We Can No Longer Ignore Them—These 6 “Ugly” Trends Are Blowing Up for Fall

There’s an endless variety of styles in the sartorial world, but to make things simpler, the internet describes fashion on two opposing ends. On one hand, you have ’90s minimalism, The Row, and Matilda Djerf. And on the other hand, you have Y2K maximalism, Bluemarine, and Bella Hadid. (Can you tell by that description that I spend too much time online?) And while we often talk about the easy and minimalist side of the market, there’s nothing like a good controversial trend to shake things up. Despite everyone’s thoughts on these “ugly” pieces, there’s no doubt they’re taking part in the defining look of the era.

The pendulum of fashion will continue to swing, but a large majority of consumers are still opting for things out of the ordinary and “campy.” Some of the trends below may not be your cup of tea at first, but that’s the whole point. You might even end up surprised by how often you may gravitate toward them once you add them to your closet. Dare to step away from the safe side? Keep scrolling to do so.

If comfort and cool are what you prioritize, a pair of parachute pants should be on your shopping list. These roomy trousers are an It item right now and are approved by the likes of Rihanna and Bella Hadid. Need I say more?

It’s no secret that ballet style has had a major impact on fashion trends in the past year, and leg warmers are just another extension of the popular aesthetic. 

Denim skirts date back to the ’70s, but it wasn’t till the 2000s that maxi denim skirts became popular in style. Yes, you can thank Y2K for another fun fashion trend. The shift toward early aughts–inspired fashion simply cannot be ignored.

If you want to take it slow, accessories are a good starting point. Look to Bottega Veneta, which paired bug-eyed and sporty sunglasses with basics like white tanks and jeans. They’ll shine against any minimal outfit.

The new style of wedges that fashion people are ushering in has more edge than the cork wedges that were popular years ago. Instead of beach-style sandals, look for leather wedge boots and patent slingbacks. 

Thanks to brands like Givenchy and Diesel, dirty and distressed has become the wash of choice for many in denim. (Don’t worry—you can still buy them brand-new.)

Next, The Niche “Pretty” Trend We Spotted All Over New York, Milan, and Paris

This post was previously published and has since been updated.