Trendy No More: 13 Fashion Trends That Have Lost Their Appeal (and What to Wear Instead)

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While fashion trends constantly change, certain styles stand the test of time. 

Shopping for your wardrobe can be challenging when clothing trends regularly come in and out of style. Familiarizing yourself with outdated clothes and knowing what to buy instead will help you create a timeless closet. 

These are 13 fashion trends to avoid and what to wear instead.

Skinny Jeans

Slim-fitting skinny jeans rose in popularity throughout the early 2000s. Some clothing brands continued the trend with stretchy leggings designed to resemble denim. Skinny jeans were a staple in many closets for years but are being replaced with straight jean silhouettes. 

Shoppers are embracing their natural body shapes with structured yet comfortable straight-leg jeans. Straight jeans are flattering without being constrictive, making them a versatile daily pick. 

Short Ankle Boots

Short ankle boots have been a popular companion to skinny jeans for many years. However, this footwear style, like skinny jeans, is becoming less common as fashion trends shift. Reach for platform clogs instead of finishing your outfit with short ankle boots.

Platform shoes became famous in the 1970s and ‘80s and remain versatile through the decades. Chunky platform clogs are a practical yet stylish choice regardless of the season. They can easily be dressed up or down for different occasions.

Infinity Scarves

When temperatures drop, scarves are handy closet items that keep you warm and fashionable. Infinity scarves used to be a trendy accessory for fall and winter, but preference has shifted toward traditional knit scarves in recent years.

Chunky scarves knit from soft, cozy materials keep you warm without compromising style. Extra long scarves with eye-catching colors and patterns are a chic and easy way to tie an outfit together. A simple, oversized scarf can make a lasting impression if paired with the right pieces. 

Cargo Pants

Although cargo pants are functional, they often look messy and informal. Traditional cargo pants hide your figure with bulky pockets and have a utilitarian style that’s difficult to dress. Shop for loose, tailored silhouettes instead of picking a frumpy pair of cargo pants.

Lightly structured, wide-leg pants are more flattering and refined than old-fashioned cargo styles. A high-waisted pair of subtly tailored pants can be worn with many dressy or casual outfits. You can finish the look with a minimalistic shirt or a professional button-up, depending on the occasion.

Patterned and Denim Button-Downs

Brightly patterned and denim button-down shirts tend to look outdated. While neutral white options are a classic that can be worn in many ways, denim and patterned button-downs are no longer in style. Minimalistic, solid button-downs are becoming a more common choice in many wardrobes.

Rather than layering outfits with flannel or denim button-downs, opt for an oversized shacket. A shacket combines a jacket’s warmth with a shirt’s comfort. Shackets are ideal for transitioning seasons when temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, and they’re a more neutral option for layering.

Miniskirts

While short miniskirts have been in and out of fashion since the 1960s, they’re best left in the past. The clothing industry often markets miniskirts to young shoppers, and many consider the short silhouette unflattering. Miniskirts are also impractical, as their specific style makes finding complementary tops challenging.

Instead, shop for a lightweight mid-length skirt that hits below the knee and above the ankle. A relaxed midi skirt can instantly elevate a casual outfit. The length is flattering on various body types and pairs well with many shirts and accessories. 

Stiff Silhouettes

Overly structured pieces were a top fashion trend several decades ago. Shoulder pads, tailored blazers, and stiff pant silhouettes once dominated the runways. Today, relaxed fits are the norm in most closets.

Loose-fitting clothes give outfits a sense of movement and airiness. Many modern wardrobe basics, such as shirts, sweaters, and cardigans, are designed with an oversized fit. Rigid, angular clothing has fallen out of fashion as flowing, unstructured pieces have seized the limelight.

Shoulder Cut-Outs

Shirts with shoulder cut-outs, sometimes called cold-shoulder tops, have no place in a modern closet. The cold-shoulder style is overused and looks cheap. Wearing a top with shoulder cut-outs can also age your outfit, making you appear older.

Consider shirts incorporating sheer accents for the same breathability but an updated look. Shirts made with sheer materials are a refreshing alternative to cold-shoulder tops. Try a shirt with subtle sheer panels, or layer a completely sheer top with an undershirt. 

Bodycon Dresses

Skin-tight bodycon dresses had their time to shine but have lost appeal for many fashion lovers. Bodycon and bandage silhouettes emerged among the top mid-2000s fashion trends for their curve-hugging design. Their popularity has diminished recently in favor of looser dress styles.

Sleek slips and flowing dresses have an understated elegance that’s always on trend. These relaxed silhouettes offer more freedom and comfort than form-fitting options. Loose knee and calf-length dresses also flatter a wider variety of body shapes.

Chokers

Choker necklaces date back to the 19th century, though they were made famous by pop culture icons of the 1990s. Chokers have an edgy, rebellious style often associated with grunge fashion. While chokers typically have a simple design, many companies released brightly colored, youthful options at the peak of their popularity. As a result, the accessory often looks adolescent in style.

An easy way to modernize the choker trend is by layering necklaces of varying lengths. Layered necklaces allow you to mix metals and styles for a unique jewelry look. A simple outfit can become chic with a few intentional necklace choices that draw attention without overpowering your clothing.

Logos

The early 2000s experienced a fashion phenomenon known as logomania. Luxury brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton were among the first to incorporate bold, prominent logos into their pieces. Many streetwear companies capitalized on the trend with eye-catching logo designs, but logomania has been falling out of fashion recently.

Understated clothes featuring minimal logos are much more versatile and easy to style. Excessive amounts of logos can make an outfit look dated and overcomplicated. Neutral pieces with subtle branding are a good investment for any wardrobe. 

Lace-Up and Crisscross Tops

Shirts with lacing details and crisscross straps emerged as an homage to lace-up bodices from the Renaissance era. While tops with lace-up and crisscross accents rose to fame during the mid-2000s, they’re now waning in popularity. These tops can easily look cheap if made with low-quality materials, and their design is challenging to accessorize. 

Rather than a lace-up or crisscross top, consider bodysuits with classic necklines that can be styled in many ways. Bodysuits offer the same figure-flattering look but are more practical for daily life. 

Military-Style Jackets

For centuries, military clothing has inspired the fashion industry. Many pieces with tactical accents and camouflage prints have debuted on luxury runways. While certain aspects of military fashion can be subtly included in modern closets, trends have shifted away from military-style jackets.

Fashion military jackets often feature rugged designs like camo patterns and pockets. These jacket styles are unflattering and outdated, with heavy elements that can weigh an outfit down. Bomber jackets are a better way to incorporate military fashion. Leather and water-resistant bombers have a more timeless style that can be worn for years.   

Replace outdated fashion trends with timeless styles to maximize your wardrobe collection.

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Elevate your closet with footwear that’s always in style

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