Current Trends That Weren't Cool In The '90s

We talk a lot about all of the '90s-inspired trends going around, but have you ever stopped to consider the flip side of that? What about the clothing items that you hated in the '90s, but are actually pretty cool with now? I mean, we certainly look upon bucket hats and butterfly clips with a certain derision — what current trends would '90s denizens look down upon?

It's a little tough, because let's face it, a lot of the biggest trends of the moment have roots in the '90s — we have the '90s to thank for all of the grunge-y plaid currently making the rounds, the matte lipsticks that have been coming back into style, the crop tops that are suddenly everywhere, and perhaps most importantly of all, those ubiquitous tattoo chokers. Heck, we've even recycled trends like the increasingly popular small floral prints and sneakers. What about the non-'90s based trends, though? Even with all the '90s redux going on, there are quite a few current trends that wouldn't have been viewed so favorably in the '90s.

So, from athleisure, to Mad Men-style vintage dresses, let's take a look at some of the trends of today that wouldn't have gone over quite so well 20+ years ago.

1. Skinny Jeans

The '90s were all about bell bottoms (which are slated to make a comeback) and baggy mom jeans — why bother with the boring skinnies, when you could wear rad, high-waisted bell bottoms?

2. Athleisure

Sure, tracksuits were all the rage in the early aughts, but in the '90s? Athleisure was generally frowned upon— and I don't think anyone could have forecasted the fact that yoga leggings would actually become stylish.

3. Over-the-Knee Boots

In the days when mid-ankle combat boots reigned supreme, there wasn't much room for the increasingly popular slim-fitting over-the-knee boots.

4. Maxi Skirts

There were maxi skirts back then, sure (just check out Phoebe's wardrobe on Friends), but the world had a marked preference for mini skirts at the time.

5. Midcentury Retro Dresses

Thanks to shows like Mad Men and New Girl, ultra-feminine retro-style dresses have been in for a while — though the '90s were more about the barely-there slip dresses.

6. Lace-Up Shoes

Delicate ghillie-style shoes are everywhere at the moment — and they're a far cry from the chunky platforms of the '90s.

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