1. Juicy Couture Tracksuits
When Jennifer Lopez and Lindsay Lohan started flaunting Juicy Couture velour tracksuits, they weren’t just wearing sweats—they were making a statement. Suddenly, what looked like pajamas became luxury loungewear, with rhinestone-stamped butts and all. These sets became synonymous with Y2K fashion and Hollywood casual glamour. Never mind that they were pricey, impractical, and not particularly flattering.
The Juicy craze exploded between 2001 and 2008, peaking as a cultural symbol of the early aughts. Paparazzi shots of celebs at Starbucks or shopping in matching sets made them aspirational. Once the novelty wore off, they faded into parody—but for a while, you weren’t anyone unless you had at least one in your closet. The look is even experiencing a nostalgic revival among Gen Z today.
2. Fedoras
Fedoras were once associated with classic film noir and jazz musicians, but then celebrities like Justin Timberlake and Johnny Depp brought them back in the late 2000s. It started with a few red carpet appearances and quickly turned into an everyday accessory. The problem? They rarely actually worked with casual outfits and often looked forced.
Still, men across the country followed suit, trying to capture that same “artsy cool” energy. Suddenly, fedoras were popping up at bars, weddings, and coffee shops—whether or not they matched the rest of the outfit. The trend eventually became so overdone that it spawned memes and backlash. But for a solid five-year stretch, fedoras were the shortcut to trying to look effortlessly hip.
3. Ugg Boots
Once dismissed as frumpy house shoes, Uggs became a fashion staple in the early 2000s after stars like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears wore them everywhere. These suede boots with shearling lining suddenly showed up with mini skirts, velour tracksuits, and oversized sunglasses. It made no real sense for Californians to wear winter boots in 80-degree weather, but the celebrity stamp of approval made them irresistible. Soon, everyone from college students to soccer moms was padding around in them.
The boots’ explosion in popularity led to massive sales growth, with Oprah even naming them one of her “Favorite Things” in 2003. Uggs were suddenly “cool,” despite being the exact opposite of sleek or slimming. The comfort factor helped justify it, but their staying power proves how celebrity influence trumps logic. Even today, Uggs see seasonal comebacks—just in trendier forms like platform minis or slides.
4. Leggings as Pants
When leggings transitioned from workout wear to daily staples, it was largely thanks to off-duty models and celebs like Kim Kardashian and Gigi Hadid. They’d pair them with crop tops, leather jackets, and designer bags, making the formerly controversial “leggings as pants” debate seem outdated. Suddenly, it wasn’t lazy—it was chic athleisure. And the comfort made it an easy sell.
The rise of Lululemon and other high-end activewear brands helped legitimize the look. Yoga pants became brunch pants, errand pants, even travel-day airport pants. While critics scoffed at the lack of structure, most people couldn’t care less. Celebs made it okay to value ease over elegance.
5. Crocs
Crocs were once considered the ugliest shoes on Earth—until celebrities like Post Malone, Justin Bieber, and even Balenciaga stepped in. Suddenly, these rubber clogs were getting limited-edition collaborations and runway treatments. What was once a gardening shoe turned into a Gen Z and streetwear essential. The irony was half the appeal.
They became part of a larger trend embracing “ugly” fashion, where being unconventional was the new cool. Social media helped push their popularity, with influencers showing how to style them in unexpected ways. The comfort factor didn’t hurt either, especially during the pandemic. Love them or hate them, Crocs are now firmly embedded in the fashion conversation.
6. High-Waisted “Mom” Jeans
Mom jeans, once a punchline in the ’90s, got a full revival thanks to stars like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber. These high-waisted, relaxed-fit jeans went from thrift store relics to must-have items almost overnight. They’re not particularly flattering in a traditional sense, but they signal trendiness now. The throwback vibe struck a nostalgic chord.
Retailers like Urban Outfitters and Levi’s jumped on the trend fast, offering multiple reinterpretations. TikTok helped kill off low-rise jeans in favor of this silhouette. The change was so swift that many millennials had to relearn how to style denim entirely. Credit the celeb crowd for rewriting the denim rulebook.
7. Bike Shorts
The resurgence of bike shorts as streetwear can be traced directly to Princess Diana’s iconic off-duty looks and, more recently, Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber. What was once strictly gym gear suddenly became fashion-forward. Styled with blazers, oversized tees, or crop tops, the look felt both comfy and edgy. And with the pandemic making loungewear cool, timing was perfect.
Though many were skeptical at first, the practicality and ease won people over. Activewear brands jumped in, producing dozens of styles from minimal to neon. Even luxury brands like Chanel and Fendi tried their hand at it. Suddenly, bike shorts weren’t just for spinning class—they were brunch-worthy.
8. Oversized Blazers
Oversized blazers went from office castoffs to fashion powerhouses after stars like Zendaya and Bella Hadid embraced them. The borrowed-from-the-boys look became a wardrobe essential, often paired with shorts or crop tops. It struck a balance between professional and edgy. And it let people play with proportions in a way that felt modern.
Designers leaned into the trend by updating cuts and adding shoulder padding or cinched waists. The look became red carpet-appropriate and Instagram-worthy. Celebs made it feel both high-fashion and wearable. It’s now a go-to for those who want to look put-together without trying too hard.
9. Tiny Sunglasses
Tiny sunglasses, made popular by the Hadid sisters, Rihanna, and Kanye West, sparked major controversy in the fashion world. They were barely functional—more about the vibe than the UV protection. Still, their edgy, futuristic appeal caught on fast. Soon, everyone was trading in their oversized shades for slim, angular frames.
The trend was a callback to ’90s aesthetics, rebooted for the Instagram era. These micro specs weren’t about shielding your eyes—they were about making a statement. Despite their impracticality, they dominated music festivals and street style looks. Even if people complained, they still bought in.
10. Sock Sneakers
Sock sneakers—like the Balenciaga Speed Trainer—got a huge boost when rappers and influencers started wearing them in 2017. These shoes, which look like glorified socks with thick soles, were initially mocked. But the minimalist, slip-on design quickly gained traction. They became status symbols and staples of airport fashion.
Part of the appeal was their futuristic look and comfort. Celebs made them feel exclusive and high-end, despite the odd silhouette. Soon, brands like Nike and Adidas released their own versions. Now, they’re part of the mainstream sneaker scene.
11. Sheer Dresses
Sheer dresses were once reserved for the runway, but stars like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Kendall Jenner made them red carpet staples. These barely-there garments pushed boundaries and redefined glamour. Suddenly, lingerie-inspired styles were everywhere—from awards shows to Instagram posts. And the public followed suit with sheer tops, skirts, and layering pieces.
The trend filtered into fast fashion, where versions with modest linings or strategic placements became more wearable. Designers loved the drama of it, and celebs made the exposure feel empowering instead of risqué. It walked a line between boldness and elegance. It’s still going strong in 2025, especially in summer collections.
12. Denim on Denim
Once mocked as the infamous “Canadian tuxedo,” denim-on-denim made a full fashion comeback after celebs like Rihanna, Kanye West, and Gigi Hadid styled it with confidence. The look had long been considered a fashion faux pas—thanks in part to Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s legendary 2001 red carpet outfits. But suddenly, pairing denim jackets with jeans became cool again, especially in matching washes or oversized silhouettes. Celebrities made it feel intentional rather than accidental.
Fashion houses like Balmain and Dior jumped in, offering elevated takes on head-to-toe denim. The trend was about balancing ruggedness with polish—think tailored jeans with structured denim coats. Social media helped popularize it as an everyday power move. Now, it’s not just accepted—it’s celebrated as a fashion flex.
This post 12 Clothing Trends Americans Accepted Just Because Celebrities Wore Them was first published on American Charm.
