Status symbols have always been a part of society, but what’s considered impressive can change faster than you can say “rotary phone.” Remember when owning a massive TV was the ultimate flex? Well, times have changed, and so have our ideas of what’s cool and coveted. In this nostalgic trip down memory lane, we’re unpacking 15 old-school status standards that once turned heads but now might just turn stomachs. Swipe through to cringe at what we once thought was the height of sophistication.
McMansions
McMansions were large, and owning them was a way to show off your rich status in society. However, these houses were mass-produced, and being architecturally unique wasn’t one of their strong points. Nowadays, people would rather have houses that fit their lifestyles with a stand-out architectural design.
Fax Machines
Having a fax machine once meant being tech-savvy and connected to the modern office world. It allowed one to share documents in a way that was impressive for its time. Nevertheless, as time passed, other digital communication methods, like email, made it irrelevant and outdated.
Luxury SUVs with High Fuel Consumption
Large, gas-guzzling SUVs had their moments as a symbol of wealth, power, and success. Their imposing size and high fuel consumption were among the things that drew people to them. Today, we are more concerned with climate change and sustainability, and overspending on fuel isn’t fun anymore. Electric vehicles and hybrids are now taking over.
Beepers/Pagers
While beepers or pagers were indispensable for doctors or executives who could be needed urgently, many people who also wanted to enjoy constant communication had them. People would see others with them and assume they were important or people with urgent matters at hand. Smartphones have sent them packing.
Fur Coats
In the fur coats era, nothing screamed luxury and elegance like these items. They were also durable and could be passed down from generation to generation. However, these days, we are aware of animal rights, and since these coats were derived from animal skin, many aren’t in love with them anymore.
Gold Chains (Excessive Bling)
Large gold chains were once seen as proof that someone had “made it,” especially in the world of hip-hop. Rappers would wear oversized gold chains to show off in their videos. As time evolved, many people today prefer a minimalistic approach to jewelry, and countless celebs at the peak of their careers keep it simple.
Velour Tracksuits
Brands like Juicy Couture made the velour tracksuits popular, and with celebrities like Brittany Spears and Jennifer Lopez wearing them, people craved to have them, too. Fashion trends changed, velour tracksuits fell out of favor, and are now associated with the past.
Wired Headphones
Wired headphones, especially those that flaunted the logos of reputable brands, once showed that someone wasn’t just a music lover or enthusiast but could afford something impressive. As wireless alternatives hopped on the scene and ear pods became popular, people ditched the wires and went for lightweight earbuds.
Owning DVDs/CDs Collections
Before, you could show people that you invested a lot in entertainment and kept up with pop culture through your large collection of DVDs and CDs. The rise of streaming platforms was the end of this trend. People know they can easily access quality entertainment without buying CDs and DVDs and see these collections as something from the past.
Blackberries (Phones)
Blackberries hit the market with QWERTY keyboards at a time when mobile devices crammed multiple letters into one button. Their devices made owners stand out everywhere they went. Today, Android phones and iPhones are the rulers of the market, and some kids these days have no idea what Blackberry is.
Walkman
One invention that shook its time was the Sony Walkman. With it, you could listen to music from cassette tapes wherever you went. It would set you apart as a music lover who could afford one. CDs and mp3 files began to replace cassettes, and as cassettes went out of the game, so did the Walkman.
Crystal Figurines
People would collect crystal figurines from brands like Swarovski and display them for all to see. Many would see them and assume the homeowner was rich or successful. While they can still be beautiful to the sight, many don’t collect them anymore, and we no longer see them as proof of luxury.
Landlines
In the past, having multiple landline phones in a home was a symbol of convenience and signaled an affluent household. Families would install landlines in every room, and this trend would have remained if mobile phones had not popped up on the scene. With all that mobile phones offer today, many no longer need landlines.
Hard Copy Encyclopedias
Households showed off their intellectualism by displaying their encyclopedias for visitors to see. These items were quite expensive, too, so for many, it was safe to assume that families that had them were rich. Thanks to the internet, we no longer need the hard copy; we can access them for free.
Designer Logo-Heavy Clothing
Plastering yourself with visible designer logos is passé. Subtle, quality craftsmanship is the new luxury. Discerning consumers opt for understated elegance over ostentatious branding. Ethical production and sustainable materials now carry more cachet than flashy labels, reflecting a more conscious approach to fashion.
