Fashion Trends We Secretly Miss (and Some We Hope Never Come Back)
Fashion is cyclical, and every now and then, a nostalgic trend reemerges to surprise us. Some trends, though, are better left in the past. Here’s a look back at some of the most iconic (and infamous) fashion moments, with a bit of commentary on what we’d love to see again—and what we’d prefer to stay in the archives.
1. Low-Rise Jeans
The Vibe: Barely-there waistbands and hip-hugging fits that defined the early 2000s.
Why We Miss It (Maybe): For those with a love for nostalgic Y2K fashion, low-rise jeans bring back memories of pop stars and runway looks with playful, daring vibes.
Why It Should Stay Gone: Low-rise jeans weren’t the most forgiving fit, and let’s be honest—most of us aren’t eager to relive the stress of adjusting every time we sit down.
2. Butterfly Clips and Hair Accessories
The Vibe: Playful, colorful, and stacked in hair by the dozen, butterfly clips were a must-have in the late 90s.
Why We Miss It: These clips were fun, customizable, and made every hairstyle feel a little whimsical. Plus, they’re low-commitment—perfect for adding personality without going overboard.
Why It Should Come Back: Butterfly clips have recently resurfaced, and with good reason—they’re cute, affordable, and add a bit of fun to everyday looks without the cringe factor.
3. Track Suits (Especially Velour)
The Vibe: Matching sets in every color, often worn with platform sneakers and a confident attitude.
Why We Miss It: Track suits, especially the velour kind, were the definition of cozy meets chic. Juicy Couture anyone? They’re perfect for lounging and running errands, and there’s nothing quite like that coordinated look.
Why It Should Come Back: Tracksuits are comfortable and, with the right fit and fabric, can look effortlessly stylish. They’ve already made a comeback in the athleisure trend, and we’d be happy to see them here to stay.
4. Shoulder Pads
The Vibe: Power dressing at its peak, shoulder pads were all about projecting confidence and structure.
Why We Miss It: There’s something about the strong-shouldered look that makes anyone feel like they can conquer the world. Shoulder pads bring a level of polish that’s great for business or formal settings.
Why It Should Come Back (In Moderation): We love a structured silhouette, but shoulder pads can be a bit much. Subtle padding that adds shape without overpowering is the perfect balance.
5. Bucket Hats
The Vibe: Sporty and slightly quirky, bucket hats were a 90s and early 2000s staple.
Why We Miss It: This functional accessory had an effortlessly cool vibe. Perfect for beach days, festivals, or adding a casual edge to an outfit, bucket hats are actually super versatile.
Why It Should Come Back (And Has): The bucket hat is back and better than ever. It’s been updated with fresh fabrics and patterns, making it more wearable than its early-2000s counterparts.
6. Shoulder-Length Layered Haircuts (a.k.a. “The Rachel”)
The Vibe: Made famous by Jennifer Aniston on Friends, “The Rachel” haircut was all about face-framing layers.
Why We Miss It: “The Rachel” added texture and shape to shoulder-length hair, giving a bouncy, effortless look that became iconic.
Why It Should Come Back: This cut works on so many face shapes and hair textures. It’s versatile, stylish, and we’d love to see a modern take on it!
7. Giant Platform Shoes
The Vibe: Towering, Spice Girls-inspired platforms that made everyone feel a bit taller and a lot bolder.
Why We Miss It: Platforms are fun, give an instant height boost, and were a major part of 90s pop culture. They made a statement and added a playful twist to any outfit.
Why It Should Come Back (Sparingly): Platform sneakers have come back, but we don’t need the 6-inch versions from the past. A smaller, wearable platform can add personality without the ankle risks.
8. Ed Hardy and Graphic Tees with Rhinestones
The Vibe: Over-the-top, bedazzled graphics with bold fonts and skulls, often paired with matching jeans or caps.
Why We Don’t Miss It: While it was undeniably a moment in fashion, Ed Hardy and similar brands had their time—and maybe it’s best they stay there.
Why It Shouldn’t Come Back: These pieces were loud and hard to style. With today’s trend toward subtlety, it’s hard to imagine a rhinestone-covered tee making a graceful comeback.
9. Oversized Belts Worn Over Everything
The Vibe: Thick, chunky belts worn over dresses, tunics, and even sweaters to cinch the waist and add definition.
Why We Miss It: Belts can be a great accessory, and wearing them over outfits adds structure and polish.
Why It Should Come Back (In a New Way): Belts are back, but we prefer sleeker, more subtle versions. A well-placed belt can still elevate an outfit without overwhelming it.
10. Dresses Over Jeans
The Vibe: A layered look that was especially popular in the early 2000s, this trend had people wearing mini dresses over boot-cut jeans.
Why We Don’t Miss It: This trend was, well, confusing. It was hard to style and rarely looked intentional, no matter how trendy it was at the time.
Why It Shouldn’t Come Back: Dresses and jeans both have their place in fashion, but together? Let’s leave this one in the past.
11. JNCO Jeans and Ultra-Baggy Denim
The Vibe: Ultra-wide jeans that skimmed the floor, complete with deep pockets and extra zippers.
Why We Don’t Miss It: These jeans were more about shock value than style, and they were hard to wear without tripping or looking swallowed up.
Why It Shouldn’t Come Back: While baggy jeans are making a comeback, we’d rather keep things tailored and manageable—leave the extra fabric back in the 90s.
12. Neon Everything
The Vibe: Highlighter-bright colors that demanded attention, from head to toe.
Why We Miss It (Sometimes): Neon was fun, unapologetically bold, and looked great in a rave or party setting. It added a splash of color to the early 2010s.
Why It Should Come Back (In Small Doses): Neon is fine as an accent or accessory but can be overwhelming if you go head-to-toe. Subtle neon details are a great way to add a pop of fun to any look.
13. Feather Hair Extensions
The Vibe: Colorful, playful feathers woven into hair for a boho-chic look.
Why We Don’t Miss It: Feathers were cool for a festival look, but they didn’t exactly work in every setting.
Why It Shouldn’t Come Back: Feathers can look dated and impractical. If you’re craving some color, temporary hair chalk or a colorful clip-in is a fun, updated alternative.
14. Tiny Sunglasses
The Vibe: A nod to the 90s and early 2000s, these tiny frames gave a minimalist, futuristic vibe.
Why We Miss It: They look chic and make a statement, plus they’ve been spotted on everyone from celebrities to influencers.
Why It Should Come Back (But with Functionality): We’d love to see stylish frames that also protect our eyes. A balance between form and function could make this trend truly timeless.
Add Nostalgia to Your Space with Fox & Wolf Scents
While we can’t bring every trend back, you can bring a bit of nostalgia to your space with the right scent. Try Whispering Woods for a cozy 90s vibe or Twilight Orchid to channel a little Y2K glamour. Explore our collection here and find a fragrance that brings the best of the past to your present!