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A Trendy Revival: 12 Trends from the Past We Should Definitely Bring Back

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Pitt chapter.

Leggings and oversized sweaters, rolled jeans and Converse tennis shoes, floral pants, peacoats, Ray-Bans, leather jackets, crop tops, flannels tied around the waist. Look around campus and these popular items will not be hard to spot. Compared to past decades, modern fashion trends are a lot less defined. We have taken several pieces that have already had their time to shine and incorporated them into our current style to create a sort of “anything goes” fashion hodgepodge. That being said, there are a few classic trends from the past that I think we should totally revive in 2015! 

From the 1960s:

1. Shift Dresses

These babies come in every color and every pattern imaginable and can be worn today with a blazer, jacket, cardigan, or just by themselves. You can leave it as is, but if you want a more fitted look, just add a belt, and you’re done!

 

2. HUGE Sunglasses

I know it’s hard to imagine needing these right now, but they were a sunny-day must have in the 60’s. Big, bold, and fabulous, we should all follow Audrey’s lead and go big or go home when it comes to rocking shades.

 

3. Go-go Boots

Tall boots are already super popular, so why not take them a step further and make them brighter, bolder, and shinier? With so many colors to choose from, you could get a pair to match every outfit. Pop star Ariana Grande has already caught on to these past gems, and I hope it doesn’t take long before more people do as well.

 

From the 1970s:

1. Sequins Halter Tops

Just because disco died, this does not mean it had to take this awesome trend down with it. It’s. Just. So. Shiny.

 

2. Jersey Wrap Dresses

Well-loved in the 70’s for being a dress for all occasions, jersey wrap dresses should be brought back for the same reason. Work outfit by day, disco-ready by night, these would be great for a quick transition from a day of class to a night out with friends!

 

3. Feathered Hair

No better way to break out of the winter blahs than by completely restyling your hair, so why not go for a change that also pays homage to one of the original Charlie’s Angels?

 

From the 1980s:

1. Tulle Skirts

No matter what decade you’re in, you can never go wrong taking a page out of The Material Girl’s book. Madonna knew how fun these skirts can be, and I think it’s about time we bring them back.

 

2. Scrunchies

Look on your wrist! It’s a ponytail holder! It’s a bracelet! No… It’s a scrunchie! In the 80’s, big hair called for big ponytail holders, but today these things can add a pop of color to any up-do.

 

3. Fringe Jackets

I know, I know. Fringe has been around forever, so it’s hard to pinpoint it as specifically an 80’s trend. But I’m not talking about any fringe jacket. I’m talking about the fringe jacket. Sloane Peterson’s jacket from John Hughes’s Ferris Bueller’s Day Off should be in every closet across the country, and I’m not sure why it hasn’t made a comeback yet.

 

From the 1990s:

1. Overalls

I fought overalls all through elementary school, so trust me, I can see why some people would hesitate to bring them back. Maybe I’m just feeling nostalgic, but think about it: no belts necessary. And you can wear just about any type of shirt underneath because denim goes with almost anything. Just think about it.

 

2. Fountain Flipped Hair

Step one: put your hair in a low ponytail. Step two: flip the ponytail up. Step three: secure it with a big banana clip. You’re done, and you look adorable. If you’re feeling extra fancy (and extra 90’s), you can always add some barrettes or butterfly clips.

 

3. Shimmer Eye Shadow and Glossy Lips

Destiny’s Child knew how to embrace the best of the 90’s makeup trends, and we should too! Shimmery eye shadow and over-glossed lips let everyone know that you came out to have a good time.

 

Image Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Thanks for reading our content! hcxo, HC at Pitt