13 Modern Styles We Would've Hated In The '90s

We often look back at our photos from previous years cringing at our outfits (what was I thinking when I loved the double popped collar?), but have you ever thought about looking forward? There are a few modern styles that would have definitely made me cringe in the '90s, when flannels, grunge, crop tops, and Doc Martens were pretty much all the rage. Looking at my sense of style now, my '90s self would definitely be shaking her head.

However, so many trends from that decade are back now, namely, floral dresses, brown lips, jelly shoes, and of course, matching separates. The opposite is true of trends now that would've been big hits back then. Minimalism? Athleisure? Dressing like a middle-aged dad? Nope, those wouldn't have been OK during the decade of Cher Horowitzes, Dionnes, and Bianca Stratfords.

Back in the day, platforms were my ride or die, Birkenstocks ruled my shoe closet, and fuzzy crop tops were regulars in my ensembles. I was a true '90s style child. But today, the opposite is true: I replaced all my colors, heels, and textures for minimalist basics. I have a general uniform/checklist. Is it black? Is it denim? Is it loose? If all those answers are yes, then that piece of clothing is definitely making it into my wardrobe.

My seven or eight-year-old self would die. What do you mean you're not going to wear flares? Are you out of your mind? A full-length shirt?! Are you clinically insane? Those are just a few of the thoughts that would definitely circulate through my head. If you've lived through the '90s, you can definitely relate to cringing at the thought of wearing these now.

1. Skinny Jeans

I wouldn't have been caught dead in these. As far as I was concerned, the billowier, the better. I would've said, "Give me all the flares in the world. Stat."

2. Flat Sandals

Are you literally insane? The only acceptable form of footwear was platforms.

3. Minimalist Sneakers

No, no, and more no. Where are the pom poms?

4. Midi Pencil Skirts

Loose. Why isn't this skirt loose, cried 9-year-old Eliza.

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5. Long Tunics

Nope — sorry. Crop tops and crop tops was the only way of life.

6. Low-Waisted Jeans

'90s gals were all about the high waisted. You should know that.

7. Totes

Backpack/bucket bag or die.

8. A Single Dye Job

If you're a true '90s kid, you knew it was all about the two-tone frosted tips.

9. Mismatching On Purpose

You've seen Clueless. Cher and Dionne were all about the matching separates.

10. Thick Brows

You weren't a child of the '90s if you never had a bad case of over-plucking.

11. Dark Denim

Unless jeans were acid washed, I wouldn't have worn them in the '90s.

12. Pointed-Toe Shoes

It was all about the square toe.

13. "Athleisure" Attire

Leggings as real pants? With running shoes? You've got to be kidding me.

'90s me right now is probably so upset that I'm in tailored trousers and plain white sneakers today. But what did I know then? Luckily, I can play with the best of both worlds in this day and age.

Images: Paramount Pictures