Polyester Leisure Suits
There was a time when every stylish Boomer man owned at least one polyester leisure suit, and if he was really committed to the look, he had a closet full of them. These suits were marketed as the perfect blend of comfort and class, a way to look put-together without trying too hard says Newsweek. But let’s be honest—polyester doesn’t breathe, and wearing a leisure suit in the wrong weather could turn you into a walking sauna. The fabric had a stiff, plasticky feel that made everyone look like they were encased in a very unflattering shell. And let’s not forget the colors—oh, the colors! Mustard yellow, avocado green, and burnt orange were the hottest shades, making men look like they stepped out of a ‘70s kitchen. Throw in some oversized lapels, and you had a look that was equal parts disco and disaster.
If someone showed up in a polyester leisure suit today, people would assume it was a joke or a very misguided attempt at vintage fashion. Modern suits are all about natural fabrics, tailored fits, and muted tones, which makes the old-school leisure suit stick out like a sore thumb. There’s also the undeniable fact that polyester doesn’t age well—over time, it pills, fades, and holds onto odors like no other fabric. And while some vintage trends have been reimagined for the modern era, this one hasn’t made the cut. Even thrift stores can’t seem to get rid of them fast enough. Sure, they might be fun for a themed party or Halloween costume, but wearing one seriously? That’s a hard pass. Some fashion statements deserve to be left in the past, and the polyester leisure suit is definitely one of them said WSJ.
Bell-Bottom Jeans
Back in the ‘70s, bell-bottoms were the ultimate cool-kid uniform. Everyone from rock stars to suburban teens had a pair, and the wider the flare, the better. They weren’t just pants—they were a statement, a rebellion against straight-legged conformity. But let’s be real: unless you’re at a retro-themed party, these dramatic flares would turn heads for all the wrong reasons today. Modern fashion leans more toward slim and straight-leg cuts, making bell-bottoms look comically out of place. Imagine trying to squeeze into a crowded subway with pant legs big enough to smuggle a small dog. The exaggerated proportions just don’t fit into today’s sleek and tailored aesthetic explains Buzzfeed. And if they ever get wet? You’re dragging around half a gallon of water with every step. That swishing sound alone would get you side-eyes from everyone around. Not to mention, finding shoes that don’t make you look like a disco throwback is nearly impossible. The ‘70s might have been groovy, but not everything needs a comeback.
Of course, fashion is cyclical, and some flared styles have made a minor return—but not like the dramatic ones Boomers rocked. Today’s versions are more subtle, like a gentle flare or a bootcut, not the massive fabric waves of the past. Bell-bottoms also tended to come in some, let’s say, “unique” fabrics, like bright polyester or heavily embroidered denim. Pair that with a tucked-in blouse and a wide belt, and you’re practically begging for someone to ask if you came straight from a costume party. Even celebrities, who can get away with nearly anything, rarely dare to bring back true bell-bottoms. And if they do, it’s for a very curated, intentional look—not something you’d throw on for brunch. The reality is, this trend had its time, and it was fun while it lasted. But today, it’s one of those things best left in old photos and funky vintage stores.
Enormous Shoulder Pads
Boomer fashion in the ‘80s was all about power dressing, and nothing screamed “I mean business” like shoulder pads the size of small pillows. Women’s blazers, sweaters, and even dresses came with built-in padding so thick, it could double as body armor adds PureWow. The idea was to create a strong, commanding silhouette, making women appear more authoritative in the workplace. But in reality, it often just made them look like linebackers. There was nothing subtle about these shoulder pads—they jutted out at extreme angles, creating an exaggerated, boxy shape. And if you dared to wear more than one padded item at the same time, you’d end up looking like you were ready to take on a football team.
Today, fashion has embraced softer, more natural silhouettes, and the extreme shoulder pad trend is mostly a relic of the past. A slight shoulder structure is still appreciated in a well-tailored blazer, but nothing like the towering monstrosities from the ‘80s. Vintage lovers might experiment with the look in small doses, but if someone walked into an office with full-on Boomer-era shoulder pads, they’d probably get more laughs than compliments. It’s just too over-the-top for today’s sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Plus, who wants to spend all day feeling like they’re carrying around extra luggage on their shoulders? While the ‘80s had some fun fashion moments, this is one that’s best remembered in throwback photos—not resurrected in real life.
Tie-Dye Everything
Boomers loved their tie-dye, and they wore it loud and proud. It wasn’t just for hippies at Woodstock—by the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, tie-dye had made its way into mainstream fashion. T-shirts, dresses, pants, even socks—you name it, someone had tie-dyed it. The bright, swirling colors were meant to express individuality and freedom, but let’s be real—most of the time, they just looked messy. The homemade versions often bled together in ways that made people look like they’d lost a fight with a rainbow. And even store-bought tie-dye pieces had a way of clashing with everything else in an outfit.
While tie-dye still exists in small doses today, it’s nowhere near the fashion staple it once was. Most modern takes on the trend are more refined, using muted or monochrome color palettes instead of wild, clashing hues. A full tie-dye outfit in the Boomer style would probably earn more puzzled stares than compliments. It’s just too chaotic for today’s fashion sensibilities, which favor clean lines and balanced color schemes. Even festival fashion, where bright colors are welcome, tends to lean more toward ombre and gradient designs rather than full-blown tie-dye madness. So while tie-dye had its moment, it’s safe to say that wearing it head-to-toe today would make you look less like a free spirit and more like you got dressed in the dark.
Chunky Platform Shoes
Boomers didn’t just want height—they wanted drama. Platform shoes in the ‘70s were all about making a statement, with soles so thick they could double as bricks. Some were so high that walking in them felt like a balancing act, and let’s not even talk about trying to dance. Men and women alike wore them, often in bold colors and wild patterns, making every step a fashion risk. These weren’t just slightly elevated shoes; they were towering, clunky monstrosities that made people look like they were wearing stilts. And while they might have been the height of fashion back then, today they’d be more of a safety hazard than a style choice.
Sure, platform shoes still exist, but modern versions are much sleeker and more wearable. Today’s platforms are more refined, often with a wedge or subtle elevation, rather than a giant, blocky chunk underfoot. The oversized, disco-era platforms, on the other hand, would make most people burst out laughing if they saw someone trying to pull them off in public. They just don’t fit with modern fashion’s emphasis on practicality and comfort. Imagine trying to navigate a grocery store in a pair of five-inch platform boots—one wrong step, and you’re face-first in the produce aisle. As fun as they were in their time, these shoes are best left in Boomer-era dance halls and retro-themed parties.
Jumpsuits with Zippers from Neck to Navel
Boomers had a thing for jumpsuits, and they took them to an extreme. The one-piece outfits often came with dramatic, deep zippers that ran straight down the front, sometimes nearly to the waist. While they might have been convenient in theory, in reality, they were an absolute disaster waiting to happen. One wrong move, and you were flashing everyone in the room. They also weren’t the easiest things to wear—bathroom trips required a whole ordeal of unzipping and practically undressing. Despite all that, they were a fashion staple, often made in shiny polyester or denim, giving people a strangely futuristic yet dated look.
Today, jumpsuits still have their place, but they’ve been toned down significantly. No one wants to deal with the hassle of a full-body outfit that makes every restroom visit feel like a mission. And those deep, plunging zippers? They’ve mostly been replaced with more practical closures. If someone walked around today in an original Boomer-era jumpsuit, people would probably assume they were wearing a costume. The combination of a skintight fit, an awkward zipper, and questionable fabric choices just wouldn’t translate well into modern style. While the idea of a jumpsuit is still around, this particular version is best remembered as a relic of a more daring—but definitely less practical—time.
Patterned Sweater Vests
Boomers loved a good sweater vest, especially the ones covered in loud, quirky patterns. These sleeveless wonders were a go-to for both men and women, often layered over collared shirts for a “smart” look. But in reality, most of them just looked like something your grandma knitted as a last-minute Christmas gift. Argyle, zigzags, cartoonish motifs—nothing was off-limits. The result was an odd, boxy silhouette that didn’t flatter anyone, making even the most stylish person look like an awkward math teacher. And the worst part? They were usually made from thick, itchy wool that felt like wearing a furnace.
While sweater vests have made a small comeback in recent years, they’ve been redesigned with a much more modern sensibility. Gone are the oversized fits and garish patterns—in their place are sleeker, neutral-toned styles that actually work with an outfit instead of overpowering it. If someone tried to bring back an original Boomer-style sweater vest today, it would probably get more laughs than compliments. The combination of the outdated fit, scratchy material, and chaotic design just doesn’t work anymore. It’s one of those trends that might have seemed cool back in the day, but now it just screams “out of touch.”
Huge Bouffant Hairstyles
Boomer women took their hair to new heights—literally. The bouffant hairstyle was all about volume, with teased, sprayed, and sculpted hair that defied gravity. Achieving the perfect bouffant required a serious commitment to hairspray, often resulting in a rock-hard, unmoving helmet of hair. Some women even stuffed padding inside to give their bouffants extra lift, creating an effect that was more architectural than natural. It wasn’t just a style; it was a full-on engineering project. And while it might have been glamorous in its time, today it would just look absurdly overdone.
Modern hair trends favor more natural, effortless styles, making the bouffant a thing of the past. A little volume is still appreciated, but the days of sky-high hair are long gone. If someone walked into a coffee shop today sporting a towering bouffant, people would probably assume they were filming a period drama. The sheer amount of time and effort required to maintain such a look also makes it completely impractical for modern life. No one wants to spend hours teasing and spraying their hair only to end up looking like an extra from Hairspray. Some styles deserve a revival, but this isn’t one of them.
The Canadian Tuxedo (Denim on Denim)
Boomers had no fear of denim, and they took it to the extreme. The Canadian tuxedo—denim jeans paired with a denim jacket—was considered effortlessly cool. Sometimes, they even threw in a denim shirt for good measure, creating an all-jean ensemble that left no room for variety. The result was a look that was way too matchy-matchy, making people look like walking denim billboards. While it might have worked for certain celebrities or cowboy types, for the average person, it just came off as trying way too hard.
Today, fashion experts strongly advise against the full-denim look unless it’s done in a carefully curated way. Mixing different shades of denim can work, but the one-tone, head-to-toe denim combo is widely considered a fashion faux pas. If someone strolled into a room rocking an original Boomer-style Canadian tuxedo, they’d likely get a few chuckles or some sarcastic compliments. It’s just too much of one thing, and in today’s world of balance and contrast, that kind of excess doesn’t fly. Some Boomers still swear by it, but for most people, this trend is best left in the past.
Windbreaker Tracksuits
Boomers loved a good windbreaker, and nothing was cooler than a full matching tracksuit. These shiny, crinkly nylon suits came in bold colors and wild geometric patterns, making the wearer look like they were constantly about to go for a run—even if they never did. The material was stiff and noisy, producing a signature “swish-swish” sound with every movement. And since they were designed to trap heat, wearing one on a warm day was basically a personal sauna experience. Despite all this, they were a go-to for casual wear, especially among older Boomers who held onto them well into the ‘90s.
Today, athletic wear has come a long way, with breathable fabrics and sleek designs that actually look good. The old-school windbreaker tracksuit, however, hasn’t made the cut. If someone walked into a modern gym or coffee shop in one of these, they’d probably get more than a few side-eyes. The loud colors, excessive shine, and constant swishing noise just don’t fit into today’s more refined casual wear trends. While they might be fun for a nostalgic throwback, as an everyday outfit, they’re firmly stuck in the past.
Peasant Blouses with Puffy Sleeves
Boomer women loved a good peasant blouse, and the puffier the sleeves, the better. These flowy, billowy tops were meant to channel a free-spirited, bohemian vibe, but most of the time, they just looked oversized and shapeless. The sleeves were often so exaggerated that they completely swallowed up the arms, making wearers look like they were about to take flight. Many of these blouses also came with ruffles, lace, or embroidery, which only added to the over-the-top aesthetic. And let’s not forget the drawstring necklines—one wrong move, and suddenly, you were either choking yourself or exposing way more than you intended.
Today, fashion leans toward more structured and balanced silhouettes. While flowy tops still exist, they’re far more refined, with subtle puff sleeves instead of full-on parachutes. If someone walked into a modern workplace or coffee shop wearing an original Boomer-style peasant blouse, they’d probably get a few raised eyebrows. The combination of excessive fabric, frilly details, and an overall shapeless fit just doesn’t work in today’s world of tailored fashion. While some might argue that peasant blouses have made a slight comeback, the Boomer version—with its extreme proportions and questionable practicality—is best left in old photos and vintage shops.
Wide, Gaudy Ties
Boomer men didn’t just wear ties—they wore wide ties, and the louder the pattern, the better. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, ties were often absurdly thick, sometimes measuring over four inches at their widest point. These ties weren’t just accessories; they were statement pieces, featuring everything from bold stripes to psychedelic swirls. Some even had novelty prints, like cartoon characters or bizarre geometric designs that clashed horribly with the rest of the outfit. The result was a look that was more comical than stylish, especially when paired with an equally loud suit.
Modern ties are much slimmer and more refined, focusing on elegance rather than excess. While some people still appreciate a bit of personality in their accessories, the oversized, flashy Boomer ties just don’t fit into today’s fashion landscape. If someone showed up to a business meeting wearing a bright paisley tie that’s wider than their hand, they’d probably be met with a few stifled chuckles. The truth is, these ties weren’t flattering, and they didn’t age well. While a vintage tie might be fun for a themed party, in everyday life, this is one trend that’s best left in the past.