By: Vivian Shillingsburg

2019 has come to a close and a new decade has begun! For the next three months, you’ll be writing the date on all of your work 2019, realize you’re wrong, and sloppily write over that 19 with a 20. Everyone is determined to make 2020 the best year yet, except for the fashion world. Now, don’t get me wrong; some of these trends are pretty stylish, but overall, the outlook on fashion trends of 2020 aren’t looking so hot. If this is what 2020 is going to look like, then we have another thing coming. Here’s a list of trends that I definitely won’t be participating in, and you probably won’t either.

#5: Statement Trench Coats

This was the least horrifying on my list of atrocious trends. What really scared me about this one was the more ugly they got, the more expensive they were. Some of the coats that had wacky patterns and odd cuts cost more than $750! If I’m going to spend that much money on a coat, it better be the most comfortable and stylish coat that has ever existed, however, these coats definitely aren’t even close to that great. Plus, they are practically impossible to pair. You have to wear pants, because it’s not a dress, but that looks unwieldy. You can’t wear shorts either because you look pantless, so there is really no good way to go. In my opinion, it’s not worth the money, and you’ll probably grow to regret your purchase in the coming years. 

#4: Baggy Sequin Dresses

I can get behind a tight-fitted sequin dress or a sparkly V-neck tank–but loose and long–I don’t think so. These dresses are bulky and, for some, old-fashioned looking. Many of them even look like those princess nightgowns that girls wore to bed when we were six. They were super itchy, but we felt so special wearing them because our favorite princess was on them. It isn’t the worst trend, but there are only a few ways that you can make this style really look good. 

#3: Bermuda Shorts 

I can’t even begin to understand why someone would even begin to think these baggy shorts would be a good idea. They look unfinished and awkward. One website attempted to convince me that if you make it plaid, it looks professional and “office-appropriate” and you will look “so on trend” as well. I disagree completely. These shorts are a little too casual looking to wear to work, and personally I absolutely wouldn’t wear these to an interview–especially if I want the job.  

#2: Puffy Sleeves

I have never liked puffy sleeves. As a little girl, I would throw fits when I had to wear a puffy sleeve dress to church. I don’t know what it is about them, but I have always been revolted by them. I may be the only one who finds this trend loathsome, but I really don’t like them. They seem childish, like something a toddler would wear. They stick out, and are uncomfortable. These also look very out of date and unprofessional. They make casual clothes look fancy, but in a mix matched way. I really don’t think this trend will stick, but if puffy sleeves are what you’re into, then go for it girl.

#1: Pleats

Why, fashion gods, why? Even the word “pleat” is hard to hear. The puffy look seems out of date and uncomfortable. The tops and dresses are bad enough, but the skirts are worse. They are long and billowy and look very old fashioned. If you asked someone whether or not pleats are in style, they would most likely say no, but for some reason, they are trending. 

In conclusion, I’d say that the word for 2020 fashion is “bulky.” Don’t get me wrong, some of the trends are super cute, and I’m definitely going to go shop them ASAP, but some of them are just hard to look at. It’s kind of like we went back to the 1800’s and maybe made a pit stop in the 70’s, stole their clothes, and tried to modernize them and it just did not work. If you like these trends, don’t hesitate to try them out. Don’t let me dictate your fashion choices. Everybody has their own unique styles, and you probably could rock these trends way better than I could.