Joseph:
The sefer being “controvertial” was according to the Rabbonim, (some, obviously) not the townspeople. The Rabonnim, who deal with people on a personal basis also saw how such a sefer can be detrimental to a jewish home. Part of the issue was that advocating things that are “extreme” in certain circles are not beneficial to yiddishkeit or to a healthy productive life.
You ask what is wrong with style from 5 years ago. My answer is that as far as i’m concerned, nothing is wrong. Personally, I prefer classy things that are “in style” for 20 years too. But, being that you are a man, you probably have no concept about women wanting to dress individually and tastefully, and no, it is not necessarily a problem. It is inherent in every healthy woman to want to look her best, (as it is healthy and normal for husbands to want thier wives to lok pleasing to them.) and her job is to ensure that it is begadrei tznius.
Just curious: are you married?