Fashion faux pas: trends to leave in 2023

Fashion is ever-evolving, with trends coming and going faster than we can keep up. However, not all trends are created equal, and sometimes even the most well-intentioned fashion statements can miss the mark. As we are halfway though the year 2023, let’s take a moment to reflect on the five worst fashion trends that graced runways, streets, and social media feeds. It’s time to leave these styles in the past and make room for the fresh and fabulous trends of the future.

SHOULDER PADS

Coming in at first place are oversized shoulder pads. Once a staple of the ’80s power suits, oversized shoulder pads made a questionable comeback in 2023. While intended to create a bold silhouette, they ended up overwhelming the wearer’s frame, leaving many people looking disproportionate and awkward. It’s time to bid adieu to this exaggerated trend and embrace more balanced and flattering silhouettes in 2024.

TRANSPARENT/CLEAR CLOTHING

Clear Clothing is coming in at number two for worst fashion trends of 2023. Transparent fashion was taken to the extreme this year, with the rise of clear and plastic clothing. From shirts to dresses, this trend failed to provide practicality or style. Wearing plastic garments not only compromised comfort but also raised concerns about sustainability. It’s time to opt for eco-friendly fabrics and embrace designs that offer both functionality and fashion-forwardness. 

LOGO MANIA

The use of excessive logos is the third worst trend for me. I know that many people like flaunting the logos of nice brand, but I think it is tacky. “Logo mania” reached new heights in 2023, with fashion enthusiasts wearing head-to-toe branded ensembles. While brand loyalty is understandable, the excessive use of logos can come across as ostentatious and lacking in creativity. In 2024, I think it’s time to shift towards more subtle and personalized fashion choices that reflect individual style rather than excessively advertising a brand.

MICRO BAGS

This one might be controversial, but micro mini bags are coming in at fourth place. While mini bags have been a popular accessory for some time, 2023 witnessed the rise of micro mini bags that could barely hold a lipstick or a credit card, let alone essentials like a phone or wallet. Functionality took a backseat to the novelty of these tiny accessories, leaving many questioning their practicality. It’s time to bid farewell to the era of miniature bags and embrace more spacious and functional options that are more stylish and practical

CHUNKY SNEAKERS

And finally, coming in at spot number five are chunky sneakers. Although this trend can be done right, most of the time it is not. They were once celebrated for their comfort and nostalgic appeal, but the trend took a turn for the worse in 2023. What started as a throwback to ’90s footwear quickly transformed into a race for the bulkiest, most disproportionate sneakers imaginable. This trend left many wondering if they were walking on clouds or cinder blocks, sacrificing elegance and sleekness for the sake of exaggerated sole heights and unusual shapes.

As fashion continues to evolve, there will always be hits and misses in the world of trends. 2023 has had its fair share of fashion faux pas, however, the beauty of fashion lies in its ability to reinvent itself and it’s now time to learn from these missteps and embrace new trends. Let’s leave these fashion blunders behind and look forward to a future filled with innovative and trendsetting styles that truly make a statement!

Chloe Stephens