Fashion Trends Everyone Ditched In 2020
Fashion trends seem to disappear nearly as quickly as they arrive. Few fashion styles truly stand the test of time and it can be challenging to keep up with what's new. One day cutoff shorts could be the epitome of cool and the next, they could be a fashion faux pas waiting to happen. Sure, everyone should have their own sense of style, and some rules are meant to be broken, but if you want to stay "on-trend," you probably keep tabs on social media, e-commerce sites, and of course, the latest happenings on the runway.
In 2020, you may have noticed the arrival of a plethora of new trends. The fashion world began embracing some incredibly bold style moments and, in this digital age, certain trends caught on like wildfire. However, that means some of the huge fashion trends of 2019 went right out the window. According to 2020 runway reports and a slew of expert opinions, these are all the fashion trends everyone ditched in 2020.
Chunky sneakers are going, going, gone in 2020
With a quick scroll through Instagram in 2019, it was nearly impossible not to stumble upon the clunky, chunky sneaker trend, which has also been dubbed the "dad sneaker" look. Taking inspiration from the clunky sneakers of the '90s, the fashion trend was worn by countless influencers, bloggers, and celebrities — especially after Kanye West made it part of his brand aesthetic for Yeezy.
Brands such as Filas, Puma, and Adidas cashed in on the popular trend too, amping up their sneakers to new heights. But in 2020, the trend is set to deflate, says Footwear News, a leader in sneaker industry news. According to the site, "'80s inspired sneakers are set to make a huge comeback" and will serve as "a stylish juxtaposition to the chunky styles popularized over the last several years."
Additionally, Complex's editor Matt Welty predicts the trend is dying out. In an interview with Sneakers Mag, he said, "everything comes and goes. It won't be chunky sneakers forever as a mainstream trend. The Fila Disruptor, thankfully, won't be worn by everyone next year. But there will always be a place for regular sneakers."
The neon activewear trend ran its course in 2020
Neon activewear was one of the many fashion trends started by the Kardashians — most notably Kim Kardashian and Kourtney— and was later adopted by high-profile influencers. It eventually made its way off the gram and into mainstream fashion, but it looks like athletes are growing tired of the flashy look and are seeking practicality over color in 2020.
According to F-Trend, brands that sell garments that are "colorful" don't actually make serious athletes happy. Instead, athletes have started looking for products that feature more utility-driven qualities, like pockets or functional zippers. In fact, we could be seeing a very big shift when it comes to activewear trends. For example, Scott Bailey, a former distributor for major brands like Supra and KR3W, was reportedly "dissatisfied" with market trends as an athlete himself. As F-Trend explained, he was then compelled to branch out, creating a line of "neutral-colored, minimal-style clothing."
A 2020 trend report from Lyst (via Hypebae) shared a similar story. The report was based on the online searches and shopping behavior of more than 104 million users and revealed consumers are moving past the ever-evolving trends of fast fashion. Instead, they're seeking "sustainable activewear."
All black everything is out in 2020
Sorry, city slickers. For those who rely on the ease of maintaining a monochromatic black wardrobe each day, you may want to consider implementing some color into your closet. Caroline Maguire, the fashion director of Shopbop, revealed to HelloGiggles that spring 2020 "is all about" both "bold colors and prints." She continued, saying, ""There are a ton of bright, saturated colors — from postal blue and persimmon, to lime and lilac." And while spring has always been associated with brighter colors, Maguire said that 2020 is the year to swap out your dark wardrobe for something a little more vivid.
The expert acknowledged that such striking colors aren't for everyone, but is adamant that anyone can pull off the fashion trend in their own way. "If you tend to shy away from bold shades, you can try out the trend by slowly integrating it into your wardrobe via small accessories, like a handbag or a bracelet," the style guru revealed. And, before long, you may just find you can get enough of the über cheery shades.
People will ditch narrow-brimmed bucket hats in 2020
Bucket hats are the bandwagon trend that influencers can't get enough of, and, while they aren't getting ditched entirely in 2020, they are getting a chic new twist. The narrow-brimmed bucket hats we're used to seeing will be replaced with wide-brimmed bucket hats, Us Weekly reported.
Tess Corvaia and Robert Tilbury, hat designers for the label Lack of Color explained to the publication that they made the conscious choice to keep bucket hats a part of their 2020 designs, while giving them a face lift. "I think bucket hats are still hot and we introduced fun, new custom printed, wider buckets in this collection," Corvaia revealed at the end of 2019.
The hat designer, whose creations have been worn by the likes of Selena Gomez and Gigi Hadid, explained why she doesn't think the fashion trend is going anywhere anytime soon. "Bucket hats are really easy to wear because you can throw them in your bag, take them to the beach or while riding your bike" she continued.
The tiny wire sunglasses trend will go out the window in 2020
Tiny sunglasses were all the rage in 2019, making oversized glasses that had previously been in fashion yesterday's news. It seemed like every A-lister sported the look, including Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Kourtney Kardashian, and, as pictured above, Beyoncé. For those who aren't ready to let go of their minuscule frames, don't fret. According to PopSugar, the trend is here to stay throughout 2020. However, the tiny glasses you're used to seeing will get a bit of an update.
As the publication reported at the outset of 2020, tiny frames will become "a little more pronounced for the coming year." Fans of the fashion trend can expect to see a sturdier, more structured version of the lenses. "Instead of opting for the barely there wire frames that have dominated the last few seasons," the publication continued, the new iteration will feature "an acetate frame that gives your micro minis a little more weight."
We'll be seeing much less leopard print in 2020
Feel free to take a walk on the wild side in 2020 because animal prints are staying in. Well, most of them, anyway. When it comes to leopard print, the popular look will take a back seat to make way for other animal prints such as zebra and tiger, according to recent runways.
When designers debuted their 2020 spring and summer collections, they were filled with playful jungle prints, but once-popular prints like leopard and cheetah were noticeably absent. David Koma sent his models down the runway in an animal-print catsuit while Dries Van Noten debuted a bold tiger print jumpsuit — let your inner Carole Baskin rejoice — as part of his most recent collection.
What's more, fashion bible Vogue noted after seeing the collections: "Animal prints have become the new normal, and none are as compelling as zebra." The publication name-dropped several additional labels incorporating the trend into their 2020 designs, including Sacai, Prabal Gurung, and Adam Lippes. Why all the rage for the safari-themed prints? It's "an easy way to add a wild edge to your basics," Vogue insisted.
Sexy cutout swimsuits won't be all over your timeline in 2020
The saying "less is more" may have applied to swimwear in 2019, but that won't be the case throughout 2020. Cheeky thong bottoms and revealing cutouts as a fashion trend are on their way out and more classic, covered-up suits will take their place, Who What Wear noted.
The publication took a look at changing swimwear trends and found swimsuits are "taking on new shapes with long-sleeve tops, short-sleeve one-pieces, booty shorts, and ultra-high-rise bottoms." By spring 2020, brands such as Reformation and Solid & Striped were already selling suits that featured a more modest look. That being said, these aren't your grandma's suits from the '50s. The new trend will still feature modern touches "whether it's with a super-cropped top or a plunging neckline," Who What Wear revealed.
Cosmopolitan echoed the sentiment, noting "retro sportswear style reigned" at Miami Swim Week 2020, with a number of one-piece swimsuits and modest two-pieces with a "retrospect feel."
Large logos aren't welcome in 2020
Consumers no longer want to be a form of free advertising on behalf of the brands they're wearing and are reaching for cleaner, logo-free apparel. According to Erica Russo, vice president and fashion director of accessories and beauty at Bloomingdales, the giant logo fashion trend is one that did not come with us as we entered the new decade.
The fashion expert spoke to Elle magazine and revealed why the previously popular trend no longer has a place in fashion, saying, "There has been a return to clean lines and minimalism." Libby Page, senior fashion market editor at Net-A-Porter, agrees. "We're seeing a lot less logos on clothing and accessories," she told Elle. "Logos are taking the backseat as fashion enters a new understated authority," she said. In place of those large labels, you may want to try a bag with a chunky strap, Vogue suggested. The publication went on to predict the strap's rising popularity "throughout the Spring 2020 season."
However, that's not to say you have to toss out your favorite Chanel bag; After all, some things are classic. But fashion aficionados can definitely expect to see a more minimalist approach to their favorite branded pieces.
Miniature handbags were all the rage in 2019, but the fashion trend is over in 2020
Fashionistas can say farewell to the miniature handbag fashion trend that was popularized throughout 2019 and can make way for bigger things. Gals on the go will be happy to know that the tote bag is set to make a big return in 2020, ABC 7 reported. Fashion expert Sydney Sadick spoke with the network to share the latest trends in fashion for spring 2020 and revealed people are in favor of the functionality larger bags provide.
Yes, oversized tote bags are back and "perfect for holding all your commuting essentials," she revealed. Additionally, she explained how totes are helpful for ladies who swap out their more comfortable, commuting shoes once they get to work. "This bag is big enough where you can actually put your boots in the bag, and take them out when you get to work," she said in the interview.
Additionally, Who What Wear insisted "the bigger, the better" when it comes to purses in spring 2020. "So stow away your less roomy belt bags, a trend that has taken a back seat this season," the publication urged.
Say farewell to fanny packs in 2020
Usually, festival season equates to the rise of festival fashion trends, but with the cancellation of most major music festivals in 2020, the trend is being bypassed, The New York Times reported. Due to this, fanny packs simply aren't seeing sales.
According to Katy Lubin, vice president of communications for Lyst, sites like H&M or ASOS generally capitalize on the waist bag trend. "They place vast orders with suppliers for items like neon fanny packs meant for young, predominantly female shoppers who will buy, wear and then often discard looks," she shared. "Unsurprisingly, we haven't seen that same surge in demand this year," the style expert added.
She also told The New York Times that the festival fashion market as a whole had taken a hit. "With the festival sales window disappearing alongside customers' summer plans, some wholesale retailers have moved to cancel orders for products," she said. Unfortunately for retailers who rely on the music festival season for sales, 2020 has been a tough break and scores of e-commerce brands were left with unsold inventory.
Nude and neutral fashion trends will make way for color in 2020
For those who sported the ever-popular neutral fashion trends nonstop in 2019, you may want to consider moving the subtle pieces to the back of your closet. A look at recent runway trends revealed a splash of bold color — and not just neon — coming your way. When Brandon Maxwell debuted his Spring/Summer 2020 collection, he lit up the runway with an array of shades including an eye-catching scarlet red blouse. A deep saffron hue was also prevalent on the runway, seen in a plethora of shows including Rejina Pyo and Christian Vierig, as Who What Wear reported.
Thankfully, if you tend to shy away from over-the-top colors, Who What Wear noted "the runways also provided some welcome neutral alternatives" that fell somewhere in the middle. For example, in place of beige, pistachio became the go-to neutral on the catwalk. In fact, the publication said it can "guarantee the pistachio hue will act as your newest neutral for the season ahead." The earth tone enables consumers to rock color without feeling overly flashy. Still, at the end of the day, it was those vibrant, electric hues that took precedence on the spring and summer 2020 runways.
In 2020, clear purses and backpacks will be a thing of the past
They say a woman's purse is a mysterious thing, but there was no mystery left when the clear PVC handbags of 2019 emerged. If you weren't into the idea of sharing a view of all your personal belongings with the world, you'll be glad to see a more inconspicuous trend has since surfaced.
Vogue reported that bucket bags will be the go-to handbag in in 2020: a fashion trend that supports burying away all your necessities. The fashion publication insisted the bag's "forever appeal" is "more valuable than ever," due to its ability to be both modern and vintage-inspired all at once. When it came time for designers to debut their latest handbag creations on 2020 runways, PVC bags were absent and the trusty bucket bag resurfaced in a big way.
Clear handbags may have been kicked to the curb, but the bucket bag isn't the only trend replacing them. Straw raffia bags are also making a comeback, Vogue stated — and the publication asserted they're no longer a seasonal accessory. They "are the annual stalwarts of summer, but now they're so polished, they're deserving of desk-side positions in the office, too," per the site.
Say sayonara to cheeky ripped jeans in 2020
It's time to say farewell to your ripped booty jeans. That is, if you were daring enough to wear the fashion trend in the first place. Kylie Jenner was one of the first celebrities to step out in the ultra-sexy trend and dozens of stars soon followed her lead. The denim trend, which featured rips in the derrière area, was also adopted by Kristen Stewart, Miley Cyrus, Emily Ratajkowski, and more.
In 2020, more modest denim trends are to follow. In April 2020, Marie Claire shared a slew of "grown-up alternatives to the booty-baring denim," proving there's many other denim trends worth trying. "A conventional pair of bleached stone wash denim with subtle distressing" is one example of a fun denim trend that's perfect for 2020, the publication revealed. Plus, "the mom style denim is a summer wardrobe staple," continuing on into 2020 thanks to its universally flattering fit. The overtly sexy butt ripped jeans may be out, but denim is still very much on-trend in 2020, Marie Claire insisted.