Fashion is all about self-expression, but some trends, especially tricky ones, can instantly ruin your look. Wearing outdated trends can make you like a fashion victim or that you’ve given up. Retire these fashion and beauty looks ASAP to elevate your style game.
1. Dowdy Prairie Dresses
With their dowdy cut and dated prints, Prairie dresses can overwhelm your frame and make you look outdated. They also do nothing for your figure and can make you look like you’re wearing a tent. Instead, opt for a sleek, modern midi or maxi dress for an effortless style that won’t date.
2. Flashy Sequin and Metallic Pieces
Sequin, glittery, and metallic looks are dated and over-the-top and should never be worn by day. While they seem fun, there are more modern ways to incorporate a hint of sparkle. Choose clothing or accessories with subtle embellishments or metallic accents for a more sophisticated sparkle.
3. Tacky Embellished Denim
Jeans and jackets covered in crystals, rhinestones, and flashy designs look more like relics of the early 2000s. Wearing these signals that you haven’t updated your wardrobe for a while or don’t follow trends. Swap these out for simple, timeless pieces: a solid denim jacket, mid-rise mid-wash jeans, and basic tees void of logos, embellishment, and slogans.
4. Ugg Boots as a Style Statement
Ugg boots may be cozy, but pairing them with dresses or skirts is not stylish. Leave the Ugg boots to wear around the house and choose ankle boots, a classic loafer, or dressy leather sneakers in black or white to maintain style comfort and style.
5. Skinny Scarves
Skinny scarves can look more like an afterthought than a stylish accessory. Scarves are meant to be functional and have a fashion-forward purpose. Go for a chunky, textured scarf to add warmth and flex some personal style.
6. Casual Oversized Bags
Oversized bags can be too casual, especially if they lack structure or are covered in logos or dubious prints and textures. A bag should be a style statement, so invest in a structured leather bag in a timeless shade. A chic, minimalist designer bag in black or neutral will elevate your outfit and exude effortless style.
7. Ugly Chunky Sandals
Like Uggs, some shoes should never be worn outside the house. Crocs, flip flips, and platform sandals might be practical, but wearing them as a style statement is pure tack-ville. Shoes say a lot about a person, so if you want to wear flats, wear a stylish slide, sandal, ballet flat, or classic loafer to marry form, function, and fashion.
8. Shiny Satin Suiting
Shiny satin pants and suiting might look great on the rack, but they can highlight every bump and curve, especially in unforgiving lighting. To avoid a major fashion faux pas, choose more natural matte-finish fabrics like cotton or linen that smooth out your figure and create a more elegant appearance. The shiny monochromatic pantsuit is dated and too young, especially in candy colors.
9. Dated Fanny Packs
The fanny pack might have been the go-to in the 90s, but that’s where it needs to stay. Wearing one can make you look like a tourist, especially if it has a busy print or in a tacky vinyl. A more sophisticated and stylish option is a sleek crossbody bag. And if your bag has a top handle, you can buy a crossbody strap to attach and wear it both ways.
10. Chunky Highlights
Getting highlights in your hair should enhance your look, not make you look like a zebra. The chunky highlight trend or badly blended streaks are definitely out. Instead, go for soft highlights or lowlights in a slightly lighter shade than your natural hair color. This will create a youthful, sun-kissed look.
11. Girly Hair Accessories
Girly bows, headbands, and scrunchies aren’t cute; they can make you look young and silly or like a Christmas tree. Less is more when it comes to any accessory but especially anything in your hair. Leave them alone, or if you must only wear one simple piece, a hair clip is your best bet.
12. Neon Fantasy Nails
Manicured nails make you look stylish and polished, but long, tacky, neon-colored nails do not. Leave the fantasy nails to the kids, go for a squoval shape (short and oval), and stick to classic colors. A classic red, black, white, or pale pink is chic and grown up and will complete your polished appearance.