Oops! I Hope We Do It Again: Fashion Fails of 2023 We Loved

The fashion fails of 2023 were actually huge wins for millennials everywhere. Not only were all the Y2K trends we loved back in style, but we finally had the funds and freedom to fill our closets with them.

Even though these are deemed "fashion faux pas" by most, I, for one, hope the trends stick around a little bit longer so I can live out my dreams of owning everything in the dELiA*s catalog.

Securing your hair with an enormous (and I say enormous because it felt like they grew in size as the months passed) claw clip is one of the easiest hairstyles possible, so of course, I'm hoping this 2023 fashion "fail" persists. Whether you want to loop, twist, or scrunch your hair up, a clip will do the trick.

Maxi skirts made a big comeback in 2023, but the denim maxi is a staple I think has staying power through 2024. You can style them just like you would jeans, but they're way more comfortable. Not to mention, they're flattering on everyone.

Goodbye skinny jeans and hello wide-leg pants. I believe this resurfaced fashion trend is so much more comfortable than what we've been wearing for the last several decades. Why would anyone ever want to go back to those constricting slim-cut pants?

So many people were upset that UGGS came back in 2023. Tbh, the only thing I'm mad about is the fact that I didn't save mine from 2003. The new UGGs are just as comfy as we remember, and I will continue wearing them with everything (including shorts) next year, thank you very much.

I jump at any chance to dress up like a disco ball, so I was ecstatic when metallics hit the runway in Spring 2023. Others, not so much. In my opinion, metallic is basically a neutral and can be worn with anything and everything.

Oversized blazers are more 80s than Y2K, but I really hope they're here to stay. This piece can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Just throw one over a graphic tee and jeans, a sundress, or even a sweatsuit, and voila. Instantly transformed. Plus, they're way more comfortable than fitted blazers.

Remember how special it felt to walk onto the playground sporting a necklace with your initial dangling from it? Statement letter necklaces might feel too gaudy for some, but I'm into this fashion trend. Wear one with your initial — or the initial of your BFF, your spouse, or, if you're like me, your dog.

Decorative trim hanging off your bag, vest, jacket, dress, or even swimsuit just makes the piece feel that much more magical. Don't even get me started on how fun it is to dance in. While entire skirts made out of fringe might be overkill, I really hope to see little tickles of fringe here and there in 2024.

If your idea of a sheer blouse is the one Bridget Jones wears in Bridget Jones's Diary, then, yeah, it's definitely a fashion fail. But sheer clothing can be super cute when styled correctly. A sheer, sparkly top over a neutral cami or sheer cutouts in a dress feel very aughts, which isn't a bad thing. 

"Saleema, you can't wear cargo pants every day…" Oh yeah? Watch me. Clothes with tons of pockets are functional fashion because you don't need a purse. Plus, you can wear cargo pants as a casual outfit with a tee or dress them up with heels and a silk top. Sounds like a win-win to me.

This year featured tons of other trends that people either loved or hated. These are a few more of the "fails" that I can’t get enough of:

• Denim-on-denim outfits
• Mary Jane shoes
• Everything lavender
• Large floral prints
• Studded belts
• Ballet flats
• Pinstripes
• Rosettes

I'm all for embracing the nostalgic roller coaster of trends that resurfaced in 2023, including the good, the bad, and the cringe-worthy. But if these fails aren't your vibe, that's perfectly okay. One person's favorite style might be another's fashion flop. There's room for all!