Style
The Ghosts Of Styles Past: 10 Fashion Trends That Are Making A Comeback
The biggest current fashion trend? Nostalgia. From Victorian times to pop music inspo, we round up 10 iconic looks that are coming back for another round
If you’ve been following this year’s fashion trends, you’ve probably seen some familiar looks that, after being safely locked away for years, decades and even centuries, are seeing the light of day once again. From redesigned Victorian classics to updated pop music inspiration and maximalist manifestations straight out of the ‘60s, this year is all about style nostalgia. These are the not-so-new-but-definitely-improved trends to wear now.
More Is More
With the return of the iconic psychedelic designs of the Swinging Sixties, from hyperbolic patterns to chequerboard prints and colour blocks, this year’s wardrobes are all about vibrant maximalism. Give your inner minimalist some time off, and step out of your comfort zone with a few pieces to brighten your look. You can keep it low-key by mixing only one maxi print with more neutral pieces, go a step further by stacking different textures into your layering, or go wild with head-to-toe prints-on-prints. Just don’t put too much thought into it: the main goal is to have fun and lift your own spirits. Why else would this trend be known as ‘dopamine dressing’?
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Period Drama
Whether you’re cursing or thanking Bridgerton’s costume designers, corsets are back – and this time around, it’s less about aiming for the ‘perfect’ body shape and more about feeling confident and chic. And, unlike 200 years ago, when it practically took an entire team to lace someone into a corset, the modern-day version is very easy to wear – no fainting or collapsed organs involved. Style it casually with a pair of wide-leg trousers or cargo pants to create more balance, or as part of a matching top-and-trouser set, perhaps even worn over a button-down shirt for the perfect day-to-night look. For a last-minute party outfit, embrace the entire period look, pairing it with jewel embellishments and a full skirt or over a long-sleeve dress.
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Daring Denim
Fast-forward, and we’re looking at the early 2000s infiltrating our closets. Case in point: all things denim. After officially saying goodbye to skinny jeans (for now), baggier silhouettes are dominating the scene. Straight-cut, flare, mom jeans, bootcut, cargo jeans – long story short, if they’re breathable, they’re in. Make it less Y2K and more ‘2022 chic’ by incorporating bright colours, patchworks, jewel and pearl detailing, bleached finishes, or raw hems. Also, don’t leave your denim pieces exclusively to jeans: think oversized denim jackets, maxi skirts paired with cropped cardigan knits, or denim midi dresses worn with knee-high boots.
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Waistline Bling
Another trend from the ‘00s making its way back into our closets: chain belts. After a long period stuck at home (and only showing our upper halves to the outside world through a screen), apparently we now need to make a statement when we step outside – and adding some shiny body jewellery might do the job. Channel your inner Britney and loop a gold or silver chain through the loops of your favourite jeans, whether they’re the same era’s iconic low-waisted styles or not. Or, if you’re going for a glam look, layer different chains to cinch an oversized blazer or a going-out dress.
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‘70s Dadcore
Raid your dad’s closet, because corduroy is back. The iconic ‘70s fabric made a comeback in this year’s fall/winter collections, and it’s going way beyond a pair of trousers. From blazers to joggers, skirts, shirts and even bags, corduroy is looking better and (especially for these next few months) cosier than ever. Pair your flared trousers with a chunky jumper and boots, wear a corduroy mini skirt with knee-high boots and a fitted turtleneck, or opt for a corduroy jacket or coat as a statement piece.
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Go XL Or Go Home
Speaking of oversized blazers, structured silhouettes from the ‘80s have also gained their well-deserved spot – padded shoulders included. Big blazers are an even bigger trend, and their versatility might have something to do with it. They’re the ‘it’ item that can be worn with anything from matching trousers for an office look to a workout set for lunch after your yoga class, and they come in endless iterations – cropped, plaid, padded, deconstructed, you name it. For a party-ready look, combine decades by wearing your XL blazer over a tight corset and a skirt. Or, if cinching your waist isn’t your thing, go for a more androgynous effect with a satin shirt and coordinated trousers or a loose jumpsuit.
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Puffin’ Up
Another literally big trend taking inspiration from past years is the exaggerated volume in the upper arm area. From Juliet sleeves to tapered puff and balloon effects, the trend evokes both the British Regency era (again, Bridgerton fever) and the 1980s, when Princess Diana’s wedding gown marked the official return of big sleeves. Forty years later, and the trend is back, bigger and bolder than ever. Bring attention to your statement sleeves by tucking your shirt into a pair of classic straight-cut jeans. For a night out, wear a balloon-shouldered dress with chunky boots to tone down the romanticism, or embrace the whole cottagecore look with a pair of loafers or ballet flats.
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Height & Heft
What Spicemania made popular almost 30 years ago, designers are bringing back with higher heights and fresh designs. A repeating trend only for fashion risk-takers, platforms are being spotted everywhere – that is, in more than just (but also) heels. From ankle and knee-high boots to Mary Janes, loafers, sneakers, and chunky slip ‘flatforms’, the extra inches are becoming more versatile and wearable than ever, especially with block support adding comfort for a smooth day-to-night transition. A pair of chunky platforms suits all occasions, but provides especially pleasing contrast to a more tailored or delicate look: think slip dresses, soft wide-leg trousers or blazer dresses.
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Hole-Punched Chic
No news here, skin is in. What started in 1933 with Bette Davis’s subtle cut-out gown, and was later popularised in the ‘60s with panelled dresses featuring central cut-outs, is now making a comeback with armholes, backless tops, revealing rib cages and low-waist cuts. Whatever your level of comfort with showing extra skin, there’s a cut-out style for everyone. If tons of slits up the side of a dress or – gasp – gaps in the pelvic region are a bit too full-on for you, try a piece with smaller cut-outs on the shoulders or an open back. This is an opportunity to try a new silhouette that still feels true to your personality.
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Back To Black
Mix black, leather and lace, and you’ll be crossing over to the dark side of fashion. This year’s autumn/winter designer collections presented updated takes on the goth-meets-biker aesthetic, an iconic trend from the ‘80s and ‘90s that has now re-emerged with exaggerated details, more layers of fabric and more intense all-black pieces. If you’re into the punk-rock movement, wear tights with oversized t-shirts and chunky boots, match frilly blouses with cargo pants, or pair a maxi dress with combat boots and faux leather outerwear. However, if you’re more of a TikTok ‘whimsigoth’ kind-of-girl, incorporate more clustered and charming pieces like lace tights, lots of ruffles and quirky layered jewellery.
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