Platform Shoes Are Back!
We all fall in love with certain fashion trends, and it's a sad day when we have to let go of them because the trend has faded. While most fashion is cyclical, some trends are likely gone forever. But before you try fitting into your old flared jeans, here are 10 fashion trends making a comeback and 10 gone forever.
1. Wide-Leg Trousers
A fashion staple of the '70s, wide-leg trousers with a modern twist are back in style. The era of skinny jeans is gone (for now) and has been replaced by these flowing silhouettes, which offer comfort and versatility.
2. Oversized Blazers
A blast from the '80s, power dressing is back. Oversized blazers add structure to casual outfits, and nicely complement jeans, dresses, or even the right pair of shorts. For men, relaxed suiting in boxy fits is trending, and women can cinch their blazers with a belt.
3. Chunky Sneakers
The "dad" sneaker trend that was popular in the '90s has come back with a vengeance. Brands like Nike have blended streetwear culture with nostalgia to create a shoe with a chunky sole and bold colors. These shoes are a statement piece and are also comfortable to wear.
4. Bucket Hats
One of the quirkier fashions from the '90s, bucket hats are now considered to be a fashion-forward staple. You can see bucket hats on runways and being worn by celebrities. They provide style and sun protection.
Muhammad Ruqi Yaddin on Unsplash
5. Flared Jeans
Bell-bottoms were a '70s classic and have managed to find their way back into the rotation. Modern versions are designed with high waists and subtle flares. They elongate the legs and pair well with platform shoes if you want to complete your Studio 54 look.
Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
6. Sheer Fabrics
Sheer clothing was popular in the '90s and early 2000s. It's making a comeback, and the contemporary style is to layer it with mesh tops, translucent blouses, and dresses. It's a playful style that exudes sophistication.
7. Leather Jackets with a Vintage Touch
The classic leather jacket was never fully out of style, but versions with a vintage twist are now fashion-forward. Think cropper biker jackets, bomber cuts, and distressed finishes. Men should wear boxy moto jackets, and women can look for cropped and belted versions.
Michael Satterfield on Unsplash
8. Platform Shoes
Modern versions of the platform shoes combine comfort with a dramatic flair. You can find platforms on boots, sneakers, and sandals. They're a unisex trend that offers a hint of nostalgia.
9. Polo Shirts
The preppy polo look from classic John Hughes movies is back with a vengeance. Designers are offering oversized and slim-fit versions along with bold colors and playful textures.
10. Corset-Inspired Tops
Corsets were long seen as restrictive garments, but have returned as an empowering fashion statement. You can wear one over a shirt or built into a dress. They celebrate curves and add a touch of elegance.
1. Low-Rise Jeans
These jeans were one of the defining looks of the early 2000s, but have lost their appeal over the years. They were uncomfortable and have been replaced by high-waist and mid-rise fits.
2. Extreme Shoulder Pads
Yes, structured blazers are one of the latest fashion trends, but the exaggerated shoulder pads of the '80s are not due for a comeback. They look cartoonish and feel outdated, compared to the sleek tailoring that's popular today.
3. Sagging Pants
These pants were quite the controversial trend in the 1990s and early 2000s, but have largely disappeared from our closets. They were once associated with rebellion, but now feel old-fashioned.
4. Neon Everything
While a pop of neon on some clothing is welcomed and might resurface, the head-to-toe neon look is retired. Full fluorescent looks clash with modern aesthetics, and today's trends favor muted tones.
5. Juicy Couture Velour Tracksuits
A fashion touchstone of the early 2000s, these rhinestone-embellished tracksuits were once popular among celebrities, but are now considered to be overly kitschy and tacky. This type of fashion has evolved into sleeker and more versatile sportswear.
6. Cropped Vests Over T-Shirts
Teens in the mid-2000s loved wearing short vests over tees, but current teens don't seem interested in following in their footsteps. The look feels "costumey" and doesn't reflect modern streetwear. Today's layering is about cleaner and more intentional silhouettes.
christian erra on Unsplash7. Hammer Pants
You shouldn't be surprised about this one. Popularized by MC Hammer in the 1990s, these big, bold drop-crotch pants offer nothing except nostalgia. Their extreme proportions align with modern fashion sensibilities, while leaning toward tailored clothing.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture on Wikimedia
8. Trucker Hats
The Von Dutch trucker hat dominated the early 2000s, but currently has zero cool factor. Celebrities embraced them, making the style oversaturated, and it quickly became dated. Modern hats are more minimalist, and logos aren't as appealing.
9. Glitter Body Makeup
A weird fashion trend from the late '90s and early 2000s, body glitter was often found on the dancefloor of the club. Today's beauty trends are more about subtle shimmer and glow, rather than a layer of heavy glitter. It may still make an appearance at themed parties, but it's unlikely to elbow its way back into mainstream fashion.
10. Ed Hardy Graphic Overload
Ed Hardy's rhinestone-covered, tattoo-inspired clothing was a defining look of the mid-2000s, reflective of the "bling" era. It quickly faded thanks to its over-the-top aesthetic as fashion turned away from bold graphics and flashy prints. These types of embellishments are dated in today's fashion landscape, which favors minimalism and subtle flourishes.
