10+ Fashion Mistakes That Need to Stay in the Past

1. Frosted Tips

In the mid to late ’90s, countless boys tried to replicate the signature frosted tips sported by boy band icons like Justin Timberlake. Admitting they liked boy bands might have been taboo, but copying their hairstyles certainly wasn’t. Armed with some bleach and a highlighting cap, these teens ended up with spiky blond streaks that often resembled ramen noodles. It may have been the height of cool at the time, but this trend is one Justin Timberlake—and most ’90s kids—would probably rather forget.

2. Hammer Pants

“Stop! Hammer Time!” MC Hammer may have made these infamous, but even he couldn’t make them look good. Known as hammer pants, these baggy, drop-crotch trousers were made of shiny nylon and often looked more like parachutes than clothing. While they may have been durable enough for breakdancing, they were a total disaster in every other fashion sense. Anyone thinking of reviving this style should probably reconsider—it’s one trend best left in the past.

3. Transparent Colored Sunglasses and Arm Warmers

The see-through, tinted sunglasses that first appeared in the ’70s made a comeback in the late ’90s and early 2000s, proving that questionable trends never truly die. Paris Hilton was a major fan, often pairing her colorful lenses with another odd accessory—arm warmers. Instead of throwing on a jacket, she chose to wear these sleeve-like accessories that served little purpose. While Paris can pull off nearly any look, we’re grateful these particular fads have been retired for good.

4. Overly Straightened and Neon-Colored Scene Hair

In the early 2000s, “scene” kids took hair experimentation to a whole new level. They would straighten their hair until it was completely fried, bleach it, and then dye it with electric neon shades. Add a little backcombing for volume, and you had the ultimate MySpace-ready hairstyle. Paired with band tees, studded belts, and skinny jeans, this look screamed rebellion—and hair damage.

5. Fashion Corsets

Corsets were originally popularized in the 1800s, and somehow, they found their way back into mainstream fashion during the 2000s. Designed to cinch the waist, they restricted movement and made breathing a challenge. Even stars like Kelly Clarkson were spotted performing in them, leaving us to wonder how they managed to sing or dance at all. While corsets may have made a brief comeback, they should definitely stay in the past—preferably the 19th century.

6. Visible Underwear

One of the strangest fashion statements of the early 2000s was the visible underwear trend. Gwen Stefani seemed to be one of its main pioneers, confidently showing off what most people try to hide. Whether it was a statement of empowerment or just a quirky accident turned fashion statement, we may never know—but we’re happy to see this one fade away. Cute underwear belongs under clothes, not as the main attraction.

7. Oversized Leather Sport Coats

We can blame *The Matrix* for this one. Following the movie’s release, oversized leather trench coats—and their shorter sport-coat versions—became an unexpected craze. Male celebrities and musicians were especially guilty of rocking these ill-fitting pieces, which often looked like they were borrowed from their dads. Thankfully, modern fashion has embraced tailored fits and left these clunky jackets behind with the rest of the ’90s mistakes.

8. Ultra-Short Pleated Skirts

Pleated skirts have made a modern comeback, but the ultra-short versions of the early 2000s were another story. These micro skirts barely covered anything and often bordered on wardrobe malfunction territory. While confidence is always in style, modesty and comfort tend to win out today. Even fashion icons like Nicole Richie were photographed wearing skirts so tiny they made audiences blush.

9. Oversized Sunglasses

If your parents ever joked that your sunglasses made you look like a bug, you can thank early-2000s celebs like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and the Kardashians for that. These massive shades were originally worn by stars trying to dodge paparazzi, but they quickly became a worldwide trend. Oversized sunglasses still exist today, though modern versions are sleeker and far more flattering than their giant, face-swallowing predecessors.

10. Short Sleeves Layered Over Long Sleeves

This quirky layering trend dominated the ’90s and early 2000s, and honestly, it still leaves us scratching our heads. Celebrities everywhere were rocking short-sleeve tees over long-sleeve shirts—even in the middle of summer. How they survived the heat is a mystery we may never solve. Jennifer Aniston managed to make the look somewhat tolerable, but even she couldn’t fully redeem it. While layering makes sense during chilly transitional weather, pairing a T-shirt over a long-sleeve top just doesn’t cut it anymore. At least Rachel Green can look back and laugh—along with her well-earned millions—for this memorable fashion misstep.