11 Cringeworthy Fashion Trends on the Runway
While most trends ebb and flow in and out of style every few decades, there are also those few cringeworthy looks that no one wants to see return. Whether it's looking undecided in a dress over pants or showcasing it all in a barely-there mini-skirt, these are the runway looks that somehow made it onto the catwalk. To reminisce on the fashion mistakes of yester-year, check out these 11 outrageous trends that deserved a ticket from the Fashion Police.
If you're wearing a dress, why wear pants? If you want to wear pants, why wear a dress? It's not the best of both worlds–even with this JW Anderson Fall/Winter 2019 look–it's a sign that you got dressed in the dark.
Within the jorts (jean shorts) family, denim Bermuda shorts are the less cool cousin of denim cutoffs that are as awkward in their length as they are in their tight fit. On the Off-White Spring/Summer 2019 runway, Virgil Abloh went as far as making a gray Canadian tuxedo with a pair.
Designers throughout history have often found inspiration from the Space Age, creating streamlined and modern fashion. Moon boots managed to miss the mark, recognized for their super chunky look, but that didn’t keep brands from Chanel to Jeremy Scott from putting their spin on the clunky footwear.
In the early aughts, everyone from Beyoncé to Christina Aguilera rocked bedazzled jeans. While many have tried to bring the trend back, like this pair from Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2015, no matter how enticing, pants overwraught with rhinestones will not stand the trend test of time.
Unless you're a cowgirl, there's really no need to sport a pair of chaps–even though Kim Kardashian West may try to convince you otherwise.
There are so many cringeworthy elements of this photo, but they all boil down to one thing: Ed Hardy. While the cartoon tattoo-print may work for Bill Hader's New York City scene reporter Stefan on Saturday Night Live, it doesn't work for anyone else.
There's worse things out there than a ruffled mini skirt, but all that bulk around your rear doesn't make for a flattering look. This white Isabel Marant skirt is a prime example of how such a simple piece can go so wrong.
A beloved piece of anti-fashion, Ugg boots make up for their lack of style with shearling warmth. However, there are no excuses for this creation from Y/Project's collaboration with Uggs, only questions. While Fenty queen Rihanna was spotted in them at Coachella, think of that as the exception, rather than the rule.
In essense, the high-low skirt can be done tastefully, like this look from Versace's Spring/Summer 2018 collection, but in reality it never really works. Everyone remembers the bright, sheer high-low skirts of the early 2010s, probably worn with a sleeveless, collared button down and Converse. It hurts to think about, but those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.
The crochet poncho revival happens every so often as the boho chic look comes around the trend cycle again, as evidenced by this Emilio Pucci Spring/Summer 2015 look. While it may seem convenient at the time—if you were looking for something to wear to a Woodstock reenactment in the forest—it's not a piece for longevity's sake. Especially if there are flowers.
The boundary-pushing version of a classic mini skirt leaves little to the imagination. Realistically, walking out in one of these is just asking for a wardrobe malfunction of the highest order. While Kate Moss looks flawless in this Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 1995 skirt, not everyone could get away with wearing that to dinner, or even the club.
