By
Best Life Editors,
Best Life
There are pieces of clothing—like trench coats and white collared shirts—that are so elegant and flattering, they remain timeless. Then there are the styles that make you cringe when you look back on old photos and wonder, "What was I thinking?!" Those super low-rise jeans that you've kept since the early 2000s? They're only ever going to be useful again if you want to dress up as Christina Aguilera during her "Dirrty" days for Halloween. And, let's be honest: Your Uggs should only be used for warmth, not for a summer night out on the town. But since we could all use a laugh, it's time to look back at the dated fashion trends we think—and hope—will never come back in style.
1. Crocs
Crocs were originally designed for boating, so the fact that they became socially acceptable to wear on the street is a crime.
In addition to being hideous, they were also dangerous, coming under scrutiny at the peak of their popularity in 2006 after children who wore them started getting stuck in escalators.
The only acceptable use for a Croc these days is as a snuggly space for your dog or cat.
2. Overly Distressed Jeans
A little wear and tear here and there can look kind of rock and roll. But if your jeans make you look like you’ve been attacked by a wild animal, they are no longer fulfilling the basic purpose of pants.
3. Uggs With Skirts
When it’s cold out, Uggs can be a real lifesaver. But wearing them bare-legged with a miniskirt, as was the fashion in the early aughts, just doesn’t make sense.
You’ll look like a teenager up top and an Eastern European grandmother on the bottom.
4. Ornament Beards
Back in 2014, it became a hipster statement to decorate your beard with baubles around the holidays, or douse them in glitter. But your face is not a Christmas tree and we’re glad this trend died.
5. The Juicy Couture Sweatsuit
We can all safely admit now that the once-ubiquitous velour Juicy Couture sweatsuit is only meant for instances in which you’ll actually be sweating. For the gym or a long jog, we’ll accept your old Juicy sweats. But they’re not for everyday life, even if they were The Outfit Kim Kardashian Wore When She Met Kanye West.
6. Tiffany & Co. Charm Necklaces
A Tiffany & Co. charm necklace, a hot pink velour sweatsuit, and an oversized Louis Vuitton bag was basically the starter pack for a cool teenage girl in the early aughts. And while other jewelry from Tiffany’s will always be timeless, this heart-shaped accessory is a relic from a different era. Plus, it looks like dog collar.
7. Fur
Sadly, your grandmother’s mink stole probably won’t come in handy. Fur is increasingly considered extremely unethical, to the point where San Francisco recently became the largest U.S. city to ban its sales. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to go faux.
8. Handkerchief Tops
Yes, they’re comfortable and very useful when you’re going out for a burrito and want to hide your stomach, but the jagged edges are just sloppy and outdated. A cute oversized sweater can hide your food baby instead.
9. The Hawaiian Shirt
In Hawaii? Go for it. If not, leave your “Aloha shirt” at home.
10. Ponchos
In South America, ponchos—large pieces of fabric with a hole in the center for your head—are a part of the culture.
But, in 2004, it suddenly became trendy to wear one over jeans while out on a Starbucks run. The look got so crazy that Harper’s Bazaar actually listed a $1,500 Chloe “horse blanket poncho” as one of its “must-haves” for the fall season.
Luckily, we soon realized that the one-size-fits-all garment, while comfy and warm, also isn’t flattering. Let’s leave this one to those who created them.
11. Butterfly Clips
Even on 13 year olds, this is a cheap and gaudy look. There are better ways to get your hair out of your face than to appear like your only aspiration in life is to be a fairy princess.
11. Butterfly Clips Even on 13 year olds, this is a cheap and gaudy look. There are better ways to get your hair out of your face than to appear like your only aspiration in life is to be a fairy princess.
12. Body Glitter
You are not an elf. Plus, it’s nearly impossible to get this stuff off. Stay away.
13. Trucker Hats
Ashton Kutcher really made this look cool back in the day, but unless you’re actually a trucker, ditch the Von Dutch.
14. Low-Rise Jeans
Like the belly-button ring, low-rise jeans inspired a whole generation of eating disorders, and they’re best left in the past, especially if coupled with a thong sticking out.
15. Skintight Metallic
You don’t need to be sucked into something shimmery in order to let everyone know you shine. A touch of sparkle here and there is a better way to glow.
16. Denim Formalwear
The “Canadian Tuxedo”—a denim top with jeans on the bottom—has made a comeback. But denim has no place at a formal event.
In 2017, someone sold a T-shirt of these notorious Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake ensembles with the text “Never Forget.” We wish we could.
17. Zebra Prints
Thanks to the return of so many 1980s fashion trends, you can get away with a classy leopard-print look, but zebra prints? Leave them behind. Unfortunately, they just look cheap and dated.
18. Babydoll Dresses
Like baby talk, babydoll dresses are now considered infantilizing rather than sexy, given that a woman is neither a baby nor a doll. We’re not mourning this one.
19. Peasant Tops
If you’ve ever watched The O.C. or browsed a Victoria’s Secret catalog from 2003, you know this was a big trend. But, unless you’re a maiden laboring under the feudal system of medieval England, there’s really no reason to make this part of anyone’s wardrobe ever again.
20. Dresses Over Jeans
Dresses are meant to be worn with tights. Jeans are meant to be worn with tops. Never the two shall meet.
21. Tie-Dye
Only people who are on LSD appreciate the myriad of colors in a tie-dye shirt. No thank you!
22. Jelly Sandals
Made of PVC plastic and oftentimes coated with glitter, “Jellies” became a fad in the ’80s and ’90s, and were even touted by some high-end brands like Gucci.
But then we all realized that, in addition to being ugly, they lead to some serious swear-inducing callouses. We all smartly opted for flip-flops instead.
23. Plastic Heels
Sure, there may be some classy lucite heels out there, but any footwear that’s plastic will make you look like an extra from Pretty Woman.
