10 Big Trends We Bet You Wore in 2008

Remember 2008? It was a momentous year for pop culture, giving us Katy Perry and the first Twilight movie. But when it came to fashion, we were blessed (?) with items we probably want to forget. Although we couldn't even do that as Facebook had become ubiquitous by that point and tagging pictures became mandatory. 

So what was it about 2008 fashion that we consider to be so horrifying? Two trends that immediately spring to mind include cropped leggings worn with everything and dresses that included far too many frills. Basically, it was a time when flattering silhouettes evaded us—and even the world of celebrity wasn’t immune. Keep scrolling for all the trends we guarantee you used to wear as perfectly demonstrated by the A-list.

Style Notes: All of our favourite stars were wearing teeny-tiny prom dresses on the red carpet, and we followed suit on nights out. It was a case of “the more ruffles, the merrier,” and, of course, a waist belt was welcome for reining in all that volume. Though a corsage was just as good an addition, as Lily Collins proves.

Style Notes: Totally impractical accessories were at their peak in 2008. Case in point: fabric headbands worn across the forehead. Big hair was a big trend, so these helped scrunch hair into an even more voluminous state around the crown. However, they also left an unfortunate tension mark above your eyebrows after a night out—not chic.

Style Notes: Yes, 2008 was all about the waist. So we wore waist belts with absolutely everything—even skintight body-con, as Katy Perry testifies.

Style Notes: For the same reason we loved belts, high-waisted shorts were also en vogue. They were popularly worn with black tights and a corset belt for even more cinching. Kelly Rowland looks thoroughly 2008 in hers.

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Style Notes: Had you even been shopping in 2008 if you didn’t own multiple pairs of basic black leggings? They did have the benefit of making all those super-short bag dresses and oversized tops daytime appropriate, however.

Style Notes: Dresses that managed to be simultaneously sultry but also unflattering had a moment this year too. Witness the one-shoulder mini—baggy from the waist down and (you guessed it) usually with ruffles aplenty. This pearly number worn by Rachel Bilson is a classic.

Style Notes: We're just going to say it—shoe boots were not flattering. At the time, we couldn't stop wearing ours, but now we'll opt for one of these ankle boots, thanks. 

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Style Notes: There's nothing that quite says 2000s fashion trend so completely as the bodycon dress, preferably by Hervé Leger.

Style Notes: Sure, peplum dresses seemed pleasingly flattering; they appeared to hide any bits of your body you weren't really happy with. But on the flip side, they could add bulk in areas that you didn't want accentuated.

Style Notes: What was it about these shirts? They seemed to be everywhere. Whether it was at school, uni, work, or even on the red carpet, they were the go-to blouse for everyone—even movie stars. 

Style Notes: Now, don't get us wrong, we love an open-toe shoe. But, it was these specific 2008-style versions that we object to. The heel wasn't stiletto-high and it wasn't kitten-heel low—it made absolutely no statement whatsoever. And the open toe just felt like an afterthought. 

Next up, the biggest S/S 18 fashion trends you need to know.