Buzz
Fashion is ever-evolving, often reviving old styles with a modern touch. However, some iconic trends from the past are better left in history.
From questionable outfits to outdated hairstyles, certain trends have defined past fashion eras despite their lack of practicality and appeal. Even with the resurgence of '90s and Y2K styles, some retro looks are best left as memories. No matter how trendy they might appear, these fads should remain in the past.
Get ready for a journey through fashion's most regrettable moments! From neon leg warmers to mullets, here are the top 10 trends that should never return.
10. Parachute Pants
Who doesn’t remember the swishy, noisy era of parachute pants? These baggy, pocket-filled trousers with built-in belts dominated '80s and '90s street fashion. Popularized by hip-hop icons like MC Hammer, they were crafted from nylon, creating a signature swishing sound with every step.
Breakdancers adored parachute pants for their loose fit and urban vibe, but they weren’t exactly practical or flattering. Their oversized design, often paired with matching nylon tops, could easily overpower smaller body types. Plus, storing these bulky pants in a backpack or locker was a nightmare. Let’s keep these loud, puffy relics in the past where they belong.
9. Jelly Shoes
Bright, chunky jelly shoes were a staple for '80s and '90s kids. Made from rubber or PVC, these sandals came in vibrant neon colors to complement any outfit. They were waterproof and easy to clean, though their thin straps often left wearers with awkward tan lines in the summer.
Despite their playful appeal, jelly shoes offered little support and often caused smelly feet when worn with socks. The loud slapping noise they made on hard surfaces was enough to annoy parents and teachers alike. Even today, the sound of jelly shoes still triggers nostalgia—and cringes—for Gen Xers and Millennials. Let’s leave these rubbery sandals in the retro archives.
8. Mullets
The mullet—short in the front, long in the back—became a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s and '80s. Icons like David Bowie and Billy Ray Cyrus embraced this bold hairstyle, inspiring athletes and celebrities to adopt its edgy vibe. For a time, mullets were sported by men, women, and even children.
However, the mullet's appeal eventually faded. It became the butt of jokes on TV shows and comedy sketches, often labeled as one of the worst hairstyles ever. While some attempt to revive it as a nostalgic statement, most agree it’s best left in the past. Maintaining a mullet requires constant effort to avoid a messy appearance, and few can genuinely pull off this divisive look. It’s time to retire this style for good.
7. Scrunchies
Scrunchies were the ultimate hair accessory in the '80s and '90s. These oversized, fabric-covered elastics were bulkier than standard hair ties and came in vibrant, silky colors. Teenagers amassed collections of scrunchies to coordinate with their outfits, styling them on ponytails, braids, and more.
However, the charm of oversized scrunchies faded as sleeker, more discreet hair ties gained popularity. Outside of nostalgic trends, scrunchies now appear bulky and childish for grown women. They often create uneven lumps in hairstyles and struggle to stay in place on fine or silky hair. While scrunchies hold a special place in '80s and '90s fashion, it’s best to leave them in the era of mall bangs and crimped locks.
6. Super Low-Rise Jeans
Ultra low-rise jeans were a defining trend of the late '90s and early 2000s, with waistbands dipping perilously close to the hips. Celebrities like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera popularized this style, making belly button piercings a mainstream accessory.
Yet, the extreme exposure of low-rise jeans made them impractical and unflattering for daily wear.
Sitting down became a risky endeavor, requiring constant adjustments to avoid embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions. Most body types simply don’t suit the extreme cut of these jeans. While low-rise styles occasionally resurface, moderation is crucial. Let’s keep the ultra-low-cut designs in the early 2000s where they belong.
5. Visors
Visors became a staple '90s accessory, perfect for shielding eyes from the sun while flaunting stylish hairdos. Initially popular among tennis players and golfers, they quickly entered mainstream fashion. Teens and college students wore them backward or at a slant to amp up their cool factor.
However, the practicality of visors couldn’t compensate for their resemblance to clueless tourists or off-duty mall cops. They left odd tan lines on foreheads and provided no protection for the rest of the face. As the trend faded, visors became synonymous with awkward dads and eccentric golfers. While they hold nostalgic value, their disappearance from fashion makes sense. Modern times demand wide-brimmed hats over partial solutions!
4. Frizzy Perm Hair
The 1980s saw perms rise to fame for creating voluminous, bouncy curls—bigger was always better. Frizzy, teased perms with extreme volume became iconic, though they were hard to manage. Women relied on oversized curling irons and endless cans of Aqua Net hairspray to achieve towering, gravity-defying styles.
However, over time, voluminous permed hair became linked to the over-the-top styles of Jersey Shore and the dramatic '80s aesthetic. The constant teasing and perming resulted in dry, brittle hair prone to frizz and breakage. Additionally, the high-maintenance routine required for perms is impractical for most. While retro finger waves occasionally resurface, the consensus is that the massive '80s perms are best left in the past. Today, healthy, natural hair is the preferred choice.
3. Hyper-Colored Eyeshadow
During the 1980s and '90s, vibrant, bold eyeshadow was a must for a night out. Shades like electric blue or neon pink, often applied up to the brows, were popular—the more dramatic, the better. Icons like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Paula Abdul made these striking looks iconic.
However, highly pigmented, shimmery eyeshadow can overwhelm mature eyes and tends to crease. In daytime settings, these intense colors often appear out of place and unprofessional. While bold eyeshadow still appears on runways and red carpets, most people now prefer softer, neutral tones for everyday wear. Let’s reserve the disco-inspired shades for Halloween or themed parties.
2. Acid Wash Jeans
No ’80s denim style screamed “radical” louder than acid wash jeans. These jeans achieved their distinctive faded, splotchy appearance through chemical treatments like acids and bleach, giving new denim a weathered look. Popularized by bands like Guns N’ Roses, acid-wash jeans became a hallmark of heavy metal fashion.
However, the rugged, edgy aesthetic eventually fell out of favor with mainstream audiences. The unique fading and patterns of acid-wash jeans were hard to replicate at home, limiting customization. Additionally, the chemical treatments left the fabric stiff and uncomfortable, rather than soft and broken-in. While acid wash jeans remain a nostalgic costume choice, modern denim trends favor softer, more wearable styles. Let’s leave the acid wash trend in the hard-rocking ’80s where it belongs.
1. Stirrup Pants
Stirrup pants, featuring a snug fit from thigh to ankle with fabric loops for the feet, rose to fame during the 1980s aerobics craze and remained popular into the ’90s. Made from stretchy spandex, they offered flexibility and showcased toned legs, making them a go-to choice for workouts and casual wear.
However, the tight ankle bands and restrictive fit eventually lost favor as looser, more comfortable styles gained popularity. Stirrup pants often caused awkward tan lines and bulges around the ankles if too tight, and putting on or removing shoes became a hassle. While they hold nostalgic value, it’s best to reserve stirrup pants for ’80s-themed parties. Modern alternatives like leggings and joggers provide the same comfort without the inconvenience.
