1. Wearing Crocs in Public
Crocs were once the punchline of every fashion joke—clunky, foam-like, and associated with gardening or hospital shifts. Kids got teased for wearing them, and adults kept them strictly indoors. They were the footwear equivalent of giving up. But comfort always finds a way.
Now, Crocs are a full-blown lifestyle brand with celebrity collaborations and customizable charms. Gen Z wears them with pride, pairing them with streetwear and ironic confidence. What was once cringe is now curated. And yes, they still squeak.
2. Thrifting as a Personality
Buying secondhand clothes used to signal financial struggle or lack of style. Thrift stores were seen as dusty, chaotic, and a last resort—not a fashion destination. Wearing used clothes felt like admitting defeat. But the stigma didn’t stand a chance.
Today, thrifting is a badge of sustainability and individuality. TikTok hauls, vintage curation, and resale apps have turned it into a full-blown aesthetic. It’s not just shopping—it’s storytelling. And yes, your outfit has a backstory now.
3. Coloring Your Hair Unnaturally
Bright pink, blue, or green hair once screamed rebellion or “trying too hard.” It was reserved for punks, alt kids, or the occasional art teacher. People got side-eyed in job interviews and scolded at school. It was seen as a phase—not a choice.
Now, bold hair is embraced across age groups and industries. It’s self-expression, not defiance, and often part of a curated look. Brands even use it to signal creativity. And yes, your grandma might have lavender bangs.
4. Wearing Oversized Clothes
Baggy clothes used to be labeled sloppy, lazy, or unfeminine—especially for women. Oversized hoodies and parachute pants were seen as hiding, not styling. The fashion world pushed fitted silhouettes and body-conscious cuts. But comfort had other plans.
Now, oversized is the new chic. It’s cozy, gender-neutral, and runway-approved. The look says “I dress for me”—not for the male gaze. And yes, your dad’s old flannel is suddenly high fashion.
5. Having Thick Eyebrows
Thick brows were once plucked into oblivion, with pencil-thin arches dominating beauty standards. People were teased for “caterpillars” or “unibrows,” and over-tweezing was a rite of passage. Natural brows were considered messy or masculine. But the pendulum swung hard.
Now, thick brows are celebrated as bold and beautiful. Brow gels, lamination, and microblading are booming industries. The fuller, the better—and the more intentional. And yes, people now draw on what they used to wax off.
6. Wearing “Mom Jeans”
High-waisted, loose-fitting denim was once mocked as frumpy and outdated. The term “mom jeans” was shorthand for fashion failure. Skinny jeans ruled the early 2000s, and anything baggy was banished. But nostalgia had a comeback moment.
Now, mom jeans are a fashion staple—styled with crop tops, blazers, and chunky sneakers. They’re comfortable, flattering, and ironically cool. The silhouette is no longer shameful—it’s aspirational. And yes, SNL called it first.
7. Using Champion Gear
Champion was once the budget brand you bought at Walmart when you couldn’t afford Nike or Adidas. Wearing it felt like settling, not styling. It was associated with gym class, not streetwear. But the logo never gave up.
Now, Champion is a retro-luxe brand with collabs and premium pricing. Vintage pieces are resold for triple their original cost. It’s not just athletic—it’s aesthetic. And yes, your old hoodie is suddenly worth $80.
8. Wearing Glasses as Fashion
Glasses used to be a source of teasing—“four eyes” was a classic insult. Kids begged for contacts, and adults feared looking “too smart.” Frames were functional, not fashionable. But vision got a makeover.
Now, glasses are a style statement, even for people with perfect eyesight. Thick frames, colored lenses, and designer brands dominate the accessory game. Intelligence is chic—and eyewear is part of the look. And yes, fake glasses are a thing.
9. Having Freckles
Freckles were once covered with foundation, mocked as “spots,” or airbrushed out of photos. Kids with freckles got teased, and beauty standards favored porcelain skin. It was something to hide—not highlight. But nature got the last laugh.
Now, freckles are celebrated as charming and unique. People draw them on with makeup or get semi-permanent tattoos to mimic them. The shift is from flaw to feature. And yes, your sun-kissed nose is finally trending.
This post 9 Trends That Used to Be Embarrassing—Now They’re Branded as “Lifestyle” was first published on American Charm.
