The Worst Fashion Trends of the Last Decade
Let's agree to leave these looks behind in 2020.
By 
This decade has been intense—from unicorn colors in everything from our frappuccinos to our hair, to finally figuring out how TikTok works, trends have really kept us on our toes over the last ten years, and fashion was no exception. We've gathered the best of the worst fashion trends to hit our social circles in the 2010s. Get ready to blush a little, we know you thought some of these were cool...
2010
Wedge Sneakers
At this point we were still playing Chatroulette on our iMac, so we'll give ourselves a small break. The cringe-worthy wedge sneaker became popular early on in the 1940s when Salvatore Ferragamo introduced the first version, but it wasn't until 2010 that designers like Isabel Marant popularized the sneaker format, and the rest is history.
2011
Harem Pants
We get it, they were comfortable. Another trend stemming from the early 20th century, this time by Paul Poiret, harem pants became popular (again) in 2011 due to an uprising of interest in yoga culture. What celebs who rocked the look didn't take into account is the way it made their body seem oddly shaped, and made it very hard to walk properly.
2012
Feather Extensions
Becoming popular in the 1970s and having a (very) quick re-emergence in 2012, the feather extension trend was here, then gone before anyone really noticed. Mainly a summer staple, it became popular due to celebrities like Selena Gomez and Kesha sporting the 'do at events. Bigger question: where were these feathers coming from?
2013
Ripped Jeans
The exact time when worn frayed jeans became popular remains debatable. We think the trend started somewhere between 2012 and 2013, but, who knows? One thing for sure is that this trend is confirmed to be atrocious, no matter who's wearing them.
2013
Crop Tops
2013 was shaping to be a bad year in terms of fashion. Made popular at some point in almost every decade, the crop top made its return with the younger generation. We hope this is it's final appearance for a while.
2013
Normcore
Starting off as an anti-fashion trend and quickly becoming an in staple, normcore is probably the funniest on this list. Normcore means wearing very simple non-labeled clothing usually with basic colors. It started off as a way to explain why Jerry Seinfeld dressed the way he did and what models preferred to wear when off-duty. It quickly turned into a lifestyle. Luckily as of 2019, normcore peaked and is quickly fading away.
2014
Google Glass
This funny pair of glasses launched to the public in May of 2014 and the world was changed forever... not really. Initially pegged as a game changer in the way people interact with wearable technology, the Google Glass was slated to change the future of fashion and technology. Only 831,000 units were sold during its launch which resulted in a shutdown of the program in 2015. Don't worry though, Apple is working on a version of its own...
2014
Designer Parody Shirts
Initially made by groups protesting the overpriced items of some luxury retailers, the designer parody shirt trend took off when the parody actually became the cool thing to wear. By 2014, parody shirts were coming in all different shapes and forms and even the designers being mocked were creating their own, but of course at a much higher price tag, essentially defeating the purpose.
2015
Single Cross Earrings
George Michael (bless his soul) was the pioneer of this trend back in the 80s, and back then it was cool. Movies like The Lost Boys glamorized this trend and made it a must-have. In 2015 things took a weird turn...the earring came back and was heavily associated with the selfie culture.
2016
Unicorn Anything
Remember the good ol' days when unicorn decorations only popped up for birthday parties or casual strolls around the roller discotheque? We don't. in 2016, the trend exploded with everything from Starbucks drinks to (actual) unicorn toast, and even bled rainbow into our wardrobes and hairstyles. The history of this trend is muddled somewhere between an infinite obsession of mythological creatures and nostalgia. We're glad it's magically fading into the background. That and Bronies, too.
2017
Male Rompers
The painful memories are all still too present. Brands like Mr. Turk and RompHim popularized the male romper and the rest was just... the rest. Childhood is the only acceptable time any self-respecting guy should wear a romper.
2018
Clear Plastic Shoes
If the idea of sweaty feet covered in plastic doesn't make you gag, then something's wrong. This trend was popularized in 2018 by pretty much every member of the Kardashian/Jenner clan and even Rihanna. Designers like Chanel dabbled in the business, but luckily the trend is dying down. Amongst the obvious health hazards, these shoes only looked cute when the human wearing them didn't move or radiate any type of moisture.
2018
Loincloth Bikinis
Out of nowhere the loincloth bikini trend took over, with celebs like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski hitting the beach in the barely-there look. Tiny, triangle tops and miniscule bottoms were the focus, but the rest was just about baring as much skin as possible. We're glad one-piece suits are back in for 2020.
2019
VSCO Girl
If you haven't heard of a VSCO Girl yet, you will. This trend mysteriously grew from TikTok and the photo editing app, VSCO. It's basically a Generation Z girl who wears her hair up, has a whole bunch of scrunchies, wears an oversized (probably tie-dye) shirt, uses Carmex lip balm, wears a conch shell necklace and ONLY drinks from a hydro flask.
2019
Chunky Sneakers
Everyone from Ariana Grande to Billy Eilish is rocking these oversized clompers. Thoughts are, this trend pertains to the dad collection: dad jeans, dad bods, dad jokes, and now, dad sneakers. Thankfully the year's almost over...
2019
Real Fur
Thankfully, this trend is finally being done away with. Stores and brands like Macy's, Stella McCartney—and even the entire state of California—have banned the sale of animal fur items. Even the Queen of England has pledged not to wear fur going forward. This change is moving the industry in a positive direction, and signaling the beginning of a more socially conscious fashion community.
Emy is a journalist and Florida native covering everything from lifestyle, travel, fashion, beauty and more.
Zara Tindall's Best Style Moments
Just 50 Celebs Partying with Paris Hilton
50 Iconic Outfits From ‘KUWTK’ You Forgot About
Best Looks: Khloé Kardashian
