Iconic fashion trends from decades past that you can wear right now
Fashion trends may fade, but they always come back in style. Before you scoff at that picture of yourself wearing fringe, mesh or gold lamé shoulder pads, remember: they might be the next big thing. So, we're throwing it back to the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s to show you what trends from past decades are returning in a big way.
The 90s
The decade started grim and grunge with plaid shirts and Kurt Cobain, moved on to perkier things like Clueless and the Spice Girls and finished off with Britney in a pair of really low-rise jeans. Frost your tips and get ready to call your friends from a landline, cause here's how to channel the 90s in all the right ways:
The slip dress is our favourite resurgence from the end of the 20th century. It's flattering, versatile (you can layer it with anything) and we even found it in plaid, just to get the full 90s experience! Complete the outfit with combat boots and layer a baby tee underneath your dress to create a look that's still fun, but a little more work appropriate.
When you're dipping into the 90s, just make sure that you don't look too costumey — mom jeans aren't for everyone, and not every outfit needs the addition of a choker. Also, be careful of proportions! Everything in the 90s was either cropped or oversized, so you want to ensure you're keeping a clean silhouette.
The 80s
This radical era was all about big hair, bigger parties and heaps of bright blue eyeshadow. Madonna put on bangles and lace, Rob Lowe rocked tighter-than-tight pants, and shoulder pad-wearing career woman stormed onto the scene.
Metallics might've gotten a little out of control in the 80s, but today they're your new neutral! For our 80s-inspired look, we went with a black metallic skirt to punch up an already-sophisticated outfit. While shoulder pads might still make you cringe, a bold shoulder look that's still modern, like ours (above), helps to balance out wider hips and make your waist look small. Pull it all together with a pair of hoop earrings — just go with silver or gold as opposed to plastic neon — and you're all ready for a night out!
However, when borrowing from the 80s, stay far far away from hair and makeup trends it thrust upon us. The world doesn't need more bad perms!
The 70s
This psychedelic period had disco, David Bowie and Farrah Fawcett looking flawless in flared jeans. While some fads should never make a comeback (we're looking at you, low-cut, wide collar men's shirts), 70s style is still swinging today:
The key elements to dressing 70s? Bell bottoms, platform heels and fringe, fringe, fringe. Bell bottoms are extremely flattering, but you don't have to go super flared to get the effect. If you're feeling fashion forward, try out a cropped flare. — it's the hottest trend in denim right now, but can be tricky to pull off. Whether you go long or short, we suggest going with a high-waisted version that's skinny at the top and starts flaring at the knee, like the ones our model, above, is rocking. Pair with heels to keep your legs looking long and lean, then pop on a fringed bag and round sunglasses to complete the look!
The 60s
In the Free Love era, the Beatles invaded America with their turtlenecks and mop tops, Jackie O made history in her iconic pink suit, and Twiggy taught us all about mod.
The 60s gave us the mini skirt, but we're taking it to the next level with the mini dress! If you're afraid of sporting something this short, wear yours with a pair of tights. Instead of going with knee-high boots, we're loving this low bootie that gives you the same shape, but it's a little less bold. Don't be afraid to experiment with graphic black and white prints — it's a simple way to look effortlessly chic.
When taking from 60s fashion, just remember to keep your makeup simple. We're all about defined eyes and big lashes, but keeping your makeup clean will give your aesthetic a modern edge that's not too mod.
What are your favourite styles from decades past? Let us know on our Facebook page.