Look around and you’ll notice that some of fashion’s most iconic looks are making a comeback. Whether you were a child of the ’80s or the ’90s, there’s sure to be something for everyone in the current wave of nostalgic fashion trends. From scrunchies and crop tops to combat boots and overalls, these vintage fashion statements are experiencing a retro revival full of originality and creativity. Ready to explore the vibrant world of vintage fashion? Let’s take a look at the current uprising of nostalgic trends!
1. A Look Back at Retro Fashion Trends
Remember the bellbottoms from the 70s, the shoulder pads of the 80s or the chokers of the 90s? It’s time to take a trip back in time and look at some retro fashion trends that keep coming back in style:
- 80s Shoulder Pads – Shoulder pads were immensely popular in the 80s. Whether it was a power-suit or a regular shirt, the shoulder pads were designed to make the wearer look larger or powerful. Today they remain highly popular, as designers use them as a way of modernizing retro looks.
- 90s Chokers – Chokers were quite a rage among millennials in the 90s, and it looks like they are re-emerging as a fashion trend in recent years. Designers are re-inventing the 90s chokers by adding modern elements such as leather, velvet and bold colors.
- 70s Bellbottoms – Bellbottom trousers are a classic trend from the 70s, and they are making a huge comeback. The flared trousers are gaining traction with millennials who are looking to add a touch of drama to their outfit.
Whether it’s 80s shoulder pads or 70s bellbottoms, retro fashion trends are highly popular among today’s fashion lovers. With designers taking retro trends and revamping them with a modern twist, it looks like retro fashion is here to stay!
2. Revisiting the Past: What’s Making a Comeback?
Looking back in time, the trends of the past have cycled back into popularity: the resurgence of vintage styles has become ever-present in the fashion world. And it’s not just style, the same extends to various aspects of life, from food to music. Here are a few things that have come out of the woodworks to make a comeback:
- Retro fashion: With the advent of the modern era, technology and lifestyles have drastically changed. But fashion these days takes us back to the ‘60s and ‘70s, with the wide leg jeans and bell-sleeved tops making a comeback in the runways and streets. Not just the styles, but the materials – think linen and cotton – and the prints – polka dots and stripes – have been spotted everywhere!
- Vinyl Records: Remember vinyl records? Long gone and forgotten, these relics of the past are making their way back into the mainstream again. With their unique, crisp sound and elegance, vinyl records can be seen taking up space in music stores and living rooms alike. And it’s not just the sound that keeps people coming back; it’s also the “antiqueness” of the craft that makes it so special.
- Gastronomy: With the rise of organic and healthy eating, a lot of classic and some forgotten dishes have been popping back up on restaurant menus. From classic runzas to the comeback of regional recipes, food lovers have been exploring different cultures. It seems like a perfect way to learn about the past and eat delicious foods; a win-win!
Take a walk through the past, step back in time and uncover the trends that are making a comeback. Take a ride in the time machine and bring back the style of yesteryear. It’s never too late for a blast from the past!
3. Recapturing the Magic of Retro Clothing Styles
Retro style clothing can bring a sense of nostalgia and fun into any wardrobe. Whether you don’t like the idea of conforming to the same trends each season or want to look back fondly on a past era, retro clothing can have something for everyone.
- Think About It: Consider what era of clothing you would like to borrow from. The 70s? The 50s? The 90s? The vibes of each different era are unique and can offer something different to your look.
- Find the Style: Once you have decided which era you would like to take inspiration from, look for pieces of clothing that are iconic of that era. High-waisted jeans with a t-shirt and jacket can create a great 90s look.
- Accentuate With Accessories: To finish off a look, try to identify accessories which can bring the decade to life. A fedora hat and a chunky belt can bring an air of 1950s intrigue.
You do not have to overcommit when looking to recapture the magic of retro clothing styles. Taking just one style from a decade can draw on its vibes to create a timeless look. When done right, having a classic piece of retro clothing in your wardrobe can offer it a unique flourish that will stand out from the rest.
4. Exploring the Appeal of Nostalgic Style
Nostalgic style has been trending for years, and it’s easy to see why: it adds a touch of whimsy to a room while also harkening back to a particular era. From the lighter colors and busy patterns of the 1950s, to the velvet and lucite furnishings of the 70s, each decade brought with it a unique and distinctive style. It’s fun to explore the many details that create a specific feeling of nostalgia in a space:
- Floral wallpapers or rugs
- Vintage-style light fixtures
- Timeless pieces such as tufted sofas and wingback chairs
- Stained glass panels
These elements can all be showcased in interesting ways to bring a touch of nostalgia to a space. For example, using furniture from different eras in the same room—the ultimate mix-and-match aesthetic—is a great way to create an unexpected look that captures a specific era. For walls, consider wallpaper with bold colors and patterns, or whitewash an entire wall for a more muted, classic look. Incorporating vintage lighting fixtures from the past can be another great way to bring in a sense of nostalgia.
Today, we’re also seeing a blending of styles from different eras. Whether the aim is to create a chic, eclectic look or just to capture a feeling of nostalgia, the key is to try to be creative and have fun with it. Mixing and matching furniture styles, wall coverings, lighting, and more can create a truly unique and inviting home that pays homage to a cherished era.
5. Reawakening the Old and Embracing the New: Retro Revival
If you take a deep dive down memory lane, you’re likely to come across moments in which you longingly recalled the good old days. Our favorite hobbies, fashion choices, movies and music often take us back to a simpler time, and this nostalgia is welcomed in a world that otherwise is constantly innovating. As such, developers and designers alike are faced with the challenge of finding ways to reawaken the old without neglecting the new.
One of the latest trends emerging in this regard is the ‘retro revival’, or, celebrating the past in a modern way. This is something you see a lot of in the world of video games, which have become an incredibly popular form of entertainment. From 8-bit retro melodies to unique pixelated characters, today’s gamers witness the glory of classic games harnessed by today’s leading development tools. It’s no wonder that many popular games have remakes where players are invited to experience the adventure all over again!
Retro revival isn’t just present in the gaming landscape. You can also see it in fashion, movies, books, and interactive media. Here are some awesome examples of the retro revival in motion:
- Fashion: The 80s-inspired fashion movement of the 70s’ is back in a big way. Wide-brimmed hats, shoulder pads, color clashes and ripped jeans are just some of the features in this season’s collections.
- Movies: Studios have continued to produce classic remakes such as Jumanji, Harry Potter’s Fantastic Beasts and The Addams Family.
- Books: Classics such as Winnie-the-Pooh and The Wizard of Oz are seeing a revival with new adaptations, cover art and illustrations.
It’s definitely liberating to find creative ways of combining elements from the past with the new. Through the retro revival, companies, developers, and designers can deduce the best of both worlds, presenting the end user with a fresh form of entertainment months to look forward to.
From color-blocked denim to platform sneakers, retro fashion is making a stylish comeback. Making an appearance once again, these nostalgic pieces are sure to add a unique, creative flair to your wardrobe. If there’s one thing to take away from this trend’s revival, it’s that fashion trends have a habit of timelessness, proving that classic style is always in vogue.
