When you look through old photos, do you ever cringe at how terribly you used to dress? There’s good news: maybe now you won’t have to be so embarrassed because many childhood fashion pieces have transformed into modern clothing trends. And the best part? You can now incorporate your favorite youthful styles into your current wardrobe!
Dresses Over T-Shirts
Instagram courtesy of @alisha
Remember the days of strict dress codes, when you weren’t allowed to show any skin on your shoulders? This meant that cute spaghetti strap dresses were forbidden – unless you tossed on a t-shirt underneath! It might not have been the most flattering at the time, but now it’s definitely a fashion statement.
2. Overalls
Instagram courtesy of @blogilates
Nothing screams childhood like an adorable pair of overalls. The buckles on the straps and the big pocket in the front are just perfect for endless days of play. Now you can revamp this item for your modern style. Just throw a crop top underneath, toss on some cute sneakers and you’re good to go!
3. One-Piece Bathing Suits
Instagram courtesy of @mylifeaseva
You’re lying if you say that you never wanted to wear a bikini when you were younger, but your parents forced you to stick with the one-piece. Now the tables have turned and both styles are completely on-trend – with the possibility that one-pieces are even more stylish at the moment!
4. Denim Skirts
Instagram courtesy of @sophiachang
The classic denim skirt was an essential for most youngster’s closets. Of course, back then they were probably awkwardly long, and not paired with cute heels or a chunky belt. Now is your chance to right your fashion wrongs from childhood and style a denim skirt to be chic.
5. Ruffled Socks
Instagram courtesy of @dadliest.catch
Nothing is more iconic than ruffled socks. The silhouette is naturally adorable, even in the modern trend. There is no shame in adding a youthful twist to your sock selection – especially when paired with a simple Oxford shoe or some spunky sneakers.
6. Pleated and Plaid Skirts
Instagram courtesy of @meredithfoster
These skirts are associated with strict school uniforms, which many kids struggled with at one point or another. Weaing the same plaid skirt everyday makes it pretty easy to understand why it wasn’t the most chic clothing item. But now nothing is cuter than a high-waisted pleated skirt and a fitting crop top, especially for the spring time.
7. Matching Sets
Instagram courtesy of @weylie
This trend is most related to the toddler era, when your parents would dress you in matching patterned tops and bottoms. On infants, it’s an unbelievably charming ensemble. Now, it’s moved on to be tasteful and elegant, especially when the top is cropped and the bottoms are high waisted
8. Jelly Shoes
Instagram courtesy of @cata_linas
How this became fashionable is a mystery to me. Those plastic, transparent (and potentially glittery) jelly shoes that you ran around in when you were 5 years old are now sold at stores like Forever21 and Urban Outfitters. It may be surprising, but there is no shame in purchasing a pair – they are waterproof and ultra comfortable after all!
When it comes to reflecting on your childhood wardrobe, you might either melt from your cuteness or want to hide from humiliation. But with the ever-evolving nature of the fashion world, it’s no surprise that items from your youth come back into style. The irony is, though, that in a few years, you’ll be looking back at these trends and wanting to yell at yourself all over again for ever thinking that they could be stylish.
Cover Photo Courtesy of IM Free