How Many Of These Looks Did You Rock?
2007 doesn't seem like that far away until you start thinking about what people were wearing then. While some looks are timeless, others are happily locked away in the past. However, the popularity of vintage clothing styles keeps unearthing some of them, giving them yet more days in the sun. Even though some of these trends are bafflingly unflattering, they still have a warm place in our hearts thanks to the nostalgia they stir up. Here are the 20 most iconic fashion trends from the past 20 years.
1. 2005 - Juicy Couture Tracksuits
Do you remember the baffling trend of velour Juicy Couture tracksuits? Everyone from teens to their grandmothers was wearing them. Bonus points if you could find them in Pepto Bismol pink.
2. 2006 - Embellished Denim
In 2006, someone decided jeans were missing some pizzazz. Thus began the embellished demin trend where pants came bedazzled with sparkly designs.
3. 2007 - Low-Rise Jeans
The low-rise jeans of 2007 weren't like those of today. They were uber low-rise, not sparing a centimeter of lower tummy. The likes of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears popularized the look.
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4. 2008 - Ruffled Mini Dresses
The look everyone was going for on the red carpet in 2008 seemed to be junior high prom. All the women were in ruffled mini dresses hiding any discernable curve on their bodies.
5. 2009 - Leggings
The 2009 look was everything with leggings. We get it, girls, they're comfortable, but did they need to be worn with everything on every occasion?
Sebastian Pociecha on Unsplash
6. 2010 - Skinny Jeans
From skaters to scene kids, boys and girls alike were wearing super skinny jeans in 2010. Wear them with a bold belt, and you have the ultimate 2010 outfit.
Pedram Normohamadian on Unsplash
7. 2011 - Boho Headbands
2011 saw a resurgence in hippie fashion, the quintessential representation of which was the boho headband trend. Everyone from Cara Delevingne to Jennifer Lawrence was rocking this look.
8. 2012 - Full Suits
2012 saw our favorite female celebrities rocking the red carpet in full-on suits. Exuding class and authority, the look was a welcome switch for women and became popular in stores, too.
9. 2013 - Crop Top
Crop tops have been coming in and out of style for decades, but in 2013, they truly dominated. Luckily, high-wasted pants were also in style, sparing us from having to show too much belly.
10. 2014 - Faux Fur
Real fur is unlikely ever to come back in style, but the same can't be said for the faux stuff. Big, glamorous, fluffy coats reminiscent of the 1920s were big in 2014.
11. 2015 - White Sneakers
In 2001, we all made fun of our parents for their dorky-looking white sneakers. However, in 2015, we were stealing them from our parents' closet. We wouldn't be caught dead wearing black ones.
12. 2016 - Bomber Jackets
Bomber jackets that were, honestly, too short to be significantly warm came into style in 2016. Wearing them allowed us to channel our inner James Dean from Rebel Without A Cause.
Frank Uyt den Bogaard on Unsplash
13. 2017 - Fanny Packs
Fanny packs were horrendously nerdy in 2001. It's a good thing they made a comeback in 2017, given how useful they are. From raving to traveling, these little bags are indispensable.
Jose Luis Espindola on Unsplash
14. 2018 - Bike Shorts
High-waisted, form-hugging spandex biker shorts were all the rage in 2018. Ladies were wearing them with sports bras or oversized shirts at the gym and beyond.
15. 2019 - Oversized Jeans
In exact opposition to the skinny jean trend came the oversized denim trend. They fit tightly around the waist and expand outwards, cascading down until they bunch up at the ankles.
16. 2020 - Bucket Hats
Bucket hats seemed to be long in the grave until they suddenly started making appearances at music festivals and events again in 2020. All of the year's trendiest brands, from Carhartt to Prada, started making them.
17. 2021 - Oversized Blazers
Oversized blazers for men and women became a big thing in 2021. So much so that you'd be hard-pressed to find a store not selling them. The most popular were pin-stripe or houndstooth, and women would wear them with just a bralette or crop top underneath.
18. 2022 - Mesh
In 2022, there was mesh as far as the eye could see. You could even get an entire mesh pantsuit. It was a risqué look, but for clubbing and nights out, it was perfect.
19. 2023 - Cat Eye Sunglasses
From Audrey Hepburn to Scarlett Johansson, celebrities have been rocking cat-eye sunglasses for decades. In 2023, all the girls were strutting down the street in them too, channelling their inner diva.
20. 2024 - Cowboy Boots
We can likely thank Beyoncé's 2024 country album for bringing cowboy chic back in style. Cowboy boots and suede bags were flying off the shelves.
