Old Fashion Trends That Died: Which Have Come Back, and Which Will Stay Dead

The fashion world is constantly changing, meaning styles that were once everywhere can disappear in the blink of an eye. In some cases, we hope those trends never see the light of day again. However, many old fashion trends that died get an unexpected second life when a younger generation discovers or reinvents them.

With trends like y2k and quiet luxury, we’ve seen the resurgence of past styles in full force this year. Other fads, however, will likely stay dead for the foreseeable future. Here is our list of old fashion trends that died, and which ones we could see make a comeback.

Old Trends That Have Died and Returned

One generation’s trash is another’s treasure. These are the old trends that have made a comeback in recent years.

1. Fanny Packs

For many years after, the fanny pack became a cringe-worth old style. People ditched the fanny pack and opted for more crossbody bags and higher fashion purses.

However, as athleisure rose in popularity again in the late 2010s and 2020s, the desire for an athletic bag naturally followed. The fanny pack returned with a slight twist: wearing it over the shoulder like a crossbody bag instead of around the hips. The style also works well with sporty fashion aesthetics like tenniscore.

They also got a new name, the belt bag, to pretend like it really is a new hip trend. You’ll likely see people sporting Lululemon belt bags (or knockoffs) while out for walks, running errands, going to the airport, heading out for drinks and more.

While the fanny pack or belt bag could go back out of style in the coming years, we suspect it will still be used for its convenience, whether it’s on-trend or not.

Lululemon Athletica Everywhere Belt Bag: $27.90 on Amazon

2. Corset Tops

The corset is a trend that dates back to the 1800s and stayed dead for almost a century before making a major return. While these tops no longer restrict one’s breathing, they do still give the snatched look that has become popular again in recent years.

According to Vogue, the 2020s popularity of the corset style may be attributed to period dramas like Bridgerton and celebrities like Hailey Beiber and Dua Lipa rocking them casually. We did also see them in the 90s on the runway and in some iconic Madonna looks. Most recently, we’ve seen Taylor Swift sporting corset tops to reference the Victorian vibe of her Fortnight music video.

While we do think corset tops will stick around for a while, they may decline in coming years. Typically, after a form-fitting trends starts to fade, people shift more towards loose and casual styles.

Corset Crop Top: $28.99 on Amazon

3. Claw Hair Clips

Claw clips fell out of fashion in the late 2000s and early 2010s, but they came back strong in the 2020s. They are a great way to throw your hair up but still look cute as an alternative to a ponytail. Clips also come in lots of colors and patterns, so they can be a fun accessory to add visual interest to an outfit.

While ponytails will never go out of style, many people prefer using a clip to avoid tugging on their hair and getting a headache. However, the claw clip doesn’t work for everyone. Some are too flimsy to hold up thick or textured hair.

The claw clip will always be in rotation for some people, but others may move on and find new hair accessories to try. Banana clips and hair pins have started to become popular on TikTok, so the claw clip may start to phase out of the trend cycle.

Claw Clip Pack: $7.69 on Amazon

Banana Clip Pack: $9.99 on Amazon

French Hair Pin Pack: $6.99 on Amazon

4. Low-Rise Jeans

This one will make millennials cry, but low-rise jeans are back. Trends often swing from one extreme to the other, so it makes sense that low-rise would come back after high-rise was in style for several years. Gen-Z is bringing back low-rise, which was originally popular in the 90s and early 2000s.

However, that doesn’t mean you need to wear low-rise! We think everyone should wear what makes them confidence and comfortable. For many, high-waisted jeans are comfortable and flattering, so we think they’ll always be in style.

If you do want to try out low-rise, consider pairing them with longline tops. The rise of low-waisted pants might mean crop tops become less popular. You may also want to go for a style that is tight around your hips but loose around your legs so you don’t feel too constricted.

Style low-rise jeans with a tank top or baby tee that hits between your belly button and your waistband. Add a cool jacket and sneakers for a casual outfit.

Levi’s Superlow Boot Jeans: $79.50 on Amazon

5. Capri Pants

Like low-rise pants, many of us may also be shocked to hear capri pants are coming back. While we don’t expect them to be popular for long, they have been a growing fad this summer.

In recent years, women have been gravitating towards longer shorts for extra coverage and comfort. It’s possible that capri pants have the same appeal. You want to cover your legs a bit, but it’s too hot for long pants — welcome back, capris!

Pants that hit between the knee and mid-calf have been popular in past decades, like the 60s, 80s and early 2000s. Now, they can be styled casually with oversized tops, dressed up with heels and blazer, or made sporty with sneakers and an athletic top.

Once the weather gets cold again, however, we expect capris might fall back out of fashion.

Capri Pants: $54.99 on Amazon

Old Fashion Trends That Died But Haven’t Come Back

There are some trends that just might stay dead. You never know, though! Maybe we’ll see these again in the coming years.

1. Chevron Print

Some patterns never really go out of style, like cheetah print and polka dots. Chevron, however, may not make a resurgence. While the checkerboard print may be a modern spin on it, chevron was too overused and now seems tacky.

2. Peep-Toe Booties

This style of heeled boot died out in the 2010s and has not been seen in stores or on runways. Peep-toe booties were once popular going-out shoes, but now many people choose to go casual with sneakers or elevated with platforms or kitten heels.

3. Statement Necklaces

Fun and colorful jewelry will always be around in some way, but this specific variety of statement necklace has gone out of fashion. The cheap, gaudy beads just didn’t stand the test of time. Now, people are shifting towards charm necklaces as a fun but less over-the-top statement piece.

4. Shoulder Pads

With many other 80s and 90s trends returning, it’s surprising that we haven’t seen shoulder pads make a big comeback. Instead, we’ve seen fun collars take the place of creating an interesting silhouette without over-accentuating the upper body.

5. Skater Skirts and Dresses

People definitely still wear skater style skirts and dresses, but they’re not the most on-trend look anymore. Instead of flared hems, A-line and flowy fits have been more popular in recent years. We could see skater skirts making a return, however, as they can be fun, cute and styled in many ways.

Watch for Old Fashion Trends that Died

The fashion cycle moves quickly, but certain trends come back around as new generations reinvent them. While many of us never thought we’d see the return of low rise and capris, they have taken on a new life in recent months. Maybe even chevron will rise from the dead one day.

Originally published 7/7/2023. Updated on 7/12/2024.