempted again.
Excessively Shiny Fabrics
Shiny fabrics once promised instant glamour but often ended up overpowering. Too much shine can steal the spotlight from you and make outfits feel excessive.
These materials work best when balanced with other textures. Wearing them head-to-toe can look more like a costume than a chic choice.
Some shiny fabrics also don’t flatter every skin tone or hair texture. If a piece feels overwhelming, it might simply not suit your features.
While trendy on runways, shiny fabrics rarely work for everyday wear. Old photos can be a reminder of why this trend is best in moderation.
Overly Baggy Trousers
Super baggy trousers were once everywhere, offering comfort and a relaxed look. But they could end up feeling bulky and unflattering.
If they’re too oversized, baggy pants can swallow your shape and make outfits look less put-together. There’s a fine line between comfort and looking sharp.
If you want to try oversized pants, consider a style that suits your body without going overboard.
Tie-Dye Overload
Tie-dye once seemed like a fun way to add color to your wardrobe. But wearing it constantly could feel overwhelming.
The bright, swirling patterns can be hard to match with other pieces. Styling tie-dye for everyday wear is often a challenge.
The trend has made a comeback for its nostalgic and playful vibe. Still, it’s easy to go overboard, especially when it shifts from a summer staple to an all-season attempt.
For a modern take, try softer pastels or subtle designs that blend better with your wardrobe.
Low-Rise Jeans
Low-rise jeans were huge in the early 2000s, but they could be tricky to wear. Sitting well below the waist, they often made it hard to bend or sit comfortably.
Many found them uncomfortable and not flattering for all body types. If you weren’t careful, low-rise jeans could feel limiting and awkward to style.
Though they’ve made a comeback with updated fits, they still aren’t for everyone. Look for modern versions that offer more coverage and comfort.
Frosted Lip Gloss
Frosted lip gloss was a ’90s staple, giving lips a shiny, icy finish. It was bold but didn’t always flatter every skin tone.
The frosted shine could make lips look dry or uneven, especially in certain lighting. Updated versions now offer smoother, more wearable finishes.
Pairing frosted gloss with lip liner was popular then; today, a more natural outline keeps the look fresh. Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Lizzo are bringing new life to this nostalgic style.
Visible Thongs
The visible thong trend from the late ’90s and early 2000s involved letting your thong peek over low-rise jeans. It was called the “whale tail” look and felt edgy at the time.
Today, the trend gets mixed reactions and can be seen as too revealing. Wearing your underwear as outerwear isn’t always the most polished choice.
Visible thongs have made a comeback with the Y2K revival and celebrity influence. Stars like Kim Kardashian have brought this look back with a modern twist, framing it as a statement of body confidence.
It’s important to balance how much skin you show depending on the occasion. Pairing with the right outfit can make the look feel more intentional.
Excessive Rhinestones
Rhinestones once adorned everything from jeans to shoes. The initial sparkle brought a sense of fun and boldness.
However, piling on rhinestones can quickly become overwhelming. Too much shine often makes an outfit feel more flashy than fashionable.
Minimalism later took over, but rhinestones still appear occasionally. Choosing a few subtle accents is usually more stylish than going all out.
Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads defined ’80s power dressing. They appeared on blazers, dresses, and even casual shirts.
Wearing them often made you feel more confident at work. But in hindsight, the bulky silhouette could be tough to pull off.
Shoulder pads are set to return in 2025, this time with a modern update. Today’s versions are sharper and more tailored, adding a sleek edge.
When styled right, shoulder pads offer flattering structure that can boost your confidence without overpowering your look.
Velour Tracksuits
Velour tracksuits were the must-have look of the early 2000s. Soft, comfy, and often bedazzled with rhinestones, they made you feel both cozy and glamorous.
Celebrities like Paris Hilton wore them everywhere. As fashion shifted, velour quickly became a trend many hoped would fade away.
Bringing one out today might feel a bit dated. The bulky fit and bright colors can easily look out of place in modern streetwear.
Designers are now experimenting with new cuts and styles. You might spot refreshed versions that blend nostalgia with today’s comfort trends.
