Shoulder Pads Were Never a Good Look
Every era has its defining looks. From skinny jeans to bucket hats, some weird styles took off for one reason or another and despite initial reception. These styles were ditched as fashion changed, but they still have a place in history thanks to their uniqueness. Here are 20 off-putting looks that surprisingly caught on.
1. Low-Rise Jeans
In the 2000s, women wore low-rise jeans even though they were initially polarizing. These hip huggers exposed the midriff and weren't very comfortable. Fueled by pop stars, they became one of the most iconic fashion trends of the early millennium.
2. Crocs
Crocs were originally dismissed as unattractive and impractical. They served a purpose as gardening footwear, but found their way into mainstream fashion thanks to their comfort. Healthcare workers were big fans of Crocs.
3. Shoulder Pads
People in the 1980s loved their shoulder pads. They exaggerated the body into a boxy, triangular shape that was unnatural. This sculpted look defined power dressing throughout the decade and was a symbol of authority in Corporate America. That said, they looked pretty ridiculous, and it's no surprise that they were out of circulation by the 1990s.
JüBa001 (talk) 09:47, 9 June 2021 (UTC) on Wikimedia
4. Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s despite many people considering them to be unflattering. Their skin-tight silhouette went against baggier denim trends that came before them.
5. Bucket Hats
Even the name of this item is off-putting. These quirky fishermen's accessories were long considered to be functional but dorky. They lacked structure, but streetwear culture made them popular staples in hip-hop, festival fashion, and designer collections.
6. The Mullet
"Business in the front, party in the back" was the inexplicable appeal of the mullet haircut. It's one of history's most ridiculed hairstyles thanks to its mismatched lengths and awkwardness. Somehow, it not only caught on but has even made a small comeback.
7. Platform Shoes
Platforms skyrocketed to popularity in the 1970s as part of disco culture, but the soles were clunky and cartoonish. Their impracticality didn't stop them from being a must-have item for anyone hoping to get into Studio 54.
8. JNCO Jeans
These ultra-wide-legged jeans were all the rage despite being mocked for their enormous proportions. They eliminated the wearer's body shape and were a bit hard to walk in.
9. Fanny Packs
Fanny packs were once exclusively worn by nerdy tourists, but their functionality won people over. Their placement around the waist and hips felt and looked unfashionable, only for them to be eventually embraced by houses like Prada.
10. Ugg Boots
Initially viewed as unattractive and bulky, Ugg boots gained global popularity thanks to their unparalleled comfort, warmth, and celebrity endorsements. Uggs are still winter essentials and worn by students and influencers alike.
11. Parachute Pants
In the 1980s and thanks to MC Hammer, people wore shiny, noisy, large, and futuristic parachute pants. They were unconventional-looking, but breakdancing culture helped them surge in popularity. The fun was short-lived as parachutes were returned to their rightful place, helping people safely jump out of planes.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture on Wikimedia
12. The Man Bun
Critics called the man bun sloppy, overly trendy, and too hipster even for hipsters. The style was quickly adopted by men with long hair who found it to be a cleaner alternative to loose strands. Many celebrities and athletes boosted its appeal.
13. Clashing Patterns
Wearing many bold patterns at once was totally chaotic and is an affront to traditional styles. However, fashion brands pioneered a deliberate use of clashing patterns. They marketed it as a form of artistic expression, even though it was blinding to look at.
14. Overly Distressed Jeans
Ripped jeans were originally a sign of anti-establishment rebellion, only to become a fashion staple. Sure, they were messy and sometimes inappropriate, but youth culture ate it up. Today, styles ranging from minor frays to dramatic shredded designs can be found on runways and in everyday wardrobes.
15. The Bowl Cut
The symmetry and blunt shape of the classic bowl cut is cool, but it also earns its awkward and childish reputation. It has resurfaced as an edgy look thanks to K-pop stars and high fashion society.
16. Socks With Sandals
Long mocked as a faux pas, socks with sandals are not a fashionable comfort choice. The trend's practicality appealed to younger generations and designers, and there's even a streetwear influence woven into this current trend.
17. Neon Clothing and Makeup
Highlighter-bright colors were once dismissed for being too garish and loud. Once the 1980s hit, neon saturated fashion trends, and became a symbol of youthful energy and club culture. The trend popped back up decades later and has found new life in sportswear and certain street styles.
18. Chunky Sneakers
These "dad sneakers" with oversized soles and weird shapes were once ridiculed for their orthopedic appearance. However, these sneakers rose to the level of high fashion thanks to brands like Balenciaga and Fila.
19. Sagging Pants
Sagging pants are worn low on the hips to expose underwear. The look started in hip-hop culture before spreading into mainstream fashion. They look more sloppy than defiant, but have had a distinct impact on streetwear and remain highly influential.
20. The "No Eyebrows" Look
The bleached or fully shaved eyebrow trend is unsettling since eyebrows are key to framing facial expressions. Removing them makes the face look somewhat alien, and people weren't used to seeing this look off the runway. It eventually became a beauty statement embraced by many who loved its ability to transform a face.
