Trends Are Fun, But Not All of Them
Aesthetics come and go, and that’s usually part of what makes styling an ever-shifting and evolving force. Still, some trends were more work than they were worth, especially when they demanded constant upkeep or only looked good in one specific kind of photo. If you like fashion and beauty but also enjoy comfort, practicality, and looking like yourself in real life, these are a few looks we can happily leave behind. Consider this less of a takedown and more of a gentle suggestion to choose what actually flatters you and fits your life.
1. Overlined Lips
Overlining can look cute in the right setup, but it often looks distracting in normal lighting. It also smears easily, so you end up checking mirrors and reapplying far more than you want to. A defined lip is great, but it’s nicer when the shape still looks like your actual mouth.
2. Ultra-Laminated Brows
The heavily brushed-up brow trend has a way of overpowering the rest of your face. When brows look stiff or glossy, it can make your expression seem permanently surprised. A softer brow shape still looks polished without turning your brows into caterpillars.
3. Full-Body Filters
Strong filters can create a strange disconnect between how you look online and how you look in person. They also set expectations that are impossible to keep up with, especially for the person using them. Photos are more enjoyable when they resemble real skin texture and real proportions.
4. Extreme Contour
Sharp contouring can look harsh outside of studio lighting, especially in daylight. It also takes time, skill, and a lot of blending to avoid obvious lines. A lighter sculpted look usually reads fresher and is much easier to maintain.
5. Glossy “Glass” Skin
A dewy finish can be pretty, but glass skin often crosses into greasy fast. It pushes people to layer products that are not suited for their skin type or climate. You can glow without feeling sticky or looking overly shiny.
6. Skinny Sunglasses
Tiny sunglasses are more style statement than sun protection, and you feel that the second the sun hits. They can also look a bit off-balance depending on your face shape and outfit proportions. The bottom line is, if your sunglasses do not shield your eyes, they are not doing their job.
7. Clear Plastic Heels
Clear heels tend to fog up, scuff quickly, and make your feet slide around. Even when they look great at first, they often photograph better than they feel. A shoe that’s comfortable and well-made usually ends up being the one you actually wear again.
8. Logo Overload
When every item is covered in brand names, the look can feel more like advertising than personal style. It also dates quickly because logos get tied to specific trend cycles. A single statement piece can be fun, but head-to-toe logos usually overwhelm.
9. Super Ripped Jeans
A few rips can add character, but extreme shredding often looks messy and can feel impractical. You should not have to worry about holes growing every time you sit down. Denim that holds its shape tends to look more intentional and lasts longer.
10. Low-Rise Everything
Low-rise jeans and skirts can be uncomfortable and require constant adjusting. They also limit styling options unless you enjoy being very strategic about what shirts you can wear. Mid-rise and high-rise exist because they work for daily life, and are often more work-appropriate.
11. Micro Bags
Micro bags are adorable until you realize they hold almost nothing. If you can’t fit your phone, keys, and a cardholder, the accessory becomes mostly decorative. A small bag can still be chic while being functional.
GLOBALDSIO IT SOLUTION on Unsplash
12. Super Long Acrylics
Extra-long nails can be impressive, but they make basic tasks harder than they should be. They also demand frequent maintenance, and breaks can be painful and expensive. A shorter or medium length can still look stylish while being easier to live with.
Konstantin Mishchenko on Pexels
13. BBL-Inspired Silhouettes
Trend-driven body ideals create pressure that doesn’t need to exist. Clothing should fit you, not the other way around. Styles that flatter many body types feel healthier and more sustainable.
14. Chunky Sneakers
Chunky sneakers can be fun, but the exaggerated versions can look clunky and hard to style. They are often heavy, and they can throw off the proportions of an outfit. A classic, basic sneaker will work for more outfits and usually last longer.
15. Harsh Middle Parts
A middle part can be classic, but the overly slick, severe version can look unforgiving. It also does not flatter everyone, and it can make hair look flat if there is no softness. A little movement or volume usually makes the whole look feel more balanced.
16. “Clean Girl” Uniform
Minimal makeup and simple outfits are fine, but the strict uniform version feels repetitive. It can also make people feel like they have to look a certain way to be considered “put together.” Style should have room for color, texture, and personal preferences.
17. Beige Everything
Neutral tones are useful, but full beige overload can make outfits and interiors look flat. When everything blends into the same family, any sense of personality tends to disappear. Mixing in contrast through color, pattern, or texture makes a space or outfit feel more alive.
18. Fast-Fashion Microtrends
Microtrends encourage constant buying, quick discarding, and a closet that never feels finished. That cycle can drain your budget and make getting dressed more stressful than it needs to be. Choosing pieces you actually like and will rewear is a much more effective approach.
Francois Le Nguyen on Unsplash
19. Excessive Self-Tanner
A little warmth can look great, but heavy self-tanner often turns orange or uneven. It also transfers onto clothes, sheets, and car seats, which is frustrating. A lighter application is easier to maintain and looks more natural.
Karolina Grabowska www.kaboompics.com on Pexels
20. Overdone Aesthetic Rooms
Rooms designed mainly for photos can end up feeling uncomfortable to live in. When every surface is curated, but nothing is practical, daily routines become inconvenient. A space should look good and still function for your real life.
