Fashion is ever-evolving, and while some dress styles have become timeless classics, others have fallen out of favor for a reason. If you want to keep your wardrobe fresh and flattering, it’s time to retire these outdated dress styles. Here some dress styles that are unflattering, outdated and tacky.
1. Unbalanced High-Low Hemlines
High-low dresses were once the go-to for formal events, but their time has well and truly passed. The dramatic difference between the front and back hems can make your outfit look not only unbalanced but hugely outdated. Stick to symmetrical hemlines for a timelessly chic look.
2. Dated Bubble-Hem Dresses
Bubble-hem dresses might be in right now, but they won’t last very long, so don’t bother buying into the fad. They tend to look juvenile and awkward. The hem also creates an unflattering silhouette, making your hips appear wider and your legs shorter. Skip this trendy dress and shop for a more classic hemline instead.
3. Tricky Peplum Dresses
Peplum dresses were everywhere a few years ago, but you’d be hard-pressed to find them in fashionable circles now. The extra fabric around the waist can add bulk to your figure, making you appear wider than you really are. If you have a peplum dress in your closet, it might be time to bin it and shop for a sleeker silhouette that will accentuate your natural shape, not obscure it.
4. Fussy Cold Shoulder Dresses
The cold shoulder trend has overstayed its welcome. While it was once a cute way to show some skin, the cutout shoulders can make your proportions look off, and really, it’s a plainly tacky fashion choice. Consider retiring this style in favor of a dress with either full sleeves or a sleeveless design for a more current look.
5. Tacky Bodycon Bandage Dresses
Bodycon bandage dresses were once all the rage, but now they often look overly tight and uncomfortable. Not only can these dresses highlight every bump and curve, but they also make you look like you haven’t updated your wardrobe in at least a decade. Opt for a dress that hugs your body without constricting it for a more modern and polished appearance.
6. Shapeless Tent Dresses
Tent dresses might be comfortable, but they entirely lack shape and can make you look like you’re drowning in fabric. This style hides your figure rather than accentuating it. Pack away the tent dresses and switch to a classic A-line silhouette that is effortlessly chic and timeless.
7. Overly Ruffled Dresses
Ruffles can add interest to a piece of clothing, but dresses with excessive ruffles can overwhelm your frame and create a blur of fabric that doesn’t do anything for your look. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear ruffles; just keep them minimal and focus on clean, simple lines to look your best-dressed self.
8. Gothic Lace Overlay Dresses
Lace overlay dresses were once the epitome of elegance, but today, they can feel overly ornate and dated. If you love lace, try looking for more modern iterations of these dresses to keep your style fresh. Or, if you like the idea of an overlay, try shopping for a mesh overlay dress instead of lace for a trendier, more modern look.
9. Boring Drop Waist Dresses
Drop waist dresses were popular in the 1920s, and 100 years later, they’ve made a slight comeback in fashion. Though they look great, most of us can’t pull this style off. The drop waist can make your torso look longer and your legs shorter, creating an unbalanced silhouette. Skip the drop-waist in favor of dresses that accentuate your natural waistline.
10. Unflattering Empire Waist Dresses
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum from a drop-waist dress is the empire waist dress. This waistline was once a favorite for its ability to create a flowing silhouette, but it can also make your chest look disproportionately large while hiding your natural waist. This is especially true if you already naturally have a larger bust. Try to shop for dresses with a waistline that sits close to your own natural waistline for the most chic look.
11. Maxi Dresses with Busy Prints
Maxi dresses with loud, busy prints can be overwhelming, especially if the print doesn’t complement your body shape. These dresses can warp people’s perceptions and make you appear larger than you actually are. It also makes you look like you’re drowning in fabric. If you’re shopping for maxi dresses, look for solid colors or ones with subtle patterns that enhance your figure rather than overpower it.
12. Awkward Off-the-shoulder Dresses
Off-the-shoulder dresses with elastic bands can be tricky. The sleeves ride up and down constantly, which means you’re constantly awkwardly adjusting your outfit, which can draw unwanted attention. The elastic can also create unflattering bulges. If you love the off-the-shoulder look, choose a dress with a more structured neckline to avoid constant readjusting.
13. Stiff Sheath Dresses
Sheath dresses are timeless, but when they’re overloaded with sequins, beads, and other embellishments, they can look outdated and tacky. When it comes to a sheath dress, they have a universally flattering silhouette that doesn’t need all the bells and whistles of embellishments. Let the dress naturally shine on its own.
14. Halter Neck Dresses
Halter neck dresses can be flattering, but when paired with heavy fabrics, they can create a bulky, awkward look. These dresses are meant to be free-spirited and flowy in a chiffon or viscose fabric. The best halter neck dresses should drape elegantly and flow freely as you move around. If your dress is weighed down by heavy, chunky fabric, you could be accidentally ruining your whole look.
15. Overly Casual Shirt Dresses
Shirt dresses can be a great casual option, but most of the time, these shirt dresses have no shape or structure, which can make you look boxy and shapeless. Try cinching in the waist of your shirt dress with a belt to create a playful and defined silhouette. Or, skip this frumpy style altogether and opt for a different type of dress to look your best self in.