14 Outdated Looks To Avoid If You Want To Be Taken Seriously

Whether you’re at the office or working from home, looking put-together can make a big difference. Sometimes, though, certain outfit choices might feel too casual or outdated and send the wrong message. The great thing is, small changes can go a long way in upgrading your style. To help you stay polished and professional wherever you work, here are some simple tips to keep your look sharp and stylish every day.

Shoulder Pads

Shoulder pads, once synonymous with power dressing in the 1980s, have resurfaced in recent years but now feel more dated than daring. While they aimed to enhance structure and confidence, their exaggerated silhouette often overwhelms modern styles that favor sleek, natural lines. Today’s fashion leans towards effortless elegance and minimalism, making bulky shoulder pads seem like they need to be put in the right place. Opt for tailored blazers and jackets that offer a flattering fit without the unnecessary padding, allowing your silhouette to shine with understated sophistication.

Dark Lipliner With Lighter Lipstick

The trend of pairing dark lipliner with lighter lipstick was popularized in the 1990s, often creating a harsh contrast that now appears harsh and outdated. This technique aimed to enhance lip definition but usually resulted in a jarring effect that clashed with modern makeup aesthetics. Today’s approach to lip makeup emphasizes blending and natural gradients, achieving a softer and more harmonious look. Opt for lip liners that match your lipstick shade, or go for a slightly darker hue for subtle definition without the stark outline.

Overly Distressed Denim

Overly distressed denim, once a rebellious symbol of casual cool, now leans towards looking unkempt rather than effortlessly stylish. The heavily ripped and frayed jeans trend has saturated the fashion scene, losing its initial edge and appearing more worn-out than intentional. Today’s denim trends favor a more refined approach with subtle distressing or clean-cut styles that exude sophistication and longevity. Opt for jeans with minimal distressing, or consider timeless cuts like straight-leg or skinny jeans that offer versatility and durability.

Trucker Hats

Trucker hats, once a staple of casual streetwear and urban fashion, now evoke a sense of nostalgia rather than contemporary style. Characterized by mesh panels and snapback closures, these hats gained popularity in the early 2000s but have since waned in fashion relevance. Today’s headwear trends lean towards classic caps, fedoras, or beanies that offer functionality and style without the outdated connotations of trucker hats. Opt for headwear that complements your outfit with sophistication and versatility, steering clear of trucker hats to maintain a modern, refined aesthetic that reflects current fashion sensibilities.

Chunky Highlights

Chunky highlights, popularized in the 1990s and early 2000s, aimed to add dimension and contrast to hair but often resulted in a stripy, unnatural look. This trend involved thick streaks of contrasting color, which have given way to more nuanced and natural-looking hair coloring techniques. Today’s hair trends favor subtle balayage, ombre, or baby lights that blend seamlessly with your natural hair color, creating a softer and more sophisticated appearance.

Platform Flip-Flops

Platform flip-flops, once a playful twist on the classic beach footwear, now need help to balance comfort and style. This trend attempted to elevate the casual flip-flop with added height and platform soles but often resulted in a clunky and impractical design. Today’s footwear trends lean towards minimalist sandals, slides, or espadrilles that offer comfort and elegance without compromising style. Opt for sandals with sleek designs and comfortable soles that enhance your summer wardrobe with effortless chicness and practicality.

Visible Thongs

Visible thongs, once a provocative trend in the late 1990s and early 2000s, have lost their allure and often detract from a polished appearance. This trend involved intentionally exposing the thong waistband above low-rise jeans or skirts to make a bold fashion statement. However, today’s fashion leans towards clean lines and seamless silhouettes, where visible undergarments are considered more of a faux pas than a deliberate choice. Opt for underwear styles that are seamless or designed to be invisible under clothing, ensuring a sleek and sophisticated look without distractions.

Excessive Logo Apparel

Excessive logo apparel, once a status symbol in the 1990s and early 2000s, has transitioned from trendy to tacky in today’s fashion landscape. This trend involved clothing prominently featuring brand logos or names to showcase luxury and exclusivity. However, contemporary fashion favors understated elegance and personal style over overt branding. Opt for clothing that prioritizes quality craftsmanship and timeless design, allowing your outfit to speak for itself without relying on conspicuous logos.

Baggy Cargo Pants

Baggy cargo pants, popularized in the 1990s for their utilitarian appeal and ample pocket space, need help finding relevance in contemporary fashion circles. This trend involved loose-fitting pants adorned with multiple pockets and often oversized proportions, aiming for a casual and practical aesthetic. However, today’s fashion leans toward tailored silhouettes and streamlined designs, emphasizing fit and proportion. Opt for pants that flatter your figure with a modern fit and sleek detailing, avoiding baggy cargo styles that can overwhelm your frame and appear outdated.

Overly Teased Hair

Overly teased hair, a hallmark of 1980s glamour and 2000s pop culture, now feels more theatrical than trendy in today’s fashion. This trend involved backcombing hair to achieve voluminous and exaggerated styles, often paired with strong-hold hairspray for maximum height and texture. However, contemporary hairstyles favor natural movement and effortless elegance over overly styled looks. Opt for hairstyles that enhance your natural hair texture and complement your face shape, embracing softer waves, sleek updos, or modern cuts that exude sophistication and versatility.

Socks With Sandals

Socks with sandals once considered a quirky or practical choice, now often clash with contemporary fashion standards, prioritizing cohesive and seasonally appropriate footwear. This trend involved pairing socks—usually sporty or casual—with open-toe sandals or slides to blend comfort with style. However, today’s footwear trends lean towards sleek sandals or slides worn without socks to create a streamlined and polished look. Opt for sandals that highlight your pedicure and complement your outfit with effortless elegance, avoiding socks that disrupt the overall aesthetic.

Bedazzled Everything

Bedazzled everything, once a symbol of 2000s glam and embellished fashion, now feels overly flashy and outdated in today’s minimalist and refined fashion landscape. This trend involved adorning clothing, accessories, and even shoes with rhinestones, sequins, or glittery embellishments to create a dazzling effect. However, contemporary fashion favors subtle detailing and understated elegance over excessive adornment. Opt for accessories and clothing that feature tasteful embellishments or minimalist designs that enhance your outfit without overpowering your look.

Low-Rise Jeans

Low-rise jeans can come off as dated and aren’t the most flattering option. Swap them out for high-waisted or mid-rise jeans for a more modern, versatile look. These styles not only elongate your legs but also fit better across various body types. Pair them with a tucked-in blouse or a crop top for a chic, polished outfit. You’ll feel more comfortable and look effortlessly stylish.

Crocs

Crocs are super comfy, but let’s face it, they aren’t exactly the epitome of fashion. Instead, go for stylish yet comfortable alternatives like loafers, sneakers, or slides. These choices are not only versatile but can easily transition from a casual day out to a more dressed-up look. You’ll maintain comfort without sacrificing style, making a much better impression overall.

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This article was first published on the RB ITALIA Blog.