8 Fashion Trends that Need to Retire for Good

Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Fashion Trends; Retirement

To shed light on the fashion trends that have overstayed their welcome, Style My Soul asked industry leaders for their candid opinions. From the notion that high cost equals high quality to the misstep of ’90s stirrup pants, these fashion insiders share the trends they believe the world needs to retire for good.

Reject High Cost Equals High Quality
As a tech CEO, I believe the fashion trend we should retire is the “high price equals high quality” mindset. I’ve noticed that many consumers equate high cost with superior quality, but this is not always the case. It’s similar to buying an expensive computer with glitzy features, but it may not perform any better than a lesser-priced model. Good fashion shouldn’t be restricted by price tags. Quality, comfort, and ethical manufacturing should be the driving forces, not inflated prices.
​- Abid Salahi, Co-Founder and CEO, FinlyWealth

Avoid Rude Quotes on Children’s Clothing
It’s disheartening when children are dressed in clothing with rude and obnoxious quotes. For instance, I recently came across a young child, around eight to ten years old, wearing a T-shirt that boldly stated, “If I wanted your opinion, I would have asked.” Such choices in clothing can lead to negative perceptions of both the child and the parent. It’s important to consider the impact of such messages on a child’s development and how they may be perceived by others. - Jeffrey Gabriel, CEO, Saw.com

Retire Fast Fashion for Sustainability
One fashion trend that could be retired is the excessive use of fast-fashion items that contribute to environmental waste. The trend often involves mass-producing inexpensive, low-quality garments that have a short lifespan. Moving towards sustainable and timeless pieces can not only contribute to a more eco-conscious fashion industry but also promote longevity and quality in clothing, aligning with values we hold dear at DasFlow. - Nicolas Krauss, Founder and CEO, dasFlow

End Overly Skinny Jeans Trend
As the owner of a men’s clothing company, I believe the world should retire the trend of overly skinny and restrictive jeans. While slim-fit pants have their place in fashion, extremely tight jeans can be uncomfortable and even detrimental to one’s health. It’s essential to prioritize comfort and well-being without compromising style. Relaxed and well-fitting clothing allows individuals to move freely and feel comfortable in their own skin. Embracing a more versatile approach to fashion that caters to a wide range of body types and personal preferences is not only a smart business move but also promotes self-confidence and overall better fashion choices. - Josh Bluman, Co-Founder, JJ Suspenders

Say No to Ugg Boots with Shorts
The fashion trend that the world needs to retire for good is the combination of Ugg boots with shorts. This mismatched pairing lacks harmony and is often seen as a fashion blunder. By retiring this trend, individuals can create a more cohesive and fashionable overall look. Instead, they can opt for more suitable footwear options like sandals, sneakers, or boots that complement their choice of bottoms. This will ensure a more stylish and put-together appearance in various social settings. - Yoana Wong, Co-Founder, Secret Florists

Reduce Fast Fashion
Fashion trends are subjective, and what one person dislikes, another may enjoy. However, one fashion trend that I believe should be retired for good is fast fashion. Fast fashion is characterized by clothing that is produced quickly and inexpensively to respond to the latest trends. While it may be affordable and easily accessible, it often comes at a significant environmental and ethical cost. Ultimately, the decision on which fashion trends to retire is a matter of personal preference, and fashion is continually evolving. It’s important for individuals to make choices that align with their values and consider the impact of their fashion choices on the environment and society. A quote from the famous fashion designer Vivienne Westwood resonates with this: “Buy Less, Choose Well, Make it Last.” - Siyu Liang, Staff Writer, Dealmoon

Remove Outdated Haircuts and Thin Eyebrows
Gen Z, Broccoli Head haircuts, mullets, and thin eyebrows are three fashion trends that absolutely need to go away in 2023. When I’m at the gym, 90% of guys have either a Broccoli Head haircut or, more recently, mullets and rat tails. For women, one fashion trend that needs to go away is super thin eyebrows. - John Frigo, Ecommerce Manager, Best Price Nutrition

See Stirrup Pants as a ’90s Misstep
Stirrup pants. I hated them in the ’90s, and I still hate them now. While I can appreciate the sense of ’90s nostalgia that has become so popular in the last few years, stirrup pants were so impractical and uncomfortable to wear that they aren’t worth the effort. I am shocked that people are trying to bring them back! - Fey Grimm, Social Media Manager, Starkey