8 fashion trends that should disappear in 2021, according to our style reporter

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8 fashion trends that should disappear in 2021, according to our style reporter
  • Some of the biggest fashion trends of 2020 included tiny handbags, corsets, and low-rise pants with a visible thong.
  • Although celebrities embraced a lot of these looks, I found many of the styles to be overhyped and overworn.
  • From tiny sunglasses to even tinier handbags, many of the worst fashion trends of 2020 were rooted in impracticality.
  • As we move into a new year, I rounded up some of the most popular styles from this year that I hope will stay in the past.

The year 2020 was marked by challenges, but people still expressed themselves through style.

From the resurgence of nostalgic looks like tie-dye and tiny sunglasses to textiles like colorful leather and crochet, this year saw a variety of memorable fashion trends, many of which were reminiscent of a bygone era.

As Insider's style reporter, I even put some of the most popular fashion items of the year to the test, including the internet-famous Jacquemus tiny purse.

While this year proved how fashion remains a source of creativity and comfort, even in unprecedented times, it also brought its share of impractical styles - like kitten heels and exposed thongs - that I wish would disappear in 2021.

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The exposed thong trend was big in the early 2000s, but recently, it's made a comeback - and I won't be sad if it stays in 2020.

The exposed thong trend was big in the early 2000s, but recently, it's made a comeback - and I won't be sad if it stays in 2020.
Kendall Jenner wore an I.AM.GIA outfit designed with a visible thong. James Devaney/Getty Images

The visible thong trend has been embraced by celebrities like Kim Kardashian West, Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, and Dua Lipa, but the daring style leaves little to the imagination and can be uncomfortable and impractical.

The style involves wearing a pair of low-rise jeans that show a thong underneath. Some brands have picked up on the combination and have designed pants with a visible thong already attached.

My biggest issue with the visible thong style is the low-rise pant aspect. Low-rise pants are designed to only look good on a select few, and I find that if you don't fall in that category, they can be extremely uncomfortable to wear.

Corsets weren't comfortable in the 1500s, so I'm not sure why they've made a comeback centuries later.

Corsets weren't comfortable in the 1500s, so I'm not sure why they've made a comeback centuries later.
Corsets made a resurgence on the red carpet and Instagram in early 2020. Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

If this year has proven anything, it's that comfort is key when it comes to fashion. Wearing a corset is the opposite of that.

The way I see it, there is no point in constricting yourself in a corset when you can wear something more practical, loose, and still exude confidence.

Stylist and creative consultant Arianna Jones seemed to agree, previously telling Insider that corsets are just too tricky to get right.

"Though the throwback to the eras of garters and corsets can read as sexy if done right, the impracticality of them ruins any style points you may win with this trend. I love looking glammed up, but not more than I love to breathe and bend," Jones said.

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Tie-dye was hands-down the biggest trend of 2020, and I wish it would just go away.

Tie-dye was hands-down the biggest trend of 2020, and I wish it would just go away.
Emma Roberts wearing a tie-dye sweatshirt. Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images

Tie-dye has been around for decades, but this year, it became a major style fad as TikTok and YouTube creators made DIY videos teaching people how to replicate the technique at home.

I saw several brands lean into the obsession with the print by selling everything from sweatpants to socks in a variety of colorful tie-dye patterns.

While the whimsical print was a memorable style of 2020, it's now overdone. There are ways to play with color that feel more original to me, such as monochromatic dressing, or brightening up a neutral outfit with a bright sweater or shoes with an unexpected hint of color.

Crochet should be reserved for blankets and scarves - not an entire outfit.

Crochet should be reserved for blankets and scarves - not an entire outfit.
Fashion influencers made crochet popular in late 2019. Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

The '70s called, and the bygone era wants its fabric back.

I'm not opposed to wearing the occasional crochet-clad accessory, like a purse or scarf, but the sewing technique has gone too far this year as people have worn crochet bras, shirts, and dresses.

Crochet swimsuits also seemed to be a common summer style in 2020, but the hand-wash-only fabric makes the garments hard to maintain. Overall, it's a trend that I don't see withstanding the test of time and won't be sad to see disappear.

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Kitten heels may be more comfortable than stilettos, but flats, loafers, or mules are a better alternative.

Kitten heels may be more comfortable than stilettos, but flats, loafers, or mules are a better alternative.
The 1990s-inspired footwear style confuses me. Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Kitten heels are a look that I just can't get behind, no matter how many times trendsetters like Kim Kardashian West or Rihanna have sported the style or similar high-heeled flip flops.

While kitten heels seem like a less-daring alternative to pumps or stilettos, they're still heels — so they don't provide much comfort.

In 2021, I'll continue to embrace flats, mules, or loafers instead of the pointed-toe shoes.

In recent years, style icons have also proven that shoes without heels can still make a statement. In 2018, Meghan Markle made Veja sneakers popular during her Australia tour with Prince Harry, and Kate Middleton has also rocked stylish sneakers at casual events.

Year after year, celebrities try to make neon happen, but I think it's time to let go of the fluorescent colors.

Year after year, celebrities try to make neon happen, but I think it's time to let go of the fluorescent colors.
Kendall Jenner wore a sparkly neon outfit in February. Neil Mockford/Ricky Vigil M/GC Images

Wearing neon shades was common in the '80s and '90s, and stars like Kendall Jenner and Katy Perry emulated the style by wearing eye-catching looks in 2020. The bright colors certainly make a statement, but I think the blinding shades are too overbearing and overdone unless they're worn in small doses.

Celebrity stylist Philippe Uter previously told Insider that neon can be a great way to add color to an outfit but suggested trying it with small touches.

"It is hard to pull this one off, I won't lie, but when you do, it illuminates your skin and instantly gives you a glow," Uter said.

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After spending a week carrying a tiny handbag, I can attest that it's one of the most overrated trends of 2020.

After spending a week carrying a tiny handbag, I can attest that it's one of the most overrated trends of 2020.
The Jacquemus Le Chiquiti handbag barely fit anything. Celia Fernandez/Insider

French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus is credited with introducing the micro handbag to the world. He released the famous Le Chiquito bag as part of his 2019 Fall/Winter collection. The original micro bag is about 4 inches wide and comes with a thin shoulder strap.

Throughout 2019 and 2020, the style was made popular by influencers and celebrities — including Lizzo, who made headlines when she wore a miniature Valentino purse to the 2019 American Music Awards and said that the bag was "big enough for my f---s to give."

For a week in January, I carried around Jacquemus' Le Chiquiti bag, which is only 2 inches wide and comes with a removable strap, and it was way too impractical for me to continue wearing.

Although I had fun styling it, the fact that it couldn't even fit my credit card made the accessory completely worthless to me. Hopefully, the obsession with impractical handbags will stay in 2020.

Similar to micro purses, tiny sunglasses are fun for Instagram, but that's about it.

Similar to micro purses, tiny sunglasses are fun for Instagram, but that's about it.
Tiny sunglasses offer no practicality. Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Just like biker shorts and patent leather, tiny sunglasses were popular in the 1990s and have resurfaced in recent years. Stars like Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid have both worn the small shades on a number of occasions.

Similar to the tiny handbag craze, I think tiny sunglasses can be embraced for fun, but they don't have a purpose — aside from maybe trying to channel the Hadid sisters or Kardashian-Jenners in an Instagram post.

Depending on the shape and size, most pairs of tiny sunglasses don't actually seem to protect your eyes from the sun. I'd love to see chic-but-protective oversized shades, like the Celine Tilda sunglasses, replace the miniature versions in 2021.

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