One of the most interesting things about fashion is its often-cyclical nature. Pieces that are flying off the racks and considered the height of cool today might raise some eyebrows a few years from now. Clothes that you used to regard as “old school” when you saw them on your mother or aunties may have slowly found their way into your own wardrobe. At the end of the day, what goes around comes around; you just never know when a decades-old trend is going to find its way back into stores again.
What’s so fun about the fashion cycle is that it’s entirely possible to revisit trends and make them new again without exerting a lot of effort. From popular clothing brands to thrift and vintage stores, there are lots of places to go hunting for great retro finds. Here are five vintage fashion trends that have recently come back with a vengeance, plus reasons to check them out and try them on for yourself:
Athleisure
Many people associate the rise of athleisure with the general shift towards more comfortable and functional clothing—especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The truth, however, is that people have been wearing activewear for casual purposes since the 1970s. The term “athleisure” itself was in fact coined in a March 1979 issue of Nation’s Business, when it was used to describe shoes and items of clothing designed for people who wanted to appear more athletic.
Although naysayers might argue against wearing exercise gear outside the gym, athleisure enthusiasts love the trend for the emphasis it places on comfort, freedom of movement, and a healthier lifestyle. Plus, the best athleisure brands today expertly walk the line between fashion and function. It’s now entirely possible to purchase crop tops, sports bras, joggers, and high-quality athletic women’s leggings that don’t just feel great to wear during workouts, but also look like a million bucks. Mix these pieces up with some ready-to-wear items and pretty accessories, and you’ll be good to go.
Mom Jeans
From music to clothing to television, nostalgia for the ‘90s is out in full force, and it’s not hard to see why. At a time when our lives are dominated by digital technology, people all over the world have found it comforting to look back on the last analog decade.
In fashion, few things are more emblematic of this cultural longing for a slower and simpler time than mom jeans. Designed to fit loosely and taper gently towards the ankle, mom jeans are rapidly overtaking their skinny jeans counterpart in terms of popularity. Fashion enthusiasts today are all too willing to ditch the sleek, skin-tight look of past years for a return to something more relaxed and comfortable.
The best part is that a pair of mom jeans will be just as versatile and effortlessly cool for you to wear as any other pair of denim bottoms. Wear them with a white tee and sneakers for the perfect off-duty look, or dress them up with heels and a statement top for a night out.
Scrunchies
Scrunchies are another ‘90s fashion staple that have been making a comeback in recent years, adorning the heads of influencers and celebrities everywhere. This trend could be one of the best things to happen for your hair health, as scrunchies don’t just look cute but are also much gentler on your hair than tight elastic bands.
Tying your hair with a scrunchy results in much less friction and breakage than using other hair accessories. You also won’t come away with any unsightly bends in your hair after keeping it up for a long time.
Classic Suiting
Sleek, simple, and artful tailoring looks good on anyone, in any place or time period. And while global runways are awash with oversized clothing and clothing that’s been cropped to the max, many high-profile designers are showing that going back to the classics can be the furthest thing from boring. Sometimes clean lines, high-quality materials, and topnotch craftsmanship are all someone needs to look their best.
With a classic suit, fit is everything, so it’s best to invest in pieces that fit you well. The last thing you want is a too-short hem or some unsightly bunching messing up your silhouette. If you can’t get a bespoke suit, having store-bought pieces altered at a tailor is a practical option that can produce great results.
Sequins and Other Loud Details
Though it’s often dismissed as kitschy, ‘80s fashion is always making a comeback in some way or other. Lately, with the world opening up again post-pandemic and many eager to party it up after months stuck in lockdown, it’s unsurprising to find clothing with sequins, high-shine fabrics, neon, and other loud details in store windows again.
Want to bring the bold magic of the ‘80s to your own wardrobe? Try wearing a sequined miniskirt or a fully bedazzled cocktail dress during your next night on the town. All eyes will be on you—just as you deserve.
Retro fashion is all the rage these days, and the trends listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. Don’t hesitate to play, experiment with, and even repurpose clothing to meet your fashion goals. Before you know it, you’ll achieve a style that honors the previous decades while perfectly capturing who you are at this moment in time.