Fashion can be rather humorous. One moment you’re rocking a specific trend nonstop, but as time passes, the style ages and you find it impossible to imagine wearing it again. Then, ten or twenty years later, you find yourself purchasing such trend from your favourite websites to wear in public and post on social media. Almost all vintage fashion fads eventually return to being trendy, sooner or later. The style ring is in motion!
Sometimes you even live a decade ago and see a totally ridiculous trend and wonder how cool it used to be – but just modernize it on your favorite sites like ASOS, Revolve and Lulu Makeover, and it makes you reconsider your initial distaste. Somehow, you always justify buying the piece, at least a few months later and it becomes your new favorite piece.
The moral implications of the story? Trends are always changing, but sooner or later they almost always come back into fashion. For example, just because a particular trend was popular in the ’60s doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. When looking back at trends from the past few decades, you might wonder how on earth anyone managed to incorporate them into a modern wardrobe, but you might be surprised how easy it is to do. Not to mention how great these retro-inspired outfits look!
Today, I’m sharing all of my favorite ways to incorporate these retro fashion trends into your 2020 wardrobe without looking like you’ve stepped into another century.
1950s
The fashion from the 1950s simply seems to scream romance to me for some reason. Almost typically with a halter-top bodice and some kind of decoration on the chest, I instantly picture Rachel McAdams from The Notebook dancing about the south in a flowing midi dress adorned in flowers.
I thought this dress from Lulus would be ideal to bring that 1950s vibe into 2020 as soon as I saw it. Couldn’t we all benefit from a little romance and joy this year? This outfit was quickly elevated to the level of current fashion with the addition of a quirky pair of shoes, my favourite Lack of Colour hat, and some eye-catching earrings.
1960s
I’d be lying if I said the 1960s weren’t my favorite fashion decade. I have always been fascinated by bright colors, beautiful patterns, and peace and happiness. I’ve pretty much incorporated 60s quirky prints into my everyday life without looking like a hippie, which is my goal in life, and I think I’ve done a good job at that so far.
To give the 60’s floral print a modern twist, I opted for this Petal & Pup print jumpsuit (less than $60!!) and a pair of pastel green square toe sandals (this is a similar pair) opting for a retro style Looks chic in 2020 too.
1970s
Even though the 1970s had a bohemian atmosphere, there was also a rise in casual clothing throughout this period. These slightly cropped wide-leg jeans (the current bellbottom, if you will) and a fun band shirt (here’s another with extra sizes still available) are part of the ensemble I put together for this era. The band tee is based on the ones that were sold during the time’s live events. You instantly become a complete ’70s babe when you add a pair of platform sandals to your outfit.
1980s
In the ’80s, bright colors were everywhere, and shoulder pads surpassed all other trends to become one of the most popular styles of the era. Shoulder pads have been making a comeback in runway and street style photos around the world lately, so I chose this white muscle tank top with shoulder pads for my look.
To add an element of bold color that defined the ’80s aesthetic, I paired my top with this flowy floral midi skirt (currently sold out, but here’s another similar option!) and some statement with colorful stripe detailing White sneakers.
1990s
Denim and rainbows go hand in hand when discussing 1990s fashion, am I right? All authentic ’90s kids have denim and rainbow designs in their closets, whether it be the hip-huggers you wore to dress like Britney Spears or the multicoloured tube tops that looked like the ones Christina Aguilera wore on stage.
I chose a playful interpretation of ’90s fashion with these Levi’s dungarees layered over a rainbow tee, and completed the ensemble with my platform heels and a splash of colour from my purse.
