10 Teen Fashion Trends from the 2010s That Aged Badly

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These 10 teen fashion trends once ruled the 2010s, but looking back now, most feel awkward, overdone, or completely out of place.

Some styles from the 2010s were everywhere for a while, but they did not hold up over time. Teens wore these looks with pride, often without thinking twice. But now, many of those trends feel dated, awkward, or just plain strange. What once seemed cool in photos or on social media now makes people cringe a little. These ten trends remind us how fast fashion can change, especially during your teen years.

1. Galaxy Print Everything

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Galaxy prints were once on shirts, leggings, backpacks, and even shoes. They looked bold at first, filled with stars and deep space colors. But the trend spread too fast and showed up on everything. Before long, the design felt more like a school art project than a style choice. What once looked fresh now seems loud and out of place, and most people stopped wearing it not long after it peaked.

2. Mustache Graphics and Accessories

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There was a time when mustache symbols were printed on mugs, shirts, rings, and socks. It started as a fun idea, but it caught on too quickly. Stores sold the design in every form possible. The more people wore it, the less special it felt. The trend had no clear meaning, and once the joke wore off, it had nothing left to offer. Today, it feels more like a fad than a real fashion moment.

3. Shutter Shades

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These plastic sunglasses had horizontal slats instead of lenses. Teens wore them to stand out, especially at parties or in photos. But they blocked your view and offered no protection from the sun. The look spread fast but did not last long. People soon realized they were not practical and only worked for short bursts of attention. Now, they are mostly remembered as a short-lived trend.

4. Fake Nerd Glasses

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Big glasses with no prescription lenses became a popular way to look smart or quirky. They were sold in fashion stores and worn just for style. At first, they gave a playful twist to outfits. But when everyone started wearing them, they lost their edge. The glasses did not serve a purpose, and the trend faded fast. Now, they feel more like a costume piece than an everyday accessory.

5. YOLO and Swag Shirts

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Teens wore graphic tees that said things like “YOLO” or “Swag” in bold letters. The phrases were tied to internet culture and felt catchy at the time. But the shirts were loud and offered little real style. The words lost meaning as they were printed on everything. Once the internet moved on, so did fashion. Wearing those shirts today feels more like a throwback than a fashion statement.

6. Studded Everything

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From backpacks to shoes to denim jackets, studs covered everything in sight. The look added a bit of edge at first, but it quickly went too far. Many outfits felt heavy or too flashy with all the metal details. What started as a cool accent became an overload. Today, a few studs might still work in moderation, but the full-on studded trend belongs firmly in the past.

7. Chevron Print Everywhere

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The zigzag chevron pattern showed up on dresses, pillows, bags, and even phone cases. It started as a fun design choice, but it quickly became too common. The bold, repeating lines often clashed with other colors or prints. Once stores began filling entire sections with it, the pattern lost its charm. Today, chevron feels more like a decorating phase than a fashion-forward style.

8. Extreme Dip-Dyed Hair

Jacob Ehnmark, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

Bright dip-dyed ends were everywhere in the early 2010s. Teens colored just the tips of their hair in shades of pink, blue, or green. The look was easy to try but hard to grow out cleanly. It often clashed with outfits and faded unevenly. While creative at the time, the style now feels disconnected from current trends, where more blended or natural looks have taken over.

9. Arm Party Bracelets

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Stacking a large number of bracelets on one arm was a popular way to add flair to an outfit. The style encouraged mixing textures, colors, and metals. But too many layers made it hard to move and noisy during daily tasks. The trend quickly shifted from playful to distracting. Over time, simpler jewelry styles returned, and the arm party became a thing of the past.

10. Patterned Leggings as Pants

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Leggings with wild patterns were once worn as full outfits. Prints ranged from tribal and floral to geometric and animal themes. At first, they felt bold and expressive, but they were often too tight or too thin. Many looked more like loungewear than something suited for public wear. As the trend faded, solid colors and thicker fabrics replaced the loud designs.

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