Things I NEVER Thought Would Come Back In Style

Never say never. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the 30+ years that I’ve been a style journalist and fashion editor, it’s that even the craziest, frumpiest, silliest and most over-the-top trends eventually come back into style. In recent years, we’ve seen parachute pants and scrunchies and neon colors resurface, if only briefly, as trends or microtrends.

The floral fantasy Laura Ashley dresses and Sam & Libby flats of the late 80s have been replaced by cottagecore dresses worn with Sam Edelman flats. The same, but completely different.

There are some trends, though, that I never saw coming. Styles that I truly never believe we would see again. Today I share 10 things that came out of nowhere and are showing up in contemporary collections like they own the place. And all of them, with the possible exception of #2, would have made me shudder just a few years ago.

So here, 10 things I never thought would come back into style.

You can shop everything in this video right here.

Border Prints

Border prints are contrasting strips of pattern often used at the hem, sleeve, or neckline of a garment, but all you really need to know about them is that, most of the time, they are awful.

Except when they’re not. They are back, particularly in preppy and boho designs, but the stylish border prints look NOTHING like the ones I have warned you about. Here, the good and the bad when it comes to border prints.

AVOID

No words.

Go For It

These are much more stylish options. You can shop these styles here.

Kimonos

I was so sad to see these go a few years ago, as they were the perfect summerweight layering piece. However, many of the styles in stores ended at an awkward spot, amplifying the hips and the belly area. The new kimonos are more like long silk robes, eliminating that problem while still covering the arms and adding interest to an outfit.

AVOID

I rest my case.

Go For It

Much better! You can shop these styles here.

Patchwork Prints

Ahhhh! I have loathed these forever, especially the weird and totally frumpy versions they try to sell to women after a certain age. However, classic patchwork prints are part of the preppy and even the boho aesthetic, so if you’re intrigued by these, the options here will give you something to think about. Again, the preppy and boho aesthetics both have versions of this print.

AVOID

Whatever these are.

Go For It

Love them or hate them, these are all modern versions of this print. You can shop these styles here.

Tunics

I can barely get this word out. You know how I feel about these shape-shifting and often frumpifying tops. If you must wear a tunic, make it a long version of a regular top, or make it Free People. There are no other options.

AVOID

But I don’t need to tell you this. The awful border print tunics from above make a second appearance here.

Go For It

Maybe. You can shop these styles here.

Pull On Jeans

These should absolutely come with a warning label. There’s no excuse for whatever is going on here. Like, none. If you want the comfort and flexible fit of a pull-on jean, then pick a style that looks like real jeans and wear a shirt that covers the waistband. This is one time I will tell you not to tuck.

AVOID

Jeans should look like jeans and be jean-y. They should not double as cargos or sweatpants or leggings. (Shudder)

Go For It

These look like actual jeans, so just cover the waistband and we can all pretend they’re not pull-ons. You can shop these styles here.

Jellies

I think we can agree that these are better left in the 1980s.

AVOID

Go For It

If you simply must have a plastic or rubber shoe, try these instead. Melissa is my go-to brand for trendy and fun options. You can shop these styles here.

Black Rubber Flip Flops

Required to cross over the state line into Florida, but still just about the least flattering thing you can put on your foot. (Oh, look! A rhyme). Choose a light neutral thong sandal in a sleek profile instead.

AVOID

Go For It

Sleeker and chicer. You can shop these styles here.

Ugly Shoes

If you want clunky comfortable shoes, skip the inexplicably trendy Crocs and go for Birkenstocks instead, or go for the Croc wedge style that looks like a trendy style.

AVOID

Go For It

Try a Birkenstock or this Croc brand wedge sandal. You can shop these styles here.

Short Sleeve Jackets

Are they matronly or are they cute? The answer is: Both. Choose wisely, and avoid the short-sleeve-jacket-with-matching-dress duo.

AVOID

Go For It

The new little cropped blazers and lady cardigans in short-sleeve versions are a much better option. You can shop these styles here.

Matchy-Matchy

After years of mixing, we are not matching. Coordinated sets are a huge trend, and are so versatile. Worn together they look like jumpsuits or dresses, but they have the flexible sizing and the versatility of separates. Matching only becomes a problem if it’s overdone. A leopard dress, bag, shoes, and jacket, all worn at once, for example, or a matched jewelry set. Or if the set is ugly.

AVOID

Go For It

These matched sets offer style and versatility.

Which of these trends are you happy to see back? And which do you wish would go away forever? Let’s discuss in the comments!