1. Thrift Shopping
There was a time when wearing secondhand clothes meant you couldn’t afford new ones, and people saw it as embarrassing. Hand-me-downs and Goodwill finds weren’t something to brag about, and many associated them with poverty. Now, thrifting is seen as eco-friendly and a way to find unique, vintage fashion pieces, according to Betty Lin-Fisher from USA TODAY. Thanks to influencers and sustainability movements, secondhand shopping is now a stylish and responsible choice.
Vintage stores and thrift hauls are all over social media, making the practice more appealing. Even high-end fashion brands have leaned into the trend by selling “pre-loved” collections. What was once a necessity for some is now a lifestyle for many, embraced across income levels. In fact, people now take pride in finding a designer label at a bargain price rather than splurging on something brand new.
2. Tattoos
For decades, tattoos were associated with criminals, bikers, and rebellious youth, making them a symbol of poor judgment. Many workplaces had strict rules against visible tattoos, and some people believed they would ruin job opportunities. Parents would warn their kids they’d regret getting inked, especially with something big or colorful. Now, tattoos are widely accepted as a personal and artistic expression, even in professional settings.
Fine-line tattoos, watercolor designs, and minimalist ink have helped make body art more mainstream. Celebrities, CEOs, and even doctors proudly sport meaningful designs, shifting the perception of tattoos from reckless to refined. Tattoo parlors have also become more upscale, offering clean, boutique-like experiences. What was once seen as a rebellious act is now considered a form of storytelling and identity, according to Katherine Schaeffer and Shradha Dinesh from the Pew Research Center.
3. Sneakers With Everything
There was a time when wearing sneakers outside the gym was seen as lazy or sloppy, especially with dresses or suits. Formal events demanded proper shoes, and athletic sneakers were reserved for workouts. Sneakers with evening wear would have been a fashion faux pas, something a dad on vacation might attempt. Now, the sneaker trend has completely taken over, with stylish kicks paired with everything from wedding dresses to tailored suits, according to Vanessa Friedman from The New York Times.
Luxury brands like Gucci and Balenciaga have released designer sneakers that sell for hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. Comfortable, fashion-forward sneakers are now a statement piece rather than an afterthought. Even classic athletic brands like Nike and Adidas have capitalized on the trend, blurring the lines between streetwear and high fashion. Sneakers are no longer just about practicality; they’re an essential part of modern style.
4. Press-On Nails
Press-on nails used to be seen as a cheap alternative to a proper manicure, often associated with tacky, plastic-looking designs. They were something you grabbed last-minute at the drugstore, and they rarely lasted more than a couple of days. People believed that if you wanted beautiful nails, you needed to visit a salon for acrylics or gels. Now, press-ons have made a huge comeback, with high-quality designs that look just as good as professional manicures, according to Taylor Knigh from The New York Post.
Brands like Glamnetic and Static Nails offer reusable, salon-quality press-ons that last for weeks. Nail artists and influencers showcase stunning press-on looks, making them a go-to option for busy people. The convenience of switching designs without damaging natural nails has made them even more appealing. Once dismissed as cheap and fake-looking, they’re now a trendy, accessible beauty choice.
5. Fanny Packs
Fanny packs used to be the ultimate tourist stereotype—something only dads wore on vacation. They were mocked for being unfashionable, associated with outdated ’80s and ’90s trends. People saw them as bulky and unflattering, a clear sign that someone wasn’t keeping up with modern fashion. Now, they’ve been rebranded as “belt bags” and have become a streetwear essential, according to Anna Kaufman from USA TODAY.
Luxury brands like Gucci and Prada have released high-end versions, making them stylish rather than dorky. Influencers and celebrities have embraced the trend, wearing them across the chest or slung over the shoulder. Their practicality has made them a favorite among fashion lovers who appreciate hands-free convenience. What was once ridiculed is now a staple in both casual and high-fashion looks.
6. Hoop Earrings
For a long time, large hoop earrings were seen as flashy or even “ghetto,” with negative stereotypes attached to them. Some workplaces even considered them unprofessional, and they were often discouraged in more conservative circles. Hoops were associated with specific subcultures, especially Latina and Black communities, and weren’t widely embraced by mainstream fashion. Now, they are a staple accessory, worn by celebrities, influencers, and professionals alike.
From dainty gold hoops to oversized statement pieces, these earrings have become a fashion must-have. Luxury brands and high-end designers have incorporated them into their collections, further cementing their status. Instead of being seen as excessive or unrefined, hoops are now praised for their boldness and versatility. What was once considered a niche or even controversial accessory is now an everyday essential.
7. Logomania
There was a time when wearing clothes covered in logos was seen as flashy or even tacky. People associated big, bold brand names with trying too hard to show off wealth. Designer labels were supposed to be subtle, and obvious branding was frowned upon. Now, loud logos are back, with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga leading the charge.
Fashion houses have embraced oversized logos, making them a statement rather than a faux pas. Streetwear culture has played a big role, with brands like Supreme making logo-heavy designs desirable. Social media has further fueled the trend, where brand recognition is key to status and influence. What was once considered over-the-top is now a mark of high fashion and exclusivity.
8. Streetwear
Streetwear was once considered too casual, even sloppy, for anything beyond hanging out at home or running errands. Baggy hoodies, oversized tees, and sneakers weren’t seen as fashionable but rather as lazy dressing. Many associated it with skater culture, hip-hop, and rebellious youth who rejected traditional style norms. Now, streetwear is one of the most dominant forces in fashion, with luxury brands collaborating with streetwear labels.
High-end designers like Louis Vuitton and Dior have teamed up with brands like Supreme and Stüssy. The blend of comfort and exclusivity has made streetwear a global phenomenon, influencing everything from high fashion to everyday wear. Celebrities and influencers have helped push the trend, making hoodies and joggers acceptable in nearly any setting. What was once seen as too casual is now a mark of effortless style and status.
9. Artificial Lips and Fillers
Not long ago, lip injections and fillers were seen as excessive and even unnatural-looking. People associated them with celebrities who had overdone plastic surgery, making them a punchline rather than a beauty goal. There was a stigma around cosmetic procedures, with many considering them vain or even desperate. Now, fuller lips are a mainstream beauty trend, with people proudly sharing their filler experiences online.
The rise of non-invasive, subtle enhancements has made lip fillers more socially acceptable. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner helped popularize the look, turning plump lips into a beauty standard. Many clinics now offer natural-looking results, removing the stigma of cosmetic procedures. Instead of being seen as extreme, lip fillers are now just another part of beauty maintenance, like getting highlights or a facial.
10. Craft Cocktails and Canned Alcohol
Premade cocktails and canned drinks were once considered a cheap alternative to real mixology. People associated them with sugary, artificial flavors and frat parties rather than sophisticated drinking. If you wanted a quality cocktail, you had to go to a fancy bar or make one from scratch. Now, craft canned cocktails and hard seltzers have taken over the alcohol industry, offering convenience without sacrificing quality.
Brands like White Claw, High Noon, and Cutwater have elevated the category with high-end ingredients and sleek branding. Even bars and restaurants now serve premium, pre-batched cocktails, showing that convenience doesn’t have to mean low quality. Hard seltzers, in particular, have redefined casual drinking, making them a staple at parties and events. What was once dismissed as cheap and low-brow is now a billion-dollar industry.
11. Visible Roots and Unnatural Hair Colors
There was a time when visible roots were considered a sign of neglect, and bright hair colors were seen as unprofessional. If you dyed your hair, you were expected to keep up with it, and any regrowth was seen as sloppy. Unnatural colors like blue, pink, and purple were often associated with rebellious teens or alternative subcultures. Now, both trends have become widely accepted, with even corporate workplaces relaxing their dress codes.
“Root shadowing” and “lived-in color” are now sought-after techniques in salons, giving hair a natural, low-maintenance look. Vibrant hair colors have also become more mainstream, with influencers, celebrities, and professionals rocking shades once considered extreme. The idea that only certain hair colors are “professional” has been challenged, allowing for more personal expression. What was once seen as messy or rebellious is now stylish and intentional.
12. Denim-on-Denim
The “Canadian tuxedo” was once a fashion faux pas, mocked for being too matchy-matchy. Wearing a denim jacket with jeans was considered overkill, something you might see in old-school Westerns but not in modern fashion. For years, people avoided doubling up on denim to avoid looking outdated. Now, denim-on-denim is a major trend, with designers and celebrities fully embracing the look.
Runways and street style feature head-to-toe denim outfits in different washes and textures. High-end brands have elevated the trend, making it feel fresh rather than old-fashioned. Pairing denim pieces has become a deliberate fashion statement rather than a mistake. What was once mocked as a style misstep is now a bold, fashionable choice.
13. Social Media Influencers
In the early days, being an influencer wasn’t seen as a real job, and people scoffed at the idea of making money from Instagram or YouTube. Posting selfies and product recommendations for a living seemed shallow, and many dismissed influencers as people who just got lucky. Traditional career paths were still seen as the only legitimate way to success, and online fame wasn’t taken seriously. Now, influencers are shaping industries, with brands investing millions in social media marketing.
Top influencers earn more than many traditional celebrities, and their impact on fashion, beauty, and travel is undeniable. Content creation is now a respected profession, with influencers building entire businesses around their personal brands. Even companies that once ignored social media are now hiring influencers for marketing campaigns. What was once seen as a side hobby is now a full-fledged career path.
14. Gold Teeth and Grillz
Gold teeth and grillz were once associated with hip-hop culture and often dismissed as gaudy or excessive. Many saw them as flashy, impractical, and a symbol of materialism rather than style. They were often judged as over-the-top, especially by people outside the music and entertainment industries. Now, grillz have become a high-fashion accessory, with luxury designers creating custom pieces for celebrities.
Artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Post Malone have helped turn grillz into a mainstream trend. Even high-end jewelers like Tiffany & Co. have dabbled in custom mouthpieces, elevating their status. Grillz are now seen as a bold statement piece, worn for red carpets, fashion shoots, and everyday style. What was once considered tacky is now a luxury status symbol.
