The 1990s were a decade filled with iconic trends and cultural phenomena that shaped a generation. However, several aspects of that era are now considered outdated, inappropriate, or simply cringeworthy in today’s society.
From fashion faux pas to social behaviors, here are 15 things from the 1990s that are big no-nos now.
Frosted Tips
Once a symbol of coolness in the 90s, frosted tips have now become synonymous with outdated fashion trends. This hairstyle, characterized by bleached blonde tips on dark hair, screams 90s boy band rather than contemporary style. Today, people opt for more natural and subtle hair color choices, leaving frosted tips firmly in the past.
Using a Dial-Up Internet Connection
The nostalgic sound of a dial-up modem connecting to the internet might bring back fond memories for some, but it’s a big inconvenience in today’s fast-paced world. Waiting minutes for a single webpage to load is simply unacceptable when high-speed broadband is the norm. Dial-up connections are a relic of the past, consigned to history by the advent of faster and more reliable internet technologies.
Overplucked Eyebrows
In the 90s, thin, overplucked eyebrows were all the rage, inspired by celebrities like Pamela Anderson and Drew Barrymore. However, today’s beauty standards favor fuller, more natural-looking brows. Overplucking can damage the hair follicles and result in sparse, uneven brows, a look far from desirable in contemporary beauty trends.
Using Cassette Tapes
While cassette tapes were once the go-to choice for listening to music, they’ve been replaced by digital streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. The inconvenience of rewinding, fast-forwarding, and dealing with tangled tape is a thing of the past. Today, music lovers prefer the convenience and accessibility of digital formats, making cassette tapes a nostalgic relic.
Chain Wallets
Popularized by 90s punk and grunge culture, chain wallets were both a fashion statement and a practical accessory for keeping your wallet secure. However, today, they’re seen as bulky and unnecessary, with modern wallets offering slim designs and RFID protection. The clinking sound of chains is more likely to annoy than impress in today’s fashion landscape.
Surge Soda
Surge soda was a beloved beverage of the 90s, known for its high caffeine content and bold citrus flavor. However, it’s now considered a relic of a bygone era, with healthier beverage options taking center stage. Concerns about sugar content and artificial ingredients have led to a decline in the popularity of sugary sodas like Surge as consumers prioritize healthier choices.
Baggy JNCO Jeans
JNCO jeans, with their ridiculously wide legs and oversized pockets, were a fashion staple of the 90s rave and skater scene. However, today’s fashion trends lean towards more fitted and tailored styles. Baggy jeans may have been comfortable and edgy back then, but now they’re often seen as sloppy and outdated.
Smoking in Public Places
In the 90s, smoking was ubiquitous, with people lighting up in restaurants, bars, and even airplanes. However, attitudes towards smoking have shifted dramatically since then, with many countries implementing strict smoking bans in public places. Today, smoking is widely recognized as a health hazard, and smokers are expected to adhere to designated smoking areas, making public smoking a big no-no.
Butterfly Clips
Butterfly clips were a must-have accessory for 90s girls, adorning hairstyles with colorful plastic butterflies. While they were once considered cute and trendy, they’re now seen as childish and dated. Today’s hair accessories tend to be more subtle and sophisticated, leaving butterfly clips consigned to the nostalgia bin.
Using a Walkman
The Sony Walkman revolutionized portable music in the 80s and 90s, allowing people to listen to cassette tapes on the go. However, the Walkman has become obsolete with the advent of smartphones and streaming services. Carrying around a bulky device and swapping out tapes seems archaic compared to the convenience of streaming music from your phone.
Tanning Beds
In the 90s, tanning beds were all the rage, promising a sun-kissed glow year-round. However, the health risks associated with indoor tanning, including skin cancer and premature aging, have led to a decline in popularity. Today, sunless tanning products and spray tans offer a safer alternative for achieving a bronzed complexion without harmful UV exposure.
Frosted Lipstick
With its metallic sheen and shimmering finish, Frosted lipstick was a makeup staple in the 90s. However, today’s beauty trends favor matte and satin lipsticks, which offer a more modern and sophisticated look. Frosted lipstick can often appear dated and unflattering, making it a big no-no in contemporary makeup routines.
Mullets
The mullet, with its short front and sides and long back, was a hairstyle icon of the 90s. However, it’s now widely regarded as one of the biggest fashion mistakes of the decade. Modern hairstyles tend to favor more uniform and versatile cuts, leaving the mullet firmly in the past where it belongs.
Using a Pager
In the 90s, pagers were essential for staying in touch on the go, especially for professionals like doctors and businessmen. However, with the rise of smartphones and instant messaging apps, pagers have become obsolete. Today, the idea of carrying around a separate device just to receive text messages seems outdated and impractical.
Casual Racism in Media
The 90s saw its fair share of casual racism in movies, TV shows, and advertising, with harmful stereotypes perpetuated for comedic effect. However, as society becomes more aware of the importance of diversity and representation, such portrayals are no longer acceptable. Today, there’s a greater emphasis on inclusivity and sensitivity in media, making casual racism a big no-no in contemporary entertainment.
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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.
