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 a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known 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. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion 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.
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