Fashion trends come and go and some die and go to sartorial heaven forever. And for good reason. “It’s important to keep up with the latest trends and dip into the ones that suit your age and body shape,” says fashion director Sarah Meikle. Wearing outdated trends or tricky trends that were never very cool in the first place will make you look out of style and out of touch faster than you can say parachute harem pants.
1. Embellished Denim
Overly embroidered or embellished denim has had its day according to Meikle. It can look tacky, age you and make you look like you are trying way too hard. It’s always better to go for classic styles and washes, nothing slashed or distressed, and always make sure your jeans suit your body shape.
2. Logo Overload
Wearing head-to-toe logos as a fashion flex will instantly label you as having no personal style. There’s an art to how you pull off logos without looking like a try-hard according to the style experts at Huff Post. It’s always worth investing in a classic timeless forever designer bag or shoe but if you overload on logos you risk looking like a fashion victim.
3. Pointy Shoes
Harsh pointy shoes have given way to a rounder almond-shaped toe, which is way more modern and flattering. Anything too pointed looks dates and can delve into witchy territory.
4. Crocs Cringe
Crocs might be practical, but they are ugly and show you have no fashion sense. If you need a casual shoe for summer or the beach, go for a chic pool slide and steer clear of platform flip-flops, these are tacky and uncool.
5. Trucker Caps
Trucker caps are OK at the beach, but wearing them as a fashion statement, particularly if they are emblazed with logos is unflattering and will make your style look lazy.
6. Transparent Skirts
The sheer naked trend, courtesy of skirts and dresses was all over the recent fashion runways according to Vogue. Just because it’s on trend, doesn’t mean runway translates to reality. Honestly unless you’re Naomi Campbell, leave this one for the models, it’s too revealing, will show up your flaws, and age you faster than you can say naked.
7. Chunky Sneakers
Chunky platform sneakers are known as ugly shoes for good reason. They are bulky, unflattering, and will drown out your outfit. Keep it slimline and chic, why do you think the Adidas Samba is still going strong?
8. 80s Blazers
A badly cut, 80s boxy blazer is shapeless and can make you look like you’re wearing a tent. It’s OK to go for an oversized fit, as long as it’s well cut, you get your proportions right and it doesn’t have outdated exaggerated 80s shoulder pads.
9. Neon Brights
A pop of color helps to break up an outfit, especially if you’re a fan of core colors like black, navy, and gray. Steer clear of bright neon shades however, as they can look comical, aging, and totally uncool. Keep it chic and understated.
10. Slogan Tees
You don’t have to wear your heart on your shirt. In-your-face slogan tees plastered with random phrases and words like “Kale Yeah!”, look silly, try-hard, and the opposite of stylish. The days of Ed Hardy’s heavily tattoo-inspired graphics and bold prints are over.
11. Micro Bags
The micro bag trend was in for a hot minute, but unless you’re a runway model or fashion influencer, these look a little ridiculous. Not to mention impractical. What’s the point of carrying a bag if it won’t hold your everyday essentials? Invest in a classic designer bag that doesn’t bow down to trends and will last through the seasons.
12. Impractical Sunglasses
Sunglasses should never sacrifice function over style. Mini sunglasses, impossibly oversized, crazy colors and those useless shutter shades might look great on a runway or in a fashion shoot, but in reality, not so much. Choose sunglasses that will protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh UV rays and also suit your face shape.
13. Bubble Hems
80s fashion might be back on the radar but it was dubious the first time around. Case in point: The voluminous bubble hem dress and skirt which are a fleeting fad that don’t suit anyone and are anything but stylish.
14. Gladiator Sandals
Gladiator sandals are for gladiators. High-laced, heavy gladiator-style sandals, especially in metallic shades, are definitely out, totally unflattering, and have been retired for chic, minimalist sandal styles.
15. Cut Out Shoulders
Dresses and tops with cut-out shoulders, or overly slashed t-shirts might be a trend but they don’t suit everyone and can look seriously dated and show off your imperfections.
16. Bolero Jackets
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Short, cropped bolero jackets are best left for matadors. They are kind of tacky, not at all sophisticated, will cut you off, and are a trend that died long ago.