Fashion trends come and go; what’s all the rage one month may be deemed “out of style” the next. And while it really doesn’t matter what’s “in,” trends do encourage people to explore different styles and experiment with their fashion choices. I asked uOttawa students which trends they would love to see come back, and this is what they had to say!
Sixities Makeup
The 60s were a time full of colour, and eye makeup was no exception. The most iconic look of the era featured two parallel wings — one on the lash line and one just above the crease — plus lower lashes drawn in eyeliner to create the appearance of larger eyes. White or blue eyeshadow was then commonly used on the lid. This fun eye look is an easy way to add some drama to your makeup, especially when you’re wearing a mask and your eyes are all that are visible.
Mood Rings
Mood rings, which first emerged in the 70s, remained popular throughout the 90s and early 00s. These colour-changing rings were touted to reflect their wearer’s mood; and while the science behind it might not be exact, they’re a fun way to express yourself and have some fun with fashion. Considering the popularity of rings right now, these could be a very easy addition to your jewelry collection!
Big Sunglasses
In my opinion, sunglasses are one of the best accessories. Not only do they keep you from being blinded by the sun, they also lend a mysterious vibe to whatever outfit you’re wearing. And they literally go with everything: jeans, dresses, leather, leggings… you name it! Recently, sunglasses have been super tiny — which is definitely a cool look! But you can’t deny that oversized sunglasses are a universally flattering classic and protect a larger portion of your face from UV rays.
Bootleg jeans
Jeans are one of those pieces that seem to be constantly changing. First skinny jeans were all the fashion, then mom jeans, and now low rise jeans. While jean preferences are diverse, bootleg jeans are definitely one style that’s underrated. Bootleg jeans are something I remember my mom wearing… but maybe my mom was on to something. They’re a happy medium between tight and flare, they’re a practical choice to wear with winter boots, and they can give either an early 00s vibe or a 70s vibe to an outfit.
Lace
When you think of lace, you might think of a wedding dress or something your grandma would wear. However, lace is one of the prettiest fabrics out there, and it should definitely be worn more often in everyday outfits. Lace comes in many different colours and can be used to give a delicate touch to virtually every type of clothing or accessory. Lace experienced popularity in the 50s and had a resurgence in the 80s, which makes this high time for it to make a comeback — especially as we move into the warmer months.
(Faux) Fur
One of the best (and most fashionable!) ways to keep warm during the cold Ottawa winter is to wear fur. Whether in coats, hats, or mitts, fur is an easy and practical way to make an outfit stand out. Furs come in many different colours and are often one-of-a-kind (especially if they’re bought vintage). They also last for a really long time. In recent years, faux fur has surpassed real fur in popularity due to a rise in animal activism, and vintage fur has become more popular for the same reason.
SATCHELS
As far as accessories go, bags are one of the most popular and practical. Satchels, which are commonly made of leather, were invented in the 17th century and have remained relatively popular into recent times, partially thanks to Indiana Jones’ iconic look. While satchels are still worn quite often, I believe they deserve more appreciation. They’re not as flimsy as totes, they fit more stuff than regular purses do, and they’re a good fit for those interested in embracing a dark academia aesthetic!
UOttawa students are rooting for these trends, and for good reason! Hopefully this list will inspire you to look back on some trends that you would like to incorporate into your current style… but that doesn’t mean that you should wait for something to come back in style to wear it! Although it might be nice to see a style or piece of clothing that you’re passionate about in the spotlight, it’s important to be your own trendsetter; remember that you don’t need to wait for others to tell you you’re allowed to wear what you want to wear.