Shell suits, giant shoulder pads and low-rise jeans have topped a list of the cringeworthy fashion trends that Brits wish they could erase ahead of London Fashion Week.

According to new research, Gen Zs under 24 have been revealed to be the generation most haunted by their fashion faux pas, followed closely by older Millennials aged between 35 and 44.

Despite most Brits daring to look at old pics (93%), nearly a third (30%) disclosed that they have cringed at their former selves, with hair or makeup (17%), moments they missed the camera (15%) and dodgy outfits (14%) trumping the list of things Brits have sent straight to the deleted folder.

The research was commissioned by Samsung to celebrate Photo Assist features such as Generative Edit^[2], which uses Galaxy AI^[1]  to remove, rotate and resize objects from photos, providing an instant fashion fix for your memories.

TOP 10 FASHION FAUX PAS WE WISH WE COULD ERASE

1. Shell suits
2. Giant Shoulder Pads
3. Low-rise jeans
4. Overly distressed jeans
5. Peplum tops
6. Cargo trousers with too many pockets
7. Velour tracksuits
8. Slogan tees
9. Spray on skinny jeans
10. Leg Warmers

It’s not just mild embarrassment. The research revealed 32% of us admit to being pained by the evidence of our past fashion choices with 30% of Brits reporting that they would even pay money to delete their most awkward outfit photos from the internet forever (averaging a substantial £26).

The study showed more than a third (34%) look back at old photos of themselves throughout the year and wish they could ‘undo’ or change a specific outfit choice and two in ten (22%) admit they would happily use a tool to fix and edit outfits on old online photos.

It’s not just us mere mortals suffering from wardrobe mishaps. The research also found the most iconic celebrity ‘mishaps’ that have stuck in the British memory. From Björk’s feathered swan dress at the Oscars to David Beckham’s head-to-toe leather look and Lady Gaga’s infamous ‘meat suit,’ the message is clear: even the A-list could use an ‘undo’ button.

Respondents revealed they cringe at their outfits from a decade ago the most, crowning 2016 as the worst year for fashion mishaps sealed into history on social media with over a quarter (27%) feeling that their photos are haunting their feeds and are like a minefield of their biggest fashion regrets (30%).

A further 30% admitted they have deleted picture evidence of their past fashion choices from social media entirely with 26% of the public choosing to archive a post so no one can see it, or untagging themselves.

Despite Gen Z appearing the most distressed over past fashion choices (49%) over a quarter of Brits (26%) disclosed they have secretly judged their own family members past choices too.

To celebrate Galaxy AI and the Generative Edit feature on the Galaxy S25 Series, Michelle de Swarte stars in a new comedic ‘Instant Fix’ video. Drawing on her years in the fashion spotlight, de Swarte shows how Brits can finally “fix” their fashion history – without deleting the memories themselves.

Using Generative Edit on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the model turned comedian shows what a wardrobe clear out can’t erase, such as surgically removing unnecessary jewellery, or tidying up a bad slogan tee, or even making your outfit the star of the show by removing everyone else in your photo. Michelle de Swarte, comedian and former model, said

“I used to be a model, which means there’s a lot of photographic evidence of me taking fashion far too seriously in things I should never have trusted. Back then, if a shoot went wrong, you just had to live with it forever – bad bags, loud logos, people blinking, the lot. Fashion should be playful, not something that jumps out of your camera roll and humbles you years later, so being able to keep the memory and quietly fix the bits that didn’t age well is a welcome evolution.”

Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience VP of Product and Marketing from Samsung said: “While fashion trends are constantly evolving, our research clearly shows that photos of our past style decisions can feel permanent. Whether it’s a questionable accessory or a truly regrettable outfit, Galaxy AI’s Photo Assist tools such as Generative Edit provide the ultimate, instant solution, allowing users to effortlessly ‘fix’ those fashion faux pas in their memories with just a tap, without deleting your camera roll entirely.”

With social media being a permanent archive of our past, 37% of respondents admitted they would use AI tools such as Generative Edit, to “modernise” their old throwback pictures as 55% of Brits say the ability to edit their fashion fails on social media would make them feel more confident.

But while many are happy to delete the digital evidence, the physical evidence remains. 21% of Brits label themselves “wardrobe hoarders” meaning those who refuse to bin their fashion fails, instead stashing them away as future hand me downs.

A further 21% have said they keep their fashion faux pas, with 41% admitting they would even leave them online, in the hopes that they were just early trendsetters and their questionable pieces get their chance at a second act.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is built for the style-conscious, including Galaxy AI-powered tools such as Generative Edit, it’s the most advanced way to tidy up your snaps and perfect the memories you capture every day.

[1]Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier.

[2]Generative Edit feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Generative Edit may result in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.

Samsung is launching the One Shot Challenge to encourage people to capture one shot during moments that matter, as Galaxy AI and features like Generative Edit make it possible to get the perfect shot with just one photo. Giving consumers peace of mind that their memories can be tweaked later.

To showcase how easy using the technology is, Samsung has partnered with renowned photographer Tom Craig, famous for his work in Vogue and Vanity Fair. His One Shot Challenge journey can be seen in a new video here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/it31g9zYcXU

Taking to the streets of London, Tom demonstrates how Generative Edit on the Galaxy Z Fold7 makes achieving the perfect shot simple, as he removes traffic on the busy streets of Piccadilly Circus and uses Galaxy AI to fill in the blanks. Demonstrating how the perfect shot can be refined later, so capturing memories feels simple and stress free.

Samsung’s One Shot Challenge comes as new research reveals almost three quarters (72%) of Brits feel pressure to capture the ‘perfect shot’. While 68% say they want to enjoy the moment more, this pressure often stems from wanting to preserve memories for the future (83%) and to share their best selves on social media (22%).

The result is a modern photo dilemma seen across the UK. On average, people take six pictures of the same scene, with only 4% taking just one. Despite this impulse to capture multiple shots, nearly a third (31%) haven’t revisited more than half of their camera roll since taking the photos, creating photo graveyards that quietly accumulate on devices.

When reviewing their photos, four in five (83%) have noticed elements they’d love to improve, from photobombers (35%) to stray objects (28%) or unwanted shadows (30%). While many spot these imperfections, 80% haven’t yet explored the AI tools on their phones that can transform their images. With Galaxy AI, those moments can be polished to perfection, giving peace of mind that every shot is worth keeping.

Talking about the challenge, Tom Craig said: “So much of great photography happens in the moment, the right look, the perfect light, the exact setting. It’s frustrating when an unwelcome distraction ruins that. Our smartphones give us the power to capture these important moments, but it’s crucial not to get so caught up chasing the perfect picture that we end up missing the moment entirely.

“The One Shot Challenge is about empowering everyone to capture beautiful memories and get back to enjoying them immediately, safe in the knowledge that Generative Edit can perfect the details later.”

Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung Europe said, “At Samsung, we know life’s best moments happen when we’re fully present, but we also want to capture these memories to cherish forever. The One Shot Challenge encourages everyone to enjoy those moments while still taking perfect photos effortlessly. With Galaxy AI’s Generative Edit, you can focus on living the experience, confident that every shot can be edited beautifully and your camera roll will be filled with pictures you truly love.”

Samsung is inviting consumers to join the One Shot Challenge by sharing their pictures made perfect by Generative Edit on Instagram. Simply tag them #SamsungOneShot.

For those who want to try the power of Galaxy AI and Generative Edit for themselves, this Black Friday, you can save £250 on the Galaxy Z Fold7, plus get a guaranteed £100 off when you trade in any smartphone, in any condition[2] at: https://www.samsung.com/uk/offer/black-friday/

About Tom Craig

Tom Craig is a celebrated British photographer whose work spans editorial, commercial, and fine art spheres with striking originality and emotional depth. His images have graced the pages of leading publications including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Esquire, and The Sunday Times Magazine, where his storytelling lens has captured some of the most compelling figures and moments of our time.

His artistry has earned him multiple accolades, including three nominations or wins for ‘British Magazine Photographer of the Year’, and the prestigious title of The Telegraph’s “Travel Photographer of the Year.”

A regular fixture in the British art scene, Craig exhibited for five consecutive years at the National Portrait Gallery and served as Photographer-in-Residence for the Royal Geographical Society – testament to his enduring cultural relevance and creative versatility.

 

Research methodology

Conducted by: Opinium Research

Sample: Weighted to be nationally representative 500 adults from the UK, The Netherlands,
Denmark, Czechia, France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, and Austria

Fieldwork dates: 28 Oct 2025 – 7 Nov 2025

[1] Generative Edit feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Generative Edit may result in a resized photo up to 12MP. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.

[2] Purchase from samsung.com by 02.12.25. £100 based on any smartphone in any condition. Values over £100 vary by model and condition. Only one trade in device allowed under this promotion. Charges apply if you don’t send us your Trade In device. T&Cs apply. Trade in discount capped at 60% of product price before discount.

Samsung Electronics has achieved numerous firsts in mobile camera performance and technology since the pre-smartphone era. From the Galaxy S’s 5-megapixel (MP) rear camera in 2010 — at the dawn of the smartphone era — to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 200 MP ultra-high-resolution camera, 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and suite of Galaxy AI editing features, Samsung has continuously redefined what a smartphone camera can do.

“Always one step ahead” – For the past 15 years, Samsung has always been one step ahead, pushing mobile photography to new heights and ushering in a new era of Galaxy camera technology. Explore this groundbreaking journey in the infographic below.

The poll of 2,000 Brits was specially commissioned by Samsung to mark the launch of the Galaxy S25 FE which comes with Galaxy AI[1] and Generative Edit[2] feature which can remove unwanted people or objects from photos. The results revealed that British adults spend 139 hours or 5.8 days per annum are spent wishing some aspects of their lives had been done differently, with 27 years old revealed as the age where regrettable decisions begin piling up.

Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience VP of Product and Marketing, Samsung UK & Ireland, said: “Our research reveals that 48% of Brits have digitally removed traces of past relationships, with some even hesitant to scroll through old memories. With the Generative Edit feature on the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, you can effortlessly manage and curate your photographs, meaning you no longer have to hit the delete button on your favourite shots”.

Heartbreak loomed large in the study – indeed the survey found that Brits regret two of their former relationships on average as nearly half (48%) admit to deleting every trace of their ex online, with 1.6 billion photos of exes expected to vanish from the digital galleries and social media feeds in 2025 alone.

Top 10 things Brits would do differently if they could turn back time

1. Worrying too much about what others think (35%)
2. Not saving enough money (31%)
3. Neglecting their health when they were younger (27%)
4. Staying in the wrong relationship for too long (27%)
5. Not speaking up about their feelings (24%)
6. Missing chances to travel (23%)
7. Wasting money on things they didn’t need (22%)
8. Trusting the wrong people (21%)
9. Letting good friendships slip away (21%)
10. Not following the career path they really wanted (20%)

Actress Patsy Kensit is helping the nation break up with its break ups, starring in a new campaign where she empowers heartbroken Brits to reclaim their memories and start fresh using the new Galaxy S25 FE.

In the video, the star plays agony aunt as she urges Brits to chuck out their ex’s clothes, ditch the moody playlists and more importantly erase exes from photos using Generative Edit[2] in photos so they don’t have to be deleted.

Speaking about the campaign, Patsy said:

“I’ve been through my fair share of heartbreaks, so I know how crucial it is to move forward without the weight of the past holding you back. Letting go of lingering reminders like old texts, photos, or mementos really allows you to move into the your future with confidence. Sometimes, the bravest act is simply hitting erase and choosing yourself”.

Galaxy S25 FE comes with a powerful camera that can recognise faces and lighting to optimise skin tones and clarity for the perfect portrait shots. Its Photo Assist feature lets you reimagine your photos with the power of Galaxy AI1, with tools like Generative Edit2 and Portrait Studio[3].

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is available now in Navy, Icyblue, Jetblack and White colours starting from £649.

For more information about the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, please visit: www.samsung.com/uk

[1] Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier.

[2] Generative Edit feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login.

[3] Portrait Studio feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login.