11 Ugly Fashion Trends From The ’90s & 11 We Desperately Want Back
The ’90s were a wild ride for fashion – giving us some truly iconic looks alongside some serious fashion disasters. I still cringe looking through my old photo albums from that era!
While some trends deserve to stay buried in the past (I’m looking at you, frosted tips), others have me feeling seriously nostalgic.
Here’s my brutally honest take on which ’90s fashion trends should remain extinct and which ones I’m practically begging designers to revive.
1. Plastic Choker Necklaces – Fashion Torture Devices
Remember those tight plastic rings that basically strangled us? We wore them proudly despite the fact they left red marks on our necks and occasionally caught our baby hairs. The worst offenders were those tattoo-style chokers that somehow managed to be both uncomfortable AND ugly.
I wore mine to death anyway, pairing it with literally everything from casual tees to formal dresses. The plastic would eventually stretch out, making it less of a choker and more of a sad, misshapen necklace.
And don’t get me started on the ones with random charms dangling from them – dolphins, hearts, or stars that would flip around and stab you in the throat throughout the day. Good riddance to these plastic neck traps!
2. Ultra-Low Rise Jeans – The Plumber’s Crack Epidemic
Nothing screams fashion regret quite like jeans that barely covered your hips. These hip-huggers sat so low they required constant adjustment and made sitting down a public hazard. Every time I bent over, I was practically mooning everyone behind me.
The worst part? We paired them with crop tops, creating that awkward strip of exposed belly regardless of temperature or occasion. I remember spending entire school days tugging at my waistband, paranoid about showing too much skin.
And let’s not forget those uncomfortable whale tails (visible thongs) that somehow became a feature, not a flaw. The early 2000s continued this tragic trend, but the ’90s definitely kicked it off—and thankfully, high-waisted styles eventually rescued us all.
3. Inflatable Backpacks – Walking Air Cushions
Nothing says “I make poor life choices” like carrying your school supplies in what amounts to a pool toy. These clear plastic monstrosities squeaked when you walked and stuck uncomfortably to your back on hot days. Mine lasted exactly three weeks before developing a slow leak.
The worst feature was that they showed EVERYTHING inside – from your embarrassing lunch choices to your personal hygiene products. Privacy? Never heard of her in the ’90s!
They were also completely impractical, offering minimal storage while taking up maximum space. The final insult? That awful plastic smell that never quite went away. They may have looked cool in Clarissa Explains It All, but in real life, they were just sweaty bubble backpacks that deflated along with our dignity.
4. Metallic Lipstick – Tin Man Chic
We all temporarily lost our minds and decided that lips should shine like robot parts. These frosty, metallic disasters made teeth look yellow and lips look chapped, yet we smeared them on with abandon. The formula was always impossibly drying, leaving your lips feeling like you’d been wandering the desert for days.
The silver and gold shades were particularly unflattering, making you look like you’d just licked a car bumper. And the staying power? Practically non-existent unless you count the glittery residue that somehow migrated all over your face.
I distinctly remember wearing a particularly aggressive copper shade to a school dance and ending up with sparkles on my chin, cheeks, and mysteriously, my forehead. Photos from that era make me look like I had some kind of strange skin condition.
5. Over-Plucked Eyebrows – The Great Eyebrow Extinction
Armed with tweezers and zero foresight, we decimated our eyebrows into thin, sperm-shaped arches. What possessed us to remove 90% of our natural brows remains one of life’s great mysteries. Mine never fully recovered from this abuse – they’re still patchy in places where I went overboard.
The worst part was the constant maintenance. One day without plucking and suddenly you had what felt like bushy caterpillars because the contrast with the pencil-thin shape was so stark. Many of us are still filling in the damage decades later.
And those harsh angles! We weren’t going for soft, natural curves but rather sharp, surprised-looking arches that gave us a perpetually startled expression. Drew Barrymore may have pulled it off, but most of us just looked permanently shocked by our own poor grooming choices.
6. Platform Flip-Flops – Ankle-Breaking Beach Wear
Someone decided that regular flip-flops weren’t dangerous enough, so they added 3-inch foam platforms. These monstrosities made walking a high-stakes gamble – one wrong step and you’d face-plant spectacularly. I personally rolled my ankle twice in one summer wearing these ridiculous shoes.
The Spice Girls made them cool, but they were fundamentally flawed. The platform would bend in half while the flimsy thong part between your toes would snap at the worst possible moment, usually when you were far from home. Nothing says fashion victim quite like hobbling barefoot through a mall parking lot.
And the sweat factor was unreal. Those foam platforms absorbed moisture like sponges, making them smell rank after just a few wears. Yet we clomped around in them anyway, risking life and limb for a few extra inches of height.
7. Pants Under Dresses – The Confused Layer Look
We really thought we were fashion pioneers by wearing jeans under dresses. This bizarre layering trend made no practical sense – too hot for summer, too bulky for winter, and unflattering in any season. I rocked this look to my 8th grade dance and the photos still haunt me.
The worst combinations were floral babydoll dresses over wide-leg jeans. The proportions were completely wrong, making even the tallest girls look stumpy. And sitting down? The dress would bunch up awkwardly while the jeans would somehow simultaneously ride up and sag down.
This trend seemed to exist purely to answer the question nobody asked: “How can I make getting dressed more complicated while also needing to pee more difficult?” The only people who benefited were 90s sitcom costume designers who used this look as visual shorthand for “quirky girl character.”
8. Butterfly Hair Clip Overload – Head Full of Plastic Insects
One butterfly clip was never enough – we needed seventeen glittery plastic insects crawling through our hair at all times. These clips were sharp enough to double as weapons and had the gripping power of a sloth with arthritis. My hair would be full of escaped butterflies by lunchtime.
The worst offenders were the metallic ones that reflected sunlight directly into people’s eyes. I once gave my math teacher a headache because my head was essentially a disco ball of butterfly-shaped reflectors. And the sound they made when they inevitably fell onto hard surfaces during class? Unforgettable.
Despite their impracticality, we collected them in every color, creating hairstyles that looked like butterfly migration patterns. The plastic wings would eventually snap off, leaving you with sad, wingless butterfly bodies still clinging to random strands of hair for days afterward.
9. Visors Worn Indoors – Half-Committed Hat People
Nothing screamed “I make poor fashion choices” quite like wearing a visor indoors. These half-hats protected absolutely nothing while simultaneously giving you the worst hat hair imaginable – flat on top, weird volume on the sides. I wore a purple glitter one to the mall religiously despite having zero sun exposure.
The plastic adjustable strap always caught in your hair, yanking out strands whenever you removed it. And those foam visors? They absorbed sweat like a sponge and started to smell after a few wears, yet we kept them perched on our heads like bizarre crowns.
The ultimate visor crime was wearing them upside down or backward, which defeated their already questionable purpose entirely. We might as well have just worn headbands, but no – we needed that awkward brim sticking out, announcing to the world that we were committed to neither full hat nor hatlessness.
10. Frosted Tips – The Ramen Noodle Hair Revolution
Men’s hair took a wrong turn when guys started bleaching just the very ends of their spiky hair. The result looked like someone had dipped their heads in peroxide then styled it with cement. My brother’s yearbook is a museum of this tragic trend, with every popular boy sporting the same crunchy, two-toned look.
The maintenance was ridiculous – the constant need for bleach touch-ups and the industrial-strength gel required to keep those tips pointing toward the sky. The hair would become so damaged that it felt like straw, and the gel made it so stiff you could probably use it as a weapon.
These frosted hedgehogs would leave a trail of gel flakes wherever they went, like dandruff confetti. Justin Timberlake and the boy bands may have popularized this look, but that doesn’t mean we should forgive them for it.
11. Tube Tops with Cargo Pants – Business on Bottom, Party on Top
We really thought we were onto something by pairing skin-tight tube tops with baggy cargo pants covered in useless pockets. This combo created the strangest silhouette – basically a lollipop with legs. I owned three tube tops that I wore regardless of weather or practicality.
The tube tops were constantly sliding down, requiring ninja-like reflexes to prevent wardrobe malfunctions. Meanwhile, the cargo pants were heavy with all those pockets we stuffed with lip gloss, folded notes, and other teen essentials. The weight would drag the pants down while the top threatened to ride up – a constant battle of opposing forces.
This outfit somehow managed to be both too revealing and too covered up simultaneously. And don’t get me started on bathroom trips – having to practically undress completely in tiny stalls because the top and bottom weren’t connected. Fashion should never require this much effort!
12. Slip Dresses – Bedroom Chic Goes Public
Slip dresses need to make a full comeback immediately! These silky, minimalist dresses somehow made looking like you forgot to put clothes over your underwear seem impossibly chic. Kate Moss owned this look, and I’ve been trying to channel that effortless vibe ever since.
The beauty was in their versatility. You could throw one on with sneakers for daytime or dress it up with strappy heels for night. The simple cut was flattering on practically every body type, skimming over curves without clinging too tightly.
Modern versions just don’t capture the magic of those ’90s slips with their perfect spaghetti straps and bias-cut silk that moved like water when you walked. They represented everything great about ’90s fashion – that perfect blend of grunge and glamour that made getting dressed feel effortless yet intentional.
13. High-Waisted Mom Jeans – The Comfortable Comeback Kings
After suffering through years of low-rise torture, I’m beyond ready for mom jeans to reclaim their throne! These high-waisted wonders actually covered your entire butt when you sat down – revolutionary, I know. They cinched you in at the smallest part of your waist while giving your thighs room to exist without judgment.
The front pleats and relaxed fit through the leg made them comfortable enough for all-day wear. No more lying on your bed to zip up your pants or dealing with muffin tops – just pure denim comfort that didn’t require constant adjustment.
Today’s versions often miss the authentic ’90s cut that was somehow both structured and relaxed. I’m talking about those perfect Levi’s 550s that made your butt look great while still allowing you to eat lunch without unbuttoning. Fashion should never require choosing between looking good and breathing normally!
14. Cropped Cardigans – The Perfect Layering Piece
Those shrunken little button-ups deserve another moment in the spotlight! Hitting right at the waist, these cardigans were the perfect match for high-waisted everything. I had one in baby blue that I wore until it literally fell apart at the seams.
Unlike today’s oversized sweaters that swallow you whole, these cropped versions actually showed off your shape. They worked with dresses, skirts, jeans – literally everything in your closet. And those tiny pearl or flower-shaped buttons added just the right touch of sweetness without being childish.
The best ones had that slightly fuzzy, soft-but-not-itchy texture that felt like a constant hug. Modern versions are either too cropped (showing actual midriff) or made from thin, flimsy material that doesn’t hold its shape. Bring back those substantial but short sweaters that kept your arms warm while still showing off your outfit!
15. Square-Toe Boots – Geometric Foot Freedom
My toes are begging for the return of square-toe boots! Those boxy-tipped beauties gave your feet actual room to exist instead of squishing them into painful points. I wore my chunky-heeled black pair until the soles literally separated from the uppers.
The slight platform and block heel made them comfortable enough for all-day wear while still giving you a height boost. And that square toe box meant no more cramped piggies or painful blisters – just pure foot comfort wrapped in stylish leather.
Current pointed-toe trends have us all suffering unnecessarily. Square toes managed to look sophisticated while still being practical – a rare combination in women’s footwear. Plus, they paired perfectly with everything from slip dresses to mom jeans, making them the versatile footwear option we desperately need back in our closets.
16. Denim Jackets – The Ultimate Throw-Over
No wardrobe is complete without a perfectly worn-in denim jacket! Those boxy, slightly oversized jean jackets were the ultimate finishing layer for literally any outfit. Mine was covered in patches and pins that told my life story better than any social media profile could.
The beauty was in how they improved with age – getting softer and more personalized with every wear. They worked year-round too – over summer dresses or layered under winter coats when things got really cold.
Today’s versions often miss that authentic rigid denim feel that eventually molded to your body like a second skin. I’m talking about that perfect mid-blue wash that wasn’t too dark or too light, with buttons that developed a unique patina over time. While they’ve never completely disappeared, the specific ’90s cut deserves a full-scale revival!
17. Flannel Shirts – Grunge Comfort Classics
Flannel shirts tied around waists or worn oversized need to reclaim their rightful place in fashion! These soft, plaid button-ups were the ultimate comfort piece that somehow looked intentionally cool rather than sloppy. My dad’s old red flannel became my most prized fashion possession.
The beauty was in their versatility – wear it buttoned as an actual shirt, open over a tee like a light jacket, or tied around your waist as an accessory that’s actually useful when the temperature drops. They worked for every body type and gender, making them truly universal.
Modern flannels often miss the mark with their too-thin fabric or overly fitted cuts. The ’90s versions were substantial enough to provide actual warmth and had that perfectly broken-in softness that made you never want to take them off.
18. Claw Clips – The Hair Savior We Need
Those giant plastic clips that could hold your entire head of hair deserve serious respect and a permanent place in our accessories drawer! Unlike today’s flimsy versions, ’90s claw clips had the grip strength of a determined toddler – they weren’t letting go no matter what.
The tortoiseshell ones were my go-to for instantly elevating a messy updo from “I overslept” to “I’m purposefully casual.” They worked on thick hair, thin hair, and everything in between. Plus, they didn’t give you that headache that elastic bands always caused.
The best part was how they actually protected your hair instead of breaking it. No more elastic dents or broken strands – just twist, clip, and go! In a world of complicated hairstyling tools and 20-step routines, these simple clips represent the easy hair solution we’re all secretly craving.
19. Minimalist Makeup – The Barely-There Beauty Movement
I’m desperately missing the understated makeup approach of the ’90s! That fresh-faced look with just matte brown lipstick, subtle eyeliner, and barely-there foundation was the perfect antidote to today’s 15-step contour routines. Kate Moss and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy made looking naturally beautiful seem effortless.
The focus was on clean skin rather than heavy coverage, with makeup enhancing rather than masking your features. Those neutral brown lipsticks in shades like “Toast” and “Spice” worked on everyone and never left embarrassing smudges on coffee cups or teeth.
Today’s makeup has become performance art requiring professional skills and an hour of application time. The ’90s approach was about looking like yourself, just slightly enhanced – a five-minute face that didn’t melt off by lunchtime. Bring back makeup that doesn’t require its own Instagram account!
20. Spaghetti Strap Tops – Delicate Shoulder Showcases
Those barely-there straps holding up simple ribbed tanks need to make a comeback immediately! These tops were the ultimate base layer, working under cardigans or on their own during warmer months. I owned the same black one in multiple backup copies because it worked with literally everything.
The beauty was in their simplicity – no fussy details, just clean lines that highlighted your shoulders and collarbone. They had that perfect scoop neck that wasn’t too revealing but still felt feminine and flattering.
Today’s versions are often overcomplicated with unnecessary details or made from flimsy material that loses shape after one wash. The ’90s originals were substantial enough to wear alone but thin enough to layer without bulkiness. They struck that perfect balance between basic and beautiful that made getting dressed effortlessly cool.
21. Mini Shoulder Bags – Tiny Purses, Big Impact
Those small, sleek shoulder bags that held approximately one lip gloss and half a flip phone deserve a serious revival! Unlike today’s oversized totes that double as gym bags, these mini purses forced you to carry just the essentials. My black nylon Prada knockoff was practically glued to my shoulder throughout high school.
The short strap meant the bag sat right under your armpit – somehow both practical and stylish. They came in simple, streamlined shapes without excessive hardware or logos, just clean designs in basic colors that went with everything.
These bags represented a simpler time before we felt the need to carry our entire lives with us everywhere we went. No room for laptops, water bottles, or emergency snacks – just keys, lip gloss, and maybe a slim wallet. Their very limitations made outfit coordination easier and nights out lighter!
22. Combat Boots – Stomping Back Into Style
Those chunky, lace-up boots that made every outfit look instantly cooler need to march back into mainstream fashion immediately! Nothing added attitude to a babydoll dress or made jeans look more intentional than a pair of scuffed-up Doc Martens. My black 8-eye boots carried me through countless concerts and coffee shop hangouts.
The beauty was in their practicality disguised as rebellion. They were comfortable enough to walk for miles, durable enough to last for years, and somehow appropriate for almost any weather condition. Plus, they added that perfect tough-girl edge to even the most feminine outfits.
Today’s versions often miss the substantial weight and quality construction that made originals feel like an investment piece. The ’90s combat boots weren’t fast fashion – they were boots you bought once and wore until they became part of your identity.