Fashion trends come and go. But typically, they come back again, whether it’s a few years later or a few decades later. That’s just one of the reasons to hold onto your clothes instead of tossing them out, no matter how much you’re convinced that you’ll never wear them again. If you got rid of your nostalgic attire from the past, fear not. You can always buy them new when they come back in style with a new twist. If you’re having trouble keeping up with trends coming and going, here are five surprising fashion trends that are making a comeback.
Some of us like skinny jeans for their elasticity and for the way they look under boots and baggy sweaters. Others favor more room for their legs to breathe. If you’re in the latter category, it’s time to rejoice. Baggy pants are back in a big way! You may have already seen stars and social media influencers wear them in some form or another, and you’re likely to see much more.
Wide-legged pants and jeans (otherwise known as bell-bottoms in the 70s) are being transformed into more modern versions, with higher waists for a chic look. You can keep your boots too, as high-rise jeans with wide legs look great over boots, or with sneakers or even heels.
Nineties fashion was quite showy, with its bold jewelry, bright colors, and baggy athletic attire. That’s making a comeback, albeit in a more subtle, feminine way. There will still be lots of color, but it will be softer. And the soft look will get help from more refined, delicate fabrics. Consider matching a bright, baggy pair of women’s joggers with a neutral, fitted T-shirt, for example, to strike a balance while still being “in-style.”
Corduroy hit its peak popularity in the 1970s when it was a popular choice of fabric for children’s clothing. That’s probably because it was super durable and looked more dressed up than jeans did, making it ideal for family get-togethers and special occasions. Especially in fall and winter, expect to see lots of colorful corduroy, whether used for purses, skirts, jackets, pants, or even corduroy leggings.
We’ve seen the scarf trend come and go ever since it hit prime popularity in the 1950s. After all, scarves are a great way to add a little class to an outfit, whether worn over your head, tied around a ponytail, or simply worn around the neck. Well, they’re back in a big way, but more creative than ever. Expect to see silk scarves transformed into women’s skirts, tops, and even one-piece even rompers.
The puffy sleeves trend hit popularity in the 1980s, about 100 years after first becoming popular among Victorian high society. Although they weren’t worn with intricate dresses in the '80s, they were worn with shoulder pads, which is a look not many of us are likely to welcome back. But puffy sleeves do look stylish on their own, whether at the shoulder or below the elbow. Designers are getting creative with their sleeve styles, making them look more modern and elegant, giving them a little extra something that makes them stand out from typical long- or short-sleeved shirts.
Biker shorts are basically leggings that stop just above the knee, and they’re making a big comeback after they hit their prime in the late '80s and early '90s. And they’re not just for working out. They’re being worn with baggy, oversized sweatshirts and tunics, instead of with cropped tops and mesh shirts. When it comes to women’s shorts this spring and summer, expect to see lots of biker shorts, paired with chunky sneakers and baggy tops.
Don’t forget about hair accessories. Scrunchies have been slowly making a comeback throughout the years and they’re almost just as popular now as they were in the '90s. But just because scrunchies are back doesn’t mean you have to tease your hair and use a whole can of hair spray. Expect to see scrunchies used with softer hairstyles, like gentle braids and loose buns. Have fun with the patterns and fabrics too.
Multicolor fabrics and corduroy are popular with scrunchies, adding a little extra flair to an outfit, whether worn in your hair or on your wrist, just in case you need it. Some scrunchies even have secret pockets in them, making them the ideal fashion accessory.
As you can see, it can pay to keep your favorite pieces of clothing around, just in case they come back in style at a later date. But if you don’t, you can be sure to find upgraded versions at your favorite retailer.