Gabriel Pintelman

Time flies when you’re aging at a normal human pace. One minute Paris Hilton is dictating your wardrobe, and the next, it’s ten years later, and you still don’t know what Von Dutch is. Point blank: 2004 was a tragic time for fashion – but at the same time, it ushered in a few 2014 fashion trends that have been going strong for a while.

Here, we’re going to explore those trends. Or more specifically, ten trends that defined 2004, and whether or not we should burn our photos or our clothes or our memories, if at all possible.
In the words of Paris herself, “That’s hot.” (Like, this article.)

1. What: Von Dutch
The story: Thanks to the likes of Paris, Nicole Richie, and Ashton Kutcher, trucker hats – specifically of the Von Dutch variety – were ushered into the mid-2000s for reasons no one can really understand. However, we must try. Was it the overt logos? (Let us remember it was around the same time Louis Vuitton bags became a status symbol.) Was it the bright colours? (Maybe? We were teens, and still associated “fun” with “a bright pink trucker hat.”) Was it because famous people were doing it? (Absolutely.) So we must learn from our mistakes.
Do they still hold up: No. No they don’t. But in 15 years they will when they’re old enough to be hot commodities at thrift sores.

2. What: Ruffled Mini-Skirts
The story: Part of the uneven, cotton, flow-y skirt movement, the mini versions presented themselves in time for spring – when you could pair them with polo shirts, skate shoes, or yes: Ugg boots (or knee-high if you are Paris Hilton, of course); a good look for Easter dinner (we told ourselves in one, en route to Easter dinner 2004).
Do they still hold up: Technically? There are still ruffled mini skirts that exist. In the case of them existing, absolutely they hold up. Can you find one now? Yes, you can. Should you buy and wear it? With an oversize sweater from a thrift store, only.

3. What: Polo Shirts
The story: And as if it were 1991, polo shirts returned with a vengeance. But not just any polo shirts: fitted, “preppy” styles that would pass the "Laguna Beach" dress code. Soon, the likes of Abercrombie, American Eagle, Hollister, and Aeropostale were stocking up on striped, patterned, and logo versions – only to slowly establish the uniform for frats indefinitely.

Do they still hold up: First, everything will always hold up if you can make it your own. That’s what