When low-rise jeans officially reemerged onto the scene, the internet was a pool of collective apprehension. Were we really going back to the days of candy-colored iMacs and platform thong sandals? The answer seemed to be yes. More equally divisive trends followed suit—Oakley-esque sunglasses and exposed G-strings are just a couple—and now, it seems like they're bigger than ever.
It's true that fashion editors welcome trends, but it's definitely a myth that we love them all. Like most people born pre-Y2K, it took some time before I could shake the nostalgia associated with low-rise jeans. What was once a trend I could never envision myself wearing has become one of my favorites of the year. Fashion can be funny like that. Out of sheer curiosity, I polled my fellow Who What Wear editors and asked which controversial trends they've suddenly warmed up to. The trends below may be divisive, but they'll certainly get people talking. Keep scrolling to see what made the list.
1. Low-Rise Pants
"Everyone who knows me knows about my love of low-rise pants, but it wasn't always that way. Far from it actually. For a long time, I swore by the highest of rises, frequenting Ribcage jeans from Levi's and other styles that did the opposite of exposing your midriff. But after I tested out some lower-rise pairs for a story back in 2021, I started to slowly reintroduce the '00s trend into my wardrobe, so much so that they're mostly all I wear now. Who would've thought?" — Eliza Huber, editor
2. Exaggerated Platforms
"When I first saw that platforms were slated to come back this season, I didn't really think the trend would actually catch on. However, the more I see them online and on the streets, the more convinced I am of their comeback and my interest in them." — Nicole Eshaghpour, senior market editor
3. Shades of Tangerine
"Originally, all of the orange pieces popping up on the runways and Instagram felt a bit too bold for my mostly neural wardrobe, but now, I'm fully invested and can't wait to get some of the colorful pieces into my closet." — Kristen Nichols, senior editor
4. Visible G-Strings
"When I first saw the visible-G-string trend I cringed. Who would wear that? Apparently, me. I'm fully on board now. Pairing it with a longer shirt or a bodysuit makes it feel less risqué if you're still not yet convinced." — Sierra Mayhew, associate editor
5. Micro Miniskirts
"Micro miniskirts aren't for the faint of heart (and when it comes to some fashion items, my heart is faint), but I'm growing more and more intrigued. I probably won't go that micro—which shouldn't be that hard since I'm on the short side—but I've already ordered a couple of miniskirts that are a little more mini than what I usually go for." — Ally Payer, senior editor
6. Slouchy Handbags
"If you were to ask me a year ago, I would have said that slouchy handbags had no place in my closet, but I guess the lesson is to never say never. Now, these unstructured shapes are making a big comeback, and I couldn't be more into them. This one from Ree Projects is high on my wish list at the moment, and I have a feeling that similar shapes are going to proliferate this spring." — Anna LaPlaca, editor
7. Bootcut Jeans
"I still can't help but associate bootcut jeans with my high school days, but I have to say that I'm not mad at the trend's comeback in 2022. They're obviously a very low-key and easy-to-wear trend. Plus, even Megan Fox is wearing them these days." — Erin Fitzpatrick, senior news editor
Next up: I'm a Fashion Editor—13 Cute Spring Outfits I'll Be Wearing on Repeat
