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ClassyTrendy · June 23, 2025

10 “Ugly” Fashion Trends From The ’90s That Are Thankfully Gone

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The 1990s were a wild, experimental era for fashion. Grunge, glam, and everything in between battled for attention, creating some unforgettable style moments, both fabulous and cringe-worthy. While the decade gave us iconic staples like slip dresses and crop tops, it also spawned trends that, in hindsight, were more “what were we thinking?” than fashion-forward. Whether it was due to awkward silhouettes, strange textures, or just plain impracticality, some ’90s styles were better left behind.

Table of Contents

  • 1. JNCO Jeans
  • 2. Tiny Eyewear That Did Nothing
  • 3. Platform Flip-Flops
  • 4. Overly Thin Eyebrows
  • 5. Inflatable Backpacks
  • 6. Shiny Nylon Tracksuits
  • 7. Sweater Vests with Nothing Underneath
  • 8. Hair Scrunchies Worn on Wrists
  • 9. Cargo Pants with Endless Pockets
  • 10. Metallic Lipstick in Frosty Shades

1. JNCO Jeans

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These jeans were massive, we’re talking hems wider than your shoes, puddling around the ankles, and pockets big enough to fit a laptop. JNCO jeans were the epitome of rebellious streetwear, worn with pride by skaters, ravers, and teens who loved defying dress codes. But they quickly became impractical and cartoonish. Besides being heavy and dragging on the ground, they erased all shape and proportion from an outfit.

2. Tiny Eyewear That Did Nothing

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Remember those razor-thin sunglasses with colored lenses? They were a ’90s staple, worn by everyone from The Matrix cast to pop stars. The problem? They didn’t actually protect your eyes. These micro shades were more about attitude than function, but in hindsight, they often looked silly rather than stylish. They sat awkwardly on the nose, offered no UV protection, and were practically impossible to wear without squinting. While bold eyewear is back, we now prefer sunglasses that combine fashion and function.

3. Platform Flip-Flops

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Platform flip-flops were the go-to summer shoe for many ’90s teens. Whether you got them at Delia’s or your local mall, the thick foam soles promised height without the pain of heels. But comfort came at a cost tripping, twisting ankles, and looking like you had bricks strapped to your feet. Not to mention, they made a loud “flop” sound with every step. While platforms themselves have made a comeback in other forms, the squishy flip-flop version with its clunky, unflattering design, remains a relic of a misguided footwear moment.

4. Overly Thin Eyebrows

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Okay, technically not a clothing trend, but no list of ’90s beauty missteps is complete without a nod to the infamous pencil-thin eyebrow. Women everywhere plucked their brows into oblivion, following icons like Pamela Anderson and Gwen Stefani. The result? Harsh, barely-there arches that aged faces prematurely and were almost impossible to grow back. Brows are now celebrated in their full, fluffy form, thanks to years of regret and TikTok brow rehab routines.

5. Inflatable Backpacks

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These brightly colored, often transparent inflatable backpacks were everywhere in the late ’90s, thanks in part to teen idols and toy-like fashion trends. Made from glossy plastic material and filled with air chambers, these accessories looked more like pool floats than practical bags. While fun and quirky at the time, they weren’t exactly durable or functional. They popped easily, didn’t hold much, and squeaked annoyingly when you walked.

6. Shiny Nylon Tracksuits

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Velour may be enjoying a quiet comeback, but its older cousin, shiny nylon tracksuits isn’t being missed. These noisy, rustling two-piece sets came in bold colors like electric blue and fire-engine red, often with white stripes and zip-up collars. Popular in hip-hop culture and school gyms alike, they were boxy, sweaty, and never quite flattering. The synthetic shine only made things worse, especially in photos. Today’s athleisure has evolved into sleeker, more breathable fabrics that don’t squeak with every movement.

7. Sweater Vests with Nothing Underneath

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The ’90s tried hard to make sweater vests sexy, by pairing them with nothing else underneath. This look tried to walk a line between collegiate and provocative, but often ended up looking awkward or underdressed. Without a shirt or blouse to balance the vest’s structure, the outfit lacked cohesion and often felt like an incomplete thought. Today, sweater vests are making a more polished comeback, layered over crisp shirts or worn oversized for a cozy vibe. The bare-armed version, however, remains an odd trend better left behind.

8. Hair Scrunchies Worn on Wrists

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Scrunchies themselves aren’t the problem, they’ve actually circled back into style in a big way. But in the ’90s, wearing scrunchies on your wrist wasn’t just a casual thing, it was a statement. It became a fashion accessory rather than a functional one, with girls coordinating them to their outfits and stacking multiples up the arm. While mildly cute, it often clashed with more formal wear or looked out of place in non-gym settings. Thankfully, scrunchies are now back, but used for their intended purpose (in your hair), not as elastic bangles.

9. Cargo Pants with Endless Pockets

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Cargo pants were meant to be utilitarian, but ’90s fashion took the concept and went wild. Suddenly, pants came loaded with oversized, bulging pockets on the thighs, knees, and even calves. They made everyone look bulky and shapeless, turning even slim frames into blocky silhouettes. While functional, they weren’t exactly flattering. Modern versions of cargo pants now favor a slimmer fit with subtler pockets. We can appreciate practicality without the pocket overload, and without looking like we’re headed to a wilderness survival course.

10. Metallic Lipstick in Frosty Shades

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’90s lipstick went heavy on shimmer, especially in odd shades like icy lavender, copper frost, and frosted beige. While it worked for a few pop stars in music videos, in reality, the look often appeared dry, pale, and oddly futuristic in the worst way. The finish emphasized lip lines and washed out complexions. Today’s makeup world embraces richer, more flattering tones with satin, matte, or gloss finishes that enhance natural beauty. Metallic lips may have their place on the runway, but the frosty ’90s version isn’t likely to be missed by most.

Posted In: ClassyTrendy

Hello there! My name is Chi Li, 5'2", founder of PETITE DRESSING, the clothing line for women 5'4" & under. Are you petite and have you been frustrated with what to wear?
This is an issue few truly understand and even fewer brands truly address.
Being petite myself, I have been writing about fashion for short women since 2016 and my brand petitedressing.com has touched the lives of millions.
My styling concepts for petite women not only focus on the perfect fit but also on flattering & elongating the petite frame for a lean silhouette, optimizing the proportions.
Shop my clothing line here.

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