15 retro and vintage fashion trends that we never want to see again!

Published on October 31, 2017, 4:53 pm

Written by Straker Julia in Unusual

Fashion continually churns out new trends, but you'll have to agree that some should have stayed on the workshop cutting room floor!

Illustration : "15 retro and vintage fashion trends that we never want to see again!" — Photo d'illustration

Every era has its 'style' and the 20th Century certainly came up with some real corkers! Here are 15 trends that we pray will never ever make a come-back!

1. The 'Speed-Limit' skirt, 1910

At the turn of the 20th Century, elastized clothes didn't exist, meaning that fabrics would easily tear. To prevent this, women would attach loops to the base of their skirts to stop them from inadvertently taking long steps. The problem was that they looked like they were hobbling rather than walking!

2. The Bullet Bra 1940-1950

During pre-plastic surgery times, these pointy bras were a popular way to boost bust size. Once the height of fashion (and possibly behind Madonna's collaboration with Jean Paul Gautier), they now look ridiculous - although we're sure they made men's eyes pop out at the time!

3. The Beehive, 1960

Chignons are attractive and elegant, but watermelon-size hairdos blasted onto the scene during 60's. Personally they remind us of the Martians in 'Mars Attacks' and the only beehive-wearer we forgive is the legendary Amy Winehouse.

4. Psychedelic patterns 1960-1970

San Francisco, the cradle of hippy mankind, saw the birth of this style. The trippier the better and hopefully never to be seen again!

5. Men's fashion during the 70's

Men's fashion reached a new low in the 70's… If you don't believe us, ask your parents or grandparents to dig out some photos. And be prepared to laugh!

6. The mullet haircut 1970-1980

Mullets first appeared in the 19th Century. They were popular with American fishermen, as having long hair at the back kept them warm. They blasted back onto the scene during the 70's and the hairdressing world almost managed to reinvent them a few years' ago. As popular with women as they were with men, the only person who wore one well was Ziggy Stardust (AKA David Bowie)...

7. Shoulder pads 1980's

Shoulder pads were put in everything: T-shirts, sweaters, jackets, coats... Fortunately they were detachable so not everyone looked like an NFL player. They occasionally try to sneak back onto the catwalk, but usually just for show: Lady Gaga and Madonna seem to be fans!

8. Aerobics outfits 1980's

Ever seen 'Perfect' with Jamie Lee Curtis and John Travolta? Welcome to leg warmer and leotard hell. Men and women's sportswear was never so garish, as fitness gurus around the world turned this into one of the 80's major trends.

9. Teased and backcombed hair 1980's

Although not as big as beehives, the 80's brought us teased hair to go with our shoulder pads. It didn't matter how you did it or what product you used, the bigger the hair the better. And once you'd backcombed it to perfection you needed a bottle of hairspray to keep it in place!

10. Too much blusher 1980's

Make-up products in the 80's were far less subtle than today and women would contour their cheekbones with various bright colors. Fortunately this clown look has given way to discreet tones that are also easier to remove at the end of the day!

11. Fanny packs 1990's

Fanny packs are practical, particularly if you like hiking or a spot of DIY. However, when they became the must-have accessory, they cropped up everywhere. Back in the day, no self-respecting fashion fan would step out of the house without their fanny pack securely fastened around their waist!

12. Ridiculously high platform shoes and boots 1990's

This 70's trend was reinvented in the 90's and as soon as they graced celebrity feet, high street stores introduced them to a wider audience. They may have added inches to our height but they also caused lots of sprained ankles. 'Emo' boots are a gothic revival, but fortunately they're a lot classier!

13. Low-rise jeans 2000's

There are low-rise jeans and then REALLY low-rise jeans, and the latter were loved by girls a decade ago - usually because they gave guys a glimpse of their skimpy 'whale tail'.

14. Orange fake tans 2000's

If you thought 80's blusher was bad, then look at photos of orange-skinned people during the 2000's. Men and women who didn't have time to get a natural tan would flock to tanning salons or slather their bodies with fake tans in their quest for a healthy golden glow. And glow they did! This trend has managed to cling on - you only have to look at a recently elected president to see that 'orange' is apparently still in vogue!

15. Harem pants 2010's

Okay, so they're really comfy, but these were all the rage with anyone aiming for a bohemian look. You can find some gorgeous fabrics, but the cut is more pajama than high street! Don't bin yours, but do limit them to casual indoor wear!

By Straker Julia
Writer

Passionate about writing, I write articles on the subjects that I love. Creativity and Animals themes are my favorites!