2019 Fashion Trends We Hate: The Office Edition
From cold-shoulder tops to the return of ruffles, these are the 2019 fashion trends that sparked controversy and divided opinions in the workplace.
Fashion cycles bring endless waves of new styles, but not every trend becomes a crowd favorite—especially in professional environments. In 2019, office conversations and online forums buzzed with strong reactions to emerging and resurfacing trends. Which fashion fads did professionals dread, which sparked quiet appreciation, and which prompted nostalgic longing for classics? This article dissects the most hated fashion trends of 2019 and the community-driven verdicts on what should stay, what should return, and what should never darken the workplace door again.
Table of Contents
- Most Hated Trends of 2019
- Controversial Comebacks and Divisive Details
- Trends People Wish Would Return
- Trends Hoped Never to Return
- A Few Trends People Still Love
- The Fatigue: Why Some Trends Annoy Us
- Thinking About the Office: Trend Appropriateness
- Frequently Asked Questions
Most Hated Trends of 2019
Certain trends in 2019 triggered widespread disdain, particularly among corporate professionals who prize function, elegance, and timelessness. Here are the styles that stood out as the most divisive or disliked:
- Bodysuits: While bodysuits can ensure a sleek silhouette, many found them impractical and uncomfortable for everyday wear—especially for busy women needing to navigate the restroom multiple times a day.
- Cold-Shoulder Tops: The cold-shoulder trend—a carryover from previous years—was especially polarizing. Critics found these tops awkward, unflattering, or simply tired after multiple seasons.
- Ruffles and Voluminous Sleeves: Although dramatic sleeves and overt ruffles made statements on runways, many felt they were excessive and impractical for office settings. The bulk and movement impeded typing or layering with blazers.
- Floral Babydoll Dresses and Baby Tees: Reminiscent of the ’90s, these trends returned but often resulted in a look deemed too juvenile or incongruent with professional environments.
- The Return of ‘90s: From spaghetti straps and ribbed textures to almost comically oversized “serial killer” glasses, not every blast from the past was welcomed. Nostalgia only goes so far before practicality and personal style take precedence.
- Puff Sleeves and Oversized Glasses Frames: The trend toward exaggerated, almost costume-like accessories and shapes left many office professionals feeling out of place.
- Fake Freckles and Contoured Makeup: Unnatural enhancements like fake freckles or heavily contoured makeup were often considered too contrived.
- Athleisure and Ripped Jeans: The proliferation of stretched, athletic-inspired clothing and intentionally distressed denim sometimes clashed with established norms of workplace attire.
- Drapey Tops, Boyfriend Blazers, and Kick Flare Pants: Boxy, droopy, or awkwardly cut garments were cited as unflattering on many body types, leading to a dislike rooted equally in trend fatigue and personal fit challenges.
- Bright Neon Colors and Lilly Pulitzer-inspired Patterns: Vibrant patterns and colors—though fun for casual wear—left many feeling they clashed with workplace expectations or personal taste.
- Leggings as Pants and High-Low Hems: The blurred line between athletic leggings and everyday trousers, as well as “mullet” hemlines, drew critique for lack of polish and professionalism.
Controversial Comebacks and Divisive Details
Fashion’s cyclical nature means that older trends often re-emerge, sometimes to mixed reactions. In 2019, several come-back styles divided offices and social spheres alike:
- Moto Jackets: Classic and edgy, moto jackets returned to favor but not without skepticism regarding their appropriateness for office wear.
- Jeans Skirts & Tie-Dye: While jean skirts and tie-dye evoke youthful memories for some, others found them outdated or too casual for many work environments.
- Microblading: Praise was given for semi-permanently neat eyebrows, but critiques of the ultra-sculpted “Instagram brow” look remained common.
- Block Heels: Function met style in block heels, which many embraced for their comfort, yet others rejected for chunkiness or an outdated silhouette.
- High-Rise Pants: Often praised for flattering fits, high-rise pants were nonetheless polarizing among those with different body proportions or who experienced nostalgia for mid-rise or low-rise fits.
- Clear-Framed Glasses: These minimalist accessories became trendy, but large or clear frames can be polarizing in professional settings depending on personal style and confidence.
Trends People Wish Would Return
Fashion nostalgia ran high in 2019, with several contributors expressing longing for old favorites that combined comfort and style. Here are some of the styles people wish would enjoy a resurgence:
- Dressing Up for Events: A broader trend bemoaned the casualization of all environments—restaurants, theater, even offices—leading to nostalgia for occasions that demanded dressier attire.
- Butterfly Clips: Iconic hair accessories of the ’90s brought joy and a playful touch to everyday hairstyles.
- Almond-Toe Shoes: With the fashion pendulum swinging between pointy and round toes, a campaign for universally flattering almond shapes emerged.
- Bootcut Jeans and Acid Wash: The bootcut silhouette, with its practical leg shape, sparked hope for a return—especially as evidence of its mainstream comeback was eagerly awaited.
- Neon and Crop/One-Shoulder Sweatshirts: Echoes of bright, playful, and daring casualwear cropped up in conversations about what should return to weekend wardrobes.
- Classic, High Boots & Cutoffs: Nostalgia for thigh-high boots and classic short shorts reflected a desire for statement seasonal pieces.
Trends Hoped Never to Return
Just as some styles generated longing, others were universally renounced—some for reasons of comfort, others for style or practicality:
- Skinny Brows: The pencil-thin eyebrow trend of decades past was widely condemned in favor of more natural fullness.
- Low-Rise Jeans: Both uncomfortable and impractical, low-rise jeans were cited for their lack of coverage and the awkwardness they introduced.
- Polyester Everything: A critique of synthetic overuse, especially when it causes garments to feel hot, sticky, or cheap.
- Exposed Zippers, Lace-Up Blouses, High-Front Slits: Many found such design details too casual, revealing, or “trying too hard” for most offices.
- Leggings as Pants: Once again making the list, many professionals never want to see this unstructured silhouette as an accepted everyday look.
A Few Trends People Still Love
Not all 2019 trends generated ire. The balance of office-appropriate, flattering, and fun ensured some looks gained widespread affection:
- Moto Jackets: If chosen judiciously, these offer edge while remaining versatile and chic.
- Tiny Polka Dots: These playful prints were considered a safe injection of pattern that didn’t overwhelm or clash with office attire.
- Tie-Front Tees and Fun Detailing: Subtle twists on the basic tee, including ties or carefully-placed accents, brought personality to classic silhouettes.
- Block Heels: Still preferred by many for stability and comfort, allowing for taller shoes without sacrificing practical walking needs.
- Midi Skirts: For certain body types, midi lengths and fitted shapes provided a stylish alternative to pencil skirts.
The Fatigue: Why Some Trends Annoy Us
The negative reaction to certain trends often boils down to recurring frustrations or personal body-fit challenges:
- Difficult Fits: Trends like midi skirts, cold-shoulder tops, or boyfriend blazers can prove unflattering or ill-fitting for many body shapes, making them tough to embrace universally.
- Practicality Versus Aesthetics: Trendy looks like ruffles, bell sleeves, or neon pieces may catch attention in editorials but prove impractical (or just plain loud) for everyday or workplace wear.
- Overexposure: Some trends, once novel, become ubiquitous to the point of exhaustion—especially with fast fashion’s rapid cycles. Cold shoulders, in particular, wore out their welcome after several seasons of dominance.
- Desire for Timelessness: Professionals often crave pieces that last beyond the season, fueling frustration with fleeting or overtly trendy styles.
Thinking About the Office: Trend Appropriateness
Office-appropriate dressing remains a top consideration when filtering trends. Here’s a brief table summarizing widely discussed trends and their typical reception in the workplace:
| Trend | Common Office Reception | Key Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Bodysuits | Rarely approved | Impractical, uncomfortable |
| Cold-Shoulder Tops | Often discouraged | Too revealing, casual |
| Ruffles, Voluminous Sleeves | Divisive | Impractical, overwhelming |
| Athleisure | Rarely accepted | Too casual |
| Moto Jackets | Sometimes approved | Depends on cut, color |
| Block Heels | Generally positive | Comfort, office-safe |
| Floral Babydoll Dresses | Often discouraged | Too juvenile |
| Puff Sleeves | Mixed response | Body fit, statement size |
| Fake Freckles, Heavy Makeup | Rarely approved | Unnatural, distracting |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do some fashion trends seem to stick around despite widespread criticism?
A: Repetition in retail offerings, celebrity endorsements, and social media buzz can artificially extend a trend’s lifecycle—even once consumer enthusiasm wanes.
Q: Isn’t fashion subjective? Why judge certain trends so harshly?
A: While personal taste plays a central role in fashion choices, professional environments introduce objective standards around fit, formality, and appropriateness, which often heighten scrutiny.
Q: Can trends once disliked become beloved later?
A: Absolutely. Fashion is cyclical, and context, styling innovations, or cultural shifts can rehabilitate once-reviled styles. Example: The slow return of bootcut jeans after a decade dominated by skinnies.
Q: How can I update my wardrobe with trends without feeling uncomfortable?
A: Prioritize comfort, personal body shape, and confidence. Select trend-driven accessories, colors, or details that complement your foundational pieces, rather than overwhelming your entire look.
Q: What is the most universally disliked trend cited in the discussion?
A: While tastes vary, cold-shoulder tops, extreme ruffles, and low-rise jeans emerged as especially unpopular among professionals weighing in for 2019.
In Conclusion: Lessons from 2019’s Trend Backlash
2019 proved that while fashion’s evolution keeps things interesting, it can also inspire passionate debate—especially among professionals balancing style, comfort, and practicality. Ultimately, the best trend to follow is a confident sense of self, tempered by respect for workplace norms and body diversity. Whether you’re in love with or loathe the cold-shoulder, dressing for yourself—within reason—will always be in style.
References
- https://corporette.com/2019-fashion-trends-we-hate/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWOKrcVmePM
- https://corporette.com/which-trends-are-you-totally-sick-of/
- https://corporette.com/2016-trends-wont-wear-work/
- https://corporette.com/what-not-to-wear-to-work/
- https://corporette.com/trends-and-the-conservative-office/
- https://corporette.com/is-anything-truly-classic-in-fashion/
- https://corporette.com/design-mistakes-for-workwear/
- https://myshingle.com/2010/10/articles/lifestyle/myshingle-fashion-trend-alert-warming-up-for-fallwinter-2010/
- https://corporette.com/workwear-trends-in-2024/
