Fashion Trends That Should NEVER Make a Comeback (Or Should They?)

Fashion is a cycle. One minute, a trend is the hottest thing ever, and the next, it’s shoved into the back of our closets, never to see daylight again… or so we think. But if we’ve learned anything from the resurgence of Y2K fashion, low-rise jeans, and platform shoes, it’s that no trend ever truly dies.

Still, there are some fashion trends that make us collectively cringe when we look back at old photos. (We’re looking at you, 2000s mall goth chains and bedazzled everything!) But do these trends really deserve the fashion graveyard, or should we give them another chance?

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and dissect the most questionable fashion trends. Should they stay buried, or are they worth reviving?

1. Low-Rise Jeans: The Ultimate Love-Hate Trend

Ah, low-rise jeans—a staple of the early 2000s. Celebrities like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and Christina Aguilera made them the trend, often pairing them with tiny crop tops and bedazzled belts. But let’s be real: these jeans were not made for comfort or practicality.

Why They Should Stay Buried:

• Unforgiving fit (hello, muffin tops and constant adjustments).
• Made sitting down a nightmare.
• Not exactly body-inclusive.

Why They Might Deserve a Comeback:

• High-rise jeans have dominated for a decade—maybe it’s time for a mix?
• When styled right, they can actually be flattering (think: looser fits, mid-rises).
• Gen Z is bringing them back whether we like it or not!

Verdict: A cautious revival—just with more forgiving cuts!

2. Extreme Shoulder Pads: Power Dressing or Fashion Disaster? 

The 1980s power suit was all about big, bold shoulder pads. The idea? To create a strong, authoritative silhouette that screamed confidence and boss energy. But… did they take it too far?

Why They Should Stay Buried:

• Some shoulder pads were so oversized, they made people look like linebackers.
• They weren’t exactly comfortable—rigid, bulky, and a bit much.
• Not every outfit needs that much structure.

Why They Might Deserve a Comeback:

• The right amount of padding can create a polished, chic silhouette.
• The modern power suit has refined the trend beautifully.
• Celebs and designers have already started revamping it with a sleeker approach.

Verdict: A modified comeback is welcome—just keep it chic!

3. Velour Tracksuits: Should We Bring Back Juicy Couture? 

Paris Hilton once said, “Every girl should own a Juicy Couture tracksuit.” And in the early 2000s, that was the golden rule.

Why They Should Stay Buried:

• The matchy-matchy look feels outdated.
• Bedazzled “Juicy” logos on the butt—need we say more?
• The fabric wasn’t the most breathable (sweaty situations everywhere).

Why They Might Deserve a Comeback:

• Loungewear is bigger than ever—so why not make it stylish?
• If done in a sleek, modern way, velour can actually look luxe.
• Celebs like Kim Kardashian and Dua Lipa have already started wearing them again.

Verdict: If updated with a more minimalist aesthetic, we might be on board!

4. Super Skinny Eyebrows: A Beauty Trend We Regret? 

Okay, so this isn’t technically a fashion trend, but pencil-thin eyebrows were a defining look of the ‘90s and early 2000s. Back then, the thinner, the better! Now? We’re all in recovery mode, desperately growing them back.

Why They Should Stay Buried:

• Overplucking led to irreversible damage (some never grew back!).
• The natural, fuller brow look is way more flattering and versatile.
• Brow trends should embrace individuality, not force everyone into the same shape.

Why They Might Deserve a Comeback:

• A more defined, less overdone version could work.
• Some people naturally have thin brows, and they should rock them proudly!

Verdict: Let’s leave the over-plucking in the past, but celebrate different brow shapes!

5. Shutter Shades: Iconic or Just Plain Impractical? 

If you were a teen in the late 2000s, chances are you owned a pair of shutter shades. Kanye West made them famous, and suddenly, everyone was rocking these plastic, lens-less fashion statements.

Why They Should Stay Buried:

• Completely useless for actual sun protection.
• Visibility? Nonexistent.
• They were more of a novelty than a real fashion item.

Why They Might Deserve a Comeback:

• They’re still fun for theme parties, concerts, and festivals.
• If someone figures out how to make them functional, we’d reconsider!

Verdict: Let’s keep them in the “fun but not functional” category.

6. Peplum Tops: A Flattering Silhouette or a Fashion Flop? 

For a few years, peplum tops were everywhere. The extra fabric at the waist was meant to create an hourglass illusion, but did it work?

Why They Should Stay Buried:

• Some designs exaggerated the flare too much, making it look awkward.
• They were hard to style—some looked more like a maternity top gone wrong.
• Trends have moved toward sleeker, more natural silhouettes.

Why They Might Deserve a Comeback:

• A subtle, structured peplum can still be flattering.
• Some designers have modernized the style with less bulk and better tailoring.

Verdict: Only if updated with a cleaner, more structured fit!

Final Thoughts: Should These Trends Make a Comeback?

Fashion is subjective, and trends that were once “bad” can become cool again with the right twist. While some trends (low-rise jeans, velour tracksuits) are sneaking their way back into wardrobes, others (shutter shades, extreme peplum tops) are best left in the past.

But here’s the real takeaway: fashion should be fun! If you love a trend—even one that’s considered “bad”—own it, style it your way, and wear it with confidence. Because at the end of the day, the best trend you can wear is self-expression.

So, what do you think? Which trend should stay buried, and which one deserves another chance?