7 Fashion Trends That Are So Out They Have to Be Due for a Comeback
As we all know, fashion trends are cyclical. Just look at the revival of Y2K fashion happening at the moment. For whatever reason, I didn't think the low-rise trend would be creeping back into the mainstream so soon. I was actually dreading its return since I never could pull it off.
When I think back on all the trends throughout the years, there are so many that I look fondly on and wonder how imminent their comeback is. The '90s and 2000s are naturally top of mind, as they were my formative years. This spans everything from grunge and sleek minimalism to the glitzy pop-star era and the boho It girls who followed.
Keep scrolling to see seven trends I believe are destined for a comeback, plus some pieces you can shop to get each look. Who knows—if you scoop up what excites you the most, you just might be ahead of the curve next season.
1. Three-Quarter Sleeves
Three-quarter sleeves were everywhere—and I mean everywhere—for many years. Nineties minimalist pieces and preppier boatneck styles are where the sleeve length reigned supreme.
2. Super-Low Belts
This hip belt style had a variety of different aesthetics that it touched on, but nothing stands out to me more than the boho trend during the 2000s—Sienna Miller and Kate Moss had this look on lock.
3. Baggy Camo Pants
This cool printed pant style has had so many iterations throughout the past two decades. I distinctly remember liking a pair Gwen Stefani wore at an event in 1997, and Destiny's Child wore them in the early '00s.
I can totally see these worn either in a streetwear outfit or an elevated look with sleek strappy heels.
4. Peep-Toe Pumps
Peep-toe heels were on every red carpet from the '90s through the '00s. There was a minute there where a platform version was the go-to for every celebrity stylist, especially in a neutral color or black from Christian Louboutin.
I bet you could easily pull off these silky kitten heels now. It's all about styling them in a minimalist way.
Patent platform pumps with an open toe were worn by every celebrity imaginable in the '00s.
I swear I've seen Christina Aguilera wear something exactly like these strappy peep-toe heels.
5. Butterfly Motifs
With the resurgence of Y2K, I can't help but immediately think about all the butterfly motifs that were floating around in the early aughts. Britney Spears comes to mind.
I swear I saw pop stars wear these sunglasses back in the day.
6. Newsboy Caps
Paris Hilton's hat collection in the early 2000s is all I can think of when I see these newsboy caps. The endless paparazzi photos showed this style worn with everything from velour suits to super-low-rise jeans.
One reviewer said, "This is a really cute hat. It goes with a lot of outfits."
7. Long, Skinny Scarves
Once upon a time, this barely-there piece was the go-to accessory. Even in the summer, we'd be draping a skinny scarf over tank tops and denim skirts.
I would have worn this over a white cami top and jeans while I was in college.
Next up: This Is What Normcore Style Looks Like in 2022
Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.
-
The Rumors Are True: Peep-Toe Pumps Are Making a Chic Comeback in 2025
Ready or not, here they come.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
J.Lo Wore the Elegant Trend That Makes Every Outfit Look Like It Came From an Audrey Hepburn Movie
From Charade to Breakfast at Tiffany's.
By Eliza Huber
-
8 Nineties Winter Trends That Are on the Verge of Going Viral
Is it 1994 or 2024?
By Allyson Payer
-
Pleated Pants Are Everywhere, But Bella Hadid Just Swapped Them for a Fresh '90s Trouser Trend
I might have to copy her.
By Allyson Payer
-
Brooches, Scarves, and Suede Flats: 23 Under-$75 Fall Items That Will Amp Up Your Jeans
They'll instantly elevate your outfit.
By Ana Escalante
-
These 2 Effortless Pieces Are the Key to One of the Most Classic Outfit Combos Ever
I bet they're in your closet right now.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Lily Collins Has Been Wearing This Trendy '90s Basic All Over NYC and Paris
It's the ultimate fall staple.
By Allyson Payer
-
These Elegant Belts, Bags, and Flats Will Make Your Favorite Jeans Feel So Chic
Let's talk fall accessories.
By Natalie Cantell