Retro Fashion Trends | Old Clothing That Has Come Back into Style
Just like old music, movies and books coming back into style in the 21st century, we have seen many fashion trends in the ’60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s coming back in trend in the 21st century. As tastes change and generations draw inspiration from previous decades, it’s no surprise that some of our current trends are a mixed bag of past decade’s fashion trends. The best part is that you do not have to buy these items new, you can rent them, look through your mother’s wardrobe or find them in thrift stores. Below, we explore the top 10 most classic fashion trends that have made a comeback.
To receive the Luxiders newsletter, sign up here.
1. Mom Jeans
Known for their high waisted, loose-fitting and tapered around the ankle look, mom jeans were incredibly popular back in the ’90s and have made a strong comeback in the 21st century with many new ways to style them. Say goodbye to skinny jeans because mom jeans are the new thing. Jeans are usually quite easy to find at thrift stores, which is a great way to reduce waste, and you can pair them with boots and belts for an off-duty model look.
2. Corduroy
Corduroy was incredibly popular in the ’70s and was mainly used for children’s clothing. Coming back into fashion in this era, we see corduroy everywhere. From jackets, pants, handbags, shirts and skirts, corduroy is the new fashionable material.
3. Chunky Sneakers
Chunky sneakers were a trend that nobody thought would come back into style again. But like they were in the ’80s, these have made a huge comeback, with many designer brands such as Gucci and Balenciaga rocking the chunky sneaker.
4. Scrunchies
Hair accessories have been a massive part of fashion since the beginning of time. It’s no surprise that society has gone through their fair share of trendy hair accessories. But, in this 21st century, scrunchies have made a return to the fashion game. Not only fashionable amongst your fellow peers, but many celebrities are also rocking this trend too. Scrunchies are actually quite easy to make yourself using fabric scraps for a more sustainable and economical approach.
5. Silk Scarves
Silk scarves were a big hit in the ’50s and are a big hit today. We aren’t wearing our silk scarves as we did in the ’50s. Instead, we’re becoming more creative, turning our silk scarves into tops, hair accessories and even sometimes a matching skirt and top. See if you can repurpose old scarves of your own or your parents instead of throwing them out.
6. Bike Shorts
Having their moment in the ’80s and then again in the ’90s and now in the 21st century, bike shorts keep coming back as a hot trend in fashion. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian West and Bella Hadid are seen rocking pairing these shorts with oversized sweaters, t-shirts and often with a pair of chunky sneakers. Talk about bringing old trends to life!
7. Flared Pants
We all know the 70’s staple, flared pants. And unbeknownst to everybody, they’ve made a comeback in today’s world. We are seeing this silhouette due to the retro style coming back into fashion. Not only are we seeing more and more people rock them at festivals, but also in their everyday life.
8. Denim
Seemingly, ripped jeans appear to be coming back every 5-10 years. In the 80’s, ripped denim was a staple in many of our closets. And no surprises that, ripped denim is once again popular. Seen mostly on ripped jeans and jackets, it is slowly becoming a staple in our closet again.
9. Bum bags
Bum bags are a hands-free accessory that used to be incredibly popular in the ’80s and even ’90s. Though they fell out of fashion in the 2000’s, we are seeing bum bags becoming more and more popular today. Not only are they convenient and easy to carry, but they are also becoming a staple in the fashion industry. You can find designer ones at thrift stores or rent it online from sites like The Volte to stand out for a specific event, such as the famous Gucci bum bag. Instead of buying a trendy piece that you’ll wear once or twice, consider hiring a piece of clothing for the night.
10. Puffy Sleeves
Puffy sleeves are coming back as a fashion trend with a bang. Mirroring the late 1800’s trend of puffy sleeves, the modern 21st-century puffy sleeve is a lot more elegant and modern. They are often seen paired with high waisted skirts and flared pants. Looking at more sustainable brands with better quality shirts means these types of basic styles will last you way into the future.
Trends tend to come in and out of popularity every few seasons. However, like many of us, it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with trends without breaking the bank. By simply utilising online renting clothing stores, sustainable brands or searching through a relative’s wardrobe for repurposing, you can fulfil your fashion goals without having to break the bank.
