I’m a fashion editor – the comeback trends I absolutely hate, including bum bags

FASHION is circular: year after year trends come back to the forefront ready for their time to shine. 

And whilst some trends we welcome back with open arms, others could do with staying at the back of the closet.

After the return of leopard print this year, it seems some trends have been embraced more than others…

Nineties and noughties trends especially have become a hit with Gen Z – most likely because they didn’t wear them the first time round.

Cue a whole host of items we wish were back in the fashion archives coming back to the rails. 

Here, Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale gives the rundown of the trends that have made a comeback that we wish did not. 

Disc Belts

Cast your minds back if you can to the early 2000s style and disc belts might spring to mind. 

A hit with celebs, the likes of Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively were at the forefront of this trend. 

Wearing it with your maxi skirt it was the epitome of boho chic. 

But apart from looking cool in the noughties the belt itself did nothing that a belt should actually do – It was a mere fashion statement, not a piece to actually hold anything up. 

And it seems it’s not just me who is enraged by its return, with many taking to Tik Tok to give their views, saying: “Oh no not the disc belt! I don’t think I have the energy for it a 2nd time around.” – I feel you. 

Jelly Shoes

A shoe trend I thought was firmly for the children in the 90s (myself included -I was obsessed with my pink glitter jelly shoes when I was four), has returned.

After not being seen on shelves for decades, they’ve made a reappearance and this time they’re not just for kids. 

Coming in a range of colourful patterns, you can get them all over the high street in either flat or heeled versions. 

Not only will you look very childish wearing such shoes, but people will also need to learn that they aren’t the comfiest – blister plasters will come in handy. 

Pedal Pushers

Earlier this month Vogue declared pedal pushers are officially back. 

The cropped knee-grazing trouser were all the rage in the 1990s and 2000s, seen regularly on the likes of pop stars Rihanna, J-Lo and Britney.

This time round the model fash pack are all over them, with both Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski wearing them out recently. 

Also called Capri pants after the Italian Isle, the original IT girls, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot made them look effortlessly cool and glam.

Somehow this time round they don’t seem to be having that same effect. 

Platform Flip Flops 

It seems in 2024 normal flip flops have been elevated – literally. 

The humble flip flop has gone upwards (in height) and the Marmite platform version has returned. 

Back in the 90s this kind of sandal was all the rage thanks to American brand Rocket Dog.  

Dubbed the ‘it’ shoe, you were too cool for school wearing these. 

But one twisted ankle can tell you that these don’t need to make another reappearance. 

Crocs have just released a style of these sandals and whilst shoppers say they are comfortable, it’s a firm no from me. 

Bum bags

Unless I’m going to a festival and even then that’s a stretch these days, I will not be seen wearing a bum bag. 

There are so many different styles of cross body bags that do the same job, there should be no reason for them to be back. 

Take the viral Uniqlo bags for example, they’re washable, can fit in everything you need and can be strapped close to your chest, not down by your nether regions like a bum bag.