35+ Retro Clothing Trends That Have Come Back Into Style

One of the biggest trends of the ’90s — the mom jeans — has been making a massive comeback in this resurgence of retro trends. Once looked down on as something only oldies wear, they’re now popular with everyone from moms to daughters.

These jeans are high-waisted with a loose-fitting leg tapering at the ankle. Pair it with a tucked-in sweater, a belt, and delicate footwear, and you’re ready to go!

Think back to those ladies in the ’50s, looking like the epitome of an elegant woman with their fitted blouses, circle skirts, and tiny kitten heels.

This retro trend has made a comeback with vigor as it enhances the waists and adds a flare to the outfit. These days, people are pairing it with fun accessories like belts or berets to give it a modern, quirky edge and bring it to the 21st century.

Crop tops are a trend that never really goes away — like clockwork, they come back every couple of decades with some new spin on the old classic. This fashion trend peaked during the ’90s and has made a comeback in the 2010s.

Crop tops are popular with both men and women, especially during those hot summer months. Pair them with high-waisted jeans or skirts, or wear them as a part two of a two-piece set. We can guarantee you’ll look as cute as a button.

Corduroy was a ’70s staple for everyday wear but slowly faded into the background in the following years. However, the unique textured and durable fabric is now making waves in the 21st century.

Everything, from tops and jeans to skirts and bags, can be made from this material. Corduroy’s comfort and durability make it a must-have wardrobe staple. It works for casual as well as workplace attire, and it’s the perfect aesthetic for your autumn-themed photoshoot.

Sneakers are currently the hottest footwear on the market. And chunky sneakers have definitely been the ones people have been grappling to get their hands on these days. Even luxury brands, like Balenciaga and Gucci, are coming up with their own versions of these.

Some people love having these over-the-top sneakers, some think of them as attention-grabbing, but whatever you think of them, this ’80s fad is back and looks like it’s here to stay.

The white boots became prominent in the ’70s. They managed to be both chic and futuristic at the same time and made everything, from dresses to jeans, a little more fun.

This retro trend has made a comeback and was one of the major looks for winter 2021/22. Their styles vary from knee-length to little ankle booties, but whatever length you choose, they just make any outfit stand out. Plus, if you’re going to a costume party, white boots make for a perfect disco costume.

Who doesn’t know about chokers? You couldn’t watch a teen movie in the ’90s without at least one girl sporting the iconic choker around her neck.

While the accessory started out with the goth movement, but, it has since made its way into mainstream fashion. They’re usually worn as heavy jewelry, or with jeans and a tee. It’s available now at all major fashion brands and is no longer just a black band, but instead can be found in many colors and variations.

If you’re looking to showcase your silhouette by having your pants sit at your natural waist, you really can’t go wrong with high-rise jeans. These ’80s staple wardrobe items are now all the rage in today’s fashion world.

The trend has evolved over the years to fit today’s fashion standards, with a larger range of fabrics and colors available. Pair them with a tank top, add some sneakers and you’ve got the perfect outfit to enjoy a casual day out.

Pussy-Bow blouses are incredibly feminine and beautiful tops that were extremely popular with the ladies in the ’80s, especially with those working in offices. Sadly, while they elevated the look of a plain blouse to a fancy one, they were often made of some pretty uncomfortable materials.

Nowadays, these tops are back in style and can be found in a variety of fabrics that are much more comfortable to wear. They work perfectly well for the office as well as for dinner.

Yes, there’s more to white shirts than just “borrowing” your boyfriend’s oversized white T. The white shirt dress was once a common attire known for its clean lines and effortless chic.

Now, the retro trend can be seen again, this time with a more modern touch, as the dresses sometimes act as an oversized shirt dress instead of one going down to your ankles. They provide a clean silhouette, and since their color is so plain, they can be accessorized easily to your own personal taste.

Aviators, or pilot sunglasses, are sunglasses that have a large lens and a sleek design. These designs were originally developed by Bausch & Lomb in the 30s for pilots to protect their eyes while flying.

These sunglasses have made a massive comeback and have become one of the most sought-after styles. With Hollywood celebrities donning aviators left and right, you can safely assume that if you’re investing in an aviator today, it’s gonna be in use for years to come.

A clean, classic silhouette with puffed sleeves is certainly a trending look in today’s style. These bishop sleeves had lost their footing in the fashion world for a long time, but, happily, they’ve just made a comeback.

These sleeves were inspired by the classic bishop’s robe (hence the name) — they’re tapered at the wrist and puffed from the middle. If you’re somebody who likes to have fun with their outfits, this could be a great trend for you to dive into.

Pleasant blouses were initially inspired by the European peasant dresses and featured a wide neck with a flowing top design. These shirts were very popular in the ’70s and have now made a comeback.

This carefree, loose design is perfect for summer. This trend is popularly designed in patterns of multiple florals and colors. So, try on a pleasant blouse, a pair of jeans, and some heels and you can head to the supermarket or to brunch with the girls.

The first picture that pops into mind when thinking of a headscarf has to be the stunning Hollywood superstar, Audrey Hepburn, in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, wearing oversized glasses, pulling off the most glamorous incognito look.

Headscarves have come a long way since then, especially with Dior having an epic silk headscarf moment with all sorts of fun prints. These accessories add panache to any ensemble, and if worn properly, make anyone look like they’ve just walked straight off the runway.

Another classic movie, another scene that can’t be forgotten — Humphrey Bogart’s iconic last line in the movie Casablanca wouldn’t have made the same impact in a jacket. It really was the Burberry trench coat that cinched the deal.

Today, the trench coat has made a comeback with its clean lines and universal usage. From runways to pathways, you can see this stylish outerwear everywhere. After all, even Sherlock Holmes’s attire would be incomplete without his famed trench coat.

Polka dots have been zooming in and out of the fashion industry for almost a century now. The pattern first saw its rise in the early 20th century.

Now, this trend can be found everywhere, from dresses and tops to scrunchies! With this print, you can add a cute twist to any outfit. It seems that polka dots are no longer an ’80s movie has-been look, but are now something to experiment with every day.

Hair accessories have always played a huge role in the fashion industry, often defining the era itself. Be it head scarves or headbands, they’ve always been an eye-catching detail.

Scrunchies have definitely made a massive comeback in the 21st century. Everyone, from your everyday peers to celebrities, is rocking the scrunchies trend currently. The accessory now comes in multiple fabrics, and can easily be DYIed at home. Economical, sustainable, and fashionable!

Bike shorts hogged the limelight in the ’80s and are now back as the must-have wardrobe staple. They’re also a favorite with America’s most marketed family, the Kardashians.

They’re regularly paired with oversized t-shirts or hoodies, along with chunky sneakers to get the perfect outdoorsy, laid-back look. Not only that, some celebs have opted for bike shorts while going clubbing, too! They really are the perfect athleisure pants.

KJ Appa rocks the letterman jacket in the hit teen series Riverdale. And seeing it on the small screen’s fashion-forward show is pretty much an answer to whether letterman jackets are back or not.

These ’50s style pieces are back in trend with designers like Versace and Givenchy all featuring them in their recent fashion shows. After all, it’s the perfect fit for any person who loves the high-school look!

Many ’90s trends will forever be immortalized thanks to TV, like the slip dresses worn by Rache Green in Friends. After this ’90s fashionista endorsed them, it’s no wonder these dresses couldn’t stay away for long.

These dresses are comfy while still being the perfect way to showcase your silhouette. They’ve also made an appearance on catwalks, cementing their return. So, the next time you’re looking to go on a date, just throw on a slip dress and you’re all for your date to drop their jaw.

Every teenage girl knows that a mini skirt is one of the most liberating and empowering pieces of clothing. First hitting the stores in the 1960s, these skirts are now back in fashion and are currently the talk of the town.

As fashion powerhouses, like Miu Miu and Prada, have been featuring them in their fashion events this year, these minis and macro minis are ready to set some tongues wagging. The style is universal and works for everything from casual dates to formal dinners.

Forget the cargo pants of the ’90s that had you shriveling up in shame before wearing them. No longer are these bottoms ill-fitted and baggy, but now they’re something you can wear with confidence.

The cargo pants trend has been tailored, literally, to fit today’s standards. They’re now much more form-fitting and edgy while providing the same number of pockets as before. Pair your cargo pants with a graphic tee and sneakers and you’re good to go.

Bell bottoms were the defining ’70s jeans. They were fitted on the top and flared out from below the knees. The style is now back in trend and has been spotted both rocking the stores and the streets.

Bell bottoms make great pants whether you’re going to a party or a board meeting. They can be paired with crop tops, fitted T-shirts, or flowing sleeves for the perfect look.

To say bucket hats scream “cute” would be an understatement. In this digital age, they’re the perfect accessory to complete your look and cinch your aesthetic. However, this isn’t the first rodeo of this headgear.

Bucket hats were immensely popular in the ’60s as well as the ’80s when they were worn by the hip hop community. Now, this trend is a go-to addition to add some street-style glam to your photos.

Mini skirts are obviously a comeback favorite, but mini dresses have also made a huge return into fashion. Just look at TikTok and its endless videos of the adorable aesthetics for proof.

The mini dress trend first appeared in the fashion of the ’60s but had since faded into the background. Now, these dresses are back with a bang. And keep in mind, nothing’s cooler in the summer heat like a freeing mini dress.

Platform shoes aren’t as much of a retro style, with many people still remembering the iconic Spice Girls setting the world on fire in their signature platform footwear. The trend has made an appearance frequently since the ’70s and has made a slow but steady comeback in 2021.

The shoes are the perfect option for those who do not want to let go of the comfort of flats, but still want to add a little pizzazz to their look.

The cat-eyes were a popular item back in the day. The character of Frenchy dons an adorable pair in the 1978 adaption of the movie Grease. Over time, the trend has only gotten sleeker and more stylish.

Now, all the top sunglasses brands have incorporated this design into their collections and the sunglasses are flying off the rack. Not only does the shape of the glasses enhance the face, but they scream runway look through and through.

These dresses were very popular in the ’50s and were a quintessential look for many ladies. The dresses featured a narrow waistline and an even narrower hem that ended just below the knees.

Now, the flattering dresses are back and can be seen everywhere from runways to the malls. Not only is it the perfect dinner outfit, but it also gives us the feeling of being part of the iconic TV show Mad Men.

Corsets have been around forever. They’re often worn under female clothes to shape the body. However, the fashionistas of today have taken these undergarments and fashioned them into wearable, breathable tops.

Now, corset tops are worn over jeans and skirts, and even dresses have their upper bodies made like corsets. They add a touch of femininity, and a foxy wink, to the ensemble. They also bring a touch of old-world magic into the present.

The kinder, more affordable option to its original version, faux fur has now made a comeback. No longer looked down on, this has now become the better alternative to get the fur look.

No animals were harmed in the making of these clothing items. Also, they keep us warm during the winter. It’s a trend that’s predicted to last for a long time, just like these jackets will.

While traditionally they’ve mostly been worn by queens and cowboys, they’ve now become a major fashion accessory for the masses, too. In the era where everything vintage is making a huge comeback, wide-brim hats just had to be one of those trends.

These hats can be worn by all genders, and have different designs that can work for any occasion, from elegant regency pieces to ’70s cowboy looks.

These shoulder-enhancing pads were incredibly popular during the ’30s and ’80s because they helped exaggerate the female figure and brought forth the perfect hourglass figure that was deemed ideal for women.

Now, the trend has come back in a subtler fashion. The idea is to pair the shoulder pads with bottoms like leggings or fitted pants. This will help give you the perfect inverted triangle shape, without making you look like an upside-down nacho.

The thought of black leather jackets usually brings to mind the image of motorcyclists and Marlon Brando leaning over his bike in The Wild One. But this particular clothing trend is no longer just for the punks and the goths.

Now, the black leather jacket is a symbolic statement piece that is often worn to dinners and parties. When styled properly, this trend will make you look too cool for school instead of someone from the goth clique in the cafeteria.

We’re not sure how many of these are actually making it to the sidewalk, but regency core dresses are trending hard on TikTok, all thanks to the period romance drama, Bridgerton.

This fashion trend focuses on opulence and regality, bringing a little old-world magic to new-age social media. With props like hand fans, teacups, and decedent bust make for some amazing and aesthetic videos straight from the Victorian Era.

If you love to pretend you’re still in high school, this retro trend is the perfect one to dip your toes in, literally!

Crew socks are socks that hit your mid-calf. Pair these socks with running shoes, and you’re suddenly back in trend. Yes, we know this style was pretty frowned upon in the past, but if Princess Diana could rock the look back in her day, we’re pretty sure you could make this trend completely your own, too.

Yes, you heard right, the beloved bangs are back! Curtain bangs are a much more subtle and evolved version of just regular old bangs, wherein the hair lies on your forehead’s edges like open curtains.

Many celebrities, like Camila Cabello, Millie Bobby Brown, and Kaley Cuoco, have been seen sporting this look in recent years. The curtain bangs also allow you to play with your hair, sometimes pinning them up, sometimes keeping them down, all depending on your mood.

The puffer jacket is essentially a winter jacket that is puffed up. It is also known as a down jacket. No longer are puffer jackets only found in one style, now you can opt from one of the many types — from cropped puffers to long puffers.

These statement pieces are the perfect winter wear. They keep you warm while adding a definite sparkle to your ensemble. This is another amazing trend from the ’30s that has the fashion world in a tizzy.

The ’90s were an era that made the turtleneck what they are. Happily, slim-fitting turtlenecks are back in trend. The benefit of this clothing is that it’s completely unisex, working well on any body shape.

A great way to pull this off is to pair a dark-colored fitted turtleneck with mom jeans and a bucket hat. For the perfect home run of vintage trends, you can finish off your retro ensemble with some chunky sneakers.

Claw clips were a massive trend in the ’90s. These extremely convenient hair clips allow the wearer to put their hair up in all sorts of different and fun hairstyles. It also helps beat the sweat by keeping your hair out of your neck.

These claw clips are now slowly slipping back in trend as people are realizing their versatility. Claw clips’ most prominent moment in the spotlight was probably their presence during Ross and Rachel’s first kiss. Absolutely iconic.

Apparently, it’s not only Dracula and superheroes wearing capes anymore. After being around for decades (even centuries), this vintage fashion has finally come back in full swing and can be seen on the runways of many luxury fashion houses.

The trend has been gaining speed since 2018, and now capes are used in a variety of clothes, from red carpet gowns to upscale classic looks. Long and short, dark and light, capes are a surefire way to add a little glamor to your outfit.

This design was initially associated with Scotland, and the Celtic kilts local to the area. Initially known as tartan, this criss-cross design was later adopted by the rest of the world and is now one of the most fashionable pieces you can wear.

Plaid was really famous during the later half of the 20th century and now can be seen in everything from shirts to skirts. This design can easily double as office wear, as well as something comfy to wear for a casual hang.

Culottes are another type of bottoms that have been making the rounds thanks to their roomy and airy fit. These flare pants end right below the knees and provide the utmost comfort to anybody wearing them.

These types of pants were heavily featured at fashion shows in 2020, and the trend is still going strong. They come in a variety of fabrics and are the perfect choice for office wear if you work in a young, hip start-up.

Oversized shirts are a comfortable choice for anybody looking to go for a coffee run without having to put much thought into their outfit. They were very popular in the ’90s, and they’ve now regained that popularity.

These shirts are extremely versatile and can be worn as a beach cover up, over your favorite tee or sweater, and can be paired with almost anything, from skirts to pants. The most common choice of oversized shirt is flannel.

While they used to be associated with either nerds or the country club, sweater vests are no longer just for certain sections of society. These vests were extremely popular in the ’80s, and have now made a massive comeback.

Singer Harry Styles is known to have rocked sweater vests on multiple occasions. These preppy clothes add a touch of seriousness to any outfit, but when paired with fun accessories, can become the perfect balance of fun and formal.

Also known as the Canadian Tuxedo, the denim on denim look ruled the hearts of people at one point. The style was extremely popular during the ’90s.

Who can forget Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s iconic look on the red carpet in those all-denim ensembles? However, this trend is still very polarizing in fashion circles, but if you feel confident enough about it, it’s an amazing aesthetic to don.