Top 5 Style Comebacks from the 70s & 80s
With 2020 approaching, MODA Blog rounds up the best, worst, and most iconic phenoms of the 2010s.
I’ve always liked to think of fashion as an investment, justifying purchases by invoking the cyclical nature of trends. “It doesn’t matter if this becomes outmoded. It might be next year, next decade or next half-century… but it will return.” Pieces that our parents, or even grandparents, once wore in decades past seem to be increasingly re-emerging, inspiring the present and future of fashion’s latest. Trends that we thought, and sometimes wished, would never make a comeback are on the rise: here are the top five 70s and 80s revivals:
Mullets
Bringing to mind images of the legendary David Bowie and his Ziggy Stardust mullet, GQ Men says the following about this returning haircut: “mullets always were provocative, abrasive haircuts – and taking little skill to execute they were inherently DIY, thus channelling Swampy-style eco-warrior sensibilities.” (GQ). If you’re looking for a new re-birth, why not visit your local hairdresser before the new year sets off?
2. Corduroy
Corduroy is a type of material, distinguished by its textured feel and “cord” pattern. Throughout history, it was mostly used in the making clothes for royals or noblemen. Nowadays, the pattern is incredibly versatile; it can range from trendy, to retro or from casual to smart, depending on how you style it. For instance, if you’re looking for something that adapts to current times, try regular or skinny-fit corduroy pants. If you’re looking to fully channel past times, maybe opt boot-cut pants instead.
Check out this article for more inspiration on How to Wear Corduroy this coming season: Fashion Trend Walk
3. Baggy Ankle-Length Trousers
Somewhat of a melange between sweatpants and dad-jeans, “a decade and a handful of half-hearted pants trends later, we've finally found a silhouette with the potential to rival the skinny jean era in a real way.” (Refinery29).
The best part about this upcoming trend? Fashion meets comfort!
4. Grandpa Jumpers
…most recently styled by the one and only Harry Styles: “the clash of bold stripes and kitschy graphics is like a delicious optical illusion. The pants are hiked-up just enough to add a hint of tailoring and definition to the silhouette, while the shoes and their uplifting colour make for a perfect contrast (Vogue). It definitely sparked images of late 80s/early 90s fashion icon Princess Diana!
5. Flares
One of the on-going debates of recent years… will jean flares ever make a comeback? According to Glamour, the key lies in sprinkling some modern spice onto the trend, with pairings such as “self-tie silk blouses, flatforms, and really good tailoring keep the look contemporary, for example; split hems offer a brand-new take on a classic leg shape.” (Glamour)
