The 12 Most Overused Fashion Trends of the Last Decade
Some fashion trends were fun at first, but after a decade of overuse, they deserve a much-needed break.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Fashion moves fast, but some trends stick around longer than they should—sometimes way too long. Over the last ten years, certain styles have been worn, re-worn, and beaten to death, making them more of a uniform than a statement. It’s time to call out the biggest offenders and make room for fresh, exciting looks.
1. Bike Shorts Everywhere
Richard Masoner on Wikimedia Commons
At first, bike shorts had a cool, sporty vibe, but they quickly became an unavoidable uniform. People wore them to brunch, parties, and even the office as if every occasion required spandex. The problem? They’re not flattering on everyone, and they rarely look as effortless as influencers make them seem. Let’s retire them before they replace actual pants forever.
2. Chunky Dad Sneakers
Hipkicks on Pexels
What started as an ironic nod to ’90s nostalgia turned into a full-blown sneaker invasion. The oversized soles and bulky designs made everyone look like they had bricks on their feet. While they added height and attitude, they also made outfits look clunky and exaggerated. Maybe it’s time to swap them for something sleeker and less orthopedic-looking.
3. Tiny Sunglasses
iilushk0 on Pexels
For a while, celebrities convinced us that squinting through micro-lenses was a fashion statement. These sunglasses barely covered anyone’s eyes, making them impractical and, frankly, ridiculous. Sure, they looked cool in photos, but they offered zero sun protection in real life. Let’s bring back shades that actually do their job.
4. Logomania Overload
Vlad on Pexels
Designer logos went from a quiet flex to a full-on identity crisis. Every item, such as shoes, bags, belts, and even socks, became a billboard for luxury brands. Instead of looking stylish, people ended up looking like walking advertisements. Subtle branding is chic; head-to-toe logos are just exhausting.
5. Neon Everything
cottonbro studios on Pexels
A little neon adds a bold touch, but drowning in fluorescent colors is an eyesore. Highlighter shades took over street style, making people look more like traffic cones than fashion icons. The problem with neon? It’s hard to pull off, and most people end up looking radioactive. Maybe let’s dim it down a little.
6. Bucket Hats Overload
Chris Creatives on Pexels
Once a quirky throwback, bucket hats became the go-to accessory for everyone. They started popping up at music festivals, coffee shops, and even in formal outfits where they had no business being worn. While functional for blocking the sun, they rarely add much to an outfit. If it makes you look like a lost tourist, maybe it’s not the vibe.
7. The Plastic Shoe Epidemic
cottonbro studio on Pexels
From jelly sandals to see-through boots, plastic shoes were everywhere—and they were a sweaty nightmare. Not only were they uncomfortable, but they also fogged up like a cheap raincoat. Fashion should be fun, but it shouldn’t feel like wearing a greenhouse on your feet. Let’s leave the plastic where it belongs—recycling bins, not closets.
8. Tie-Dye Overload
Antoni Shkraba on Pexels
A little tie-dye is playful, but this trend spiraled out of control. Every hoodie, t-shirt, and sweatpant set got the psychedelic treatment, making people look like they had just left an arts and crafts session. It started as a fun quarantine project but quickly became a lazy default outfit. Tie-dye should be an accent, not a lifestyle.
9. Overly Ripped Jeans
nappy on Pexels
A few well-placed rips? Stylish. Jeans that look like they lost a fight with a paper shredder? Not so much. At some point, brands started selling jeans that were more hole than fabric. Maybe it’s time to let our denim retire with some dignity.
10. Puffer Jackets the Size of Planets
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Sure, puffer jackets are warm, but do we really need to look like we’re preparing for Arctic survival? Massive puffer jackets turned sidewalks into Michelin Man conventions. They swallowed up outfits, making it impossible to see what anyone was wearing underneath. A little structure goes a long way—coats don’t have to double as sleeping bags.
11. Extreme Cutouts
Samuel Acevedo on Pexels
At first, cutouts added a little edge to outfits, but designers got carried away. Suddenly, tops and dresses had random holes in places that made wearing undergarments a challenge. Instead of looking stylish, many outfits just looked incomplete. If an outfit makes you feel like you forgot half your clothes, it’s probably a bad sign.
12. Corset Tops as Everyday Wear
Carlos Mario on Pexels
A corset moment can be fun, but wearing them daily makes everything feel a little too forced. They’re uncomfortable, restrict movement, and honestly, nobody wants to eat a full meal in one. What started as a cool statement piece became an exhausting commitment to discomfort. Let’s save corsets for special occasions, not casual coffee runs.