30 Vintage Trends Making a Comeback

Before this style of denim had a label, mom jeans were a typical garment for women. 

The high-rise waist, straight-leg pants, and no-stretch-denim created a silhouette that was extremely popular. This was definitely a trend that dominated the ‘80s.

You know what they say—what goes around comes back around. Mom jeans are no exception. The resurgence of this trend is evident. 

Brands like Levi’s, Madewell, and Free People sell the classic style of denim. They’re comfortable, relaxed, and a throwback to the ‘80s.

(Image via Pinterest 1 & 2 & 3)

The middle part has been coveted since the 1970s. This era embraced long locks, flowing hairstyles, and laid-back looks. 

And it was easy enough to mimic. Once celebs started rocking this trend, beauty-lovers followed suit.

Kacey Musgraves is reminiscent of fashion icons like Cher, Priscilla Presley, and Dolly Parton. 

Her center-parted, ‘70s-inspired hair creates a trendy, yet vintage vibe that’s absolutely made a comeback.

Small-framed sunglasses made a statement in the ‘90s. These retro frames were tiny, geometric, and colorful. 

And although not everyone agreed they were flattering, they were popular enough to make a reappearance.

After years of oversized sunglasses concealing more than just our eyes, slim shades feel fresh and new. 

Celebrities and Instagram influencers have flocked to these tiny sunglasses and I think it’s safe to say they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Corduroy has been worn throughout the centuries, but was particularly popular in the 1960s and ‘70s. 

It’s practical, comfortable, and trendy—which is why it frequently goes in and out of style.

Lucky for us, the return of corduroy has come just in time for the colder months. The velvety, ribbed textile gives us major ‘70s vibes. 

A pair of corduroy trousers, corduroy skirt, or corduroy jacket should definitely be your next purchase.

The 1950s introduced women to silk scarves. These delicate accessories were worn loosely over the hair and around the neck, exposing soft curls around the face. 

This is exactly what I imagine when thinking of stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Silk scarves have since been adapted and worn in other ways. Women wear them as hair accessories, neck ties, bandeau tops, bag accents, turbans, and chokers. 

This vintage-inspired addition remains fresh, modern, and versatile.

In the 1920s, flappers redefined female empowerment. They wore more makeup, less clothing, and shorter hairstyles. 

The cropped “bob” hairstyle became a symbol of freedom. Although there were many names for this cut, there were only two styles—curly or straight.

More than a century later and women are still choosing this blunt lop. It’s sleek and sophisticated. 

If you’re feeling bold, chop your lengthy locks and embrace the “bob.” You'll look and feel great!

Peasant blouses were huge during the ‘70s. Stevie Nicks, the iconic frontwoman of Fleetwood Mac, was known for wearing gauzy, breezy, and billowing fabrics. 

Her signature style included many peasant blouses and lots of fringe, crochet, and velvet.

The free-spirited, Bohemian-style garment channels relaxed and feminine vibes. The loose fit is flattering and the style can be worn many ways.

This top can be paired with denim jeans or a denim skirt, or worn tucked in with loose-fitting trousers.

This hyper-feminine style emerged during the Victorian era and transcended into the Edwardian age. 

It regained popularity in the 1930s and has since gone through many transformations. Puffy sleeves can be short, long, gathered, frilled, loose, or wide.

Ridiculously exaggerated puffy sleeves have been seen all over the runway. If you’re hesitant about this trend, don’t fret. 

Start small with a puffy-sleeved dress or blouse and let this trend do all the talking.

Women in the ‘80s embraced power dressing—a concept made popular by John T. Molloy’s 1975 manual Dress for Success. 

The typically masculine suit was adapted for women and accessorized with pearls, diamonds, and ruffles.

Trend-setting is cyclical, which is why we’re willing to revive the iconic power suit. It’s bold, fierce, and authoritative. 

Thanks to monochromatic colors and feminine shapes, power dressing has never been so thrilling.

The cover of Nancy Sinatra’s hit album, Boots, was adorned with an image of her wearing the iconic go-go boots. 

The white, knee length shoe became a mod fashion trend during the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Because these low-heeled boots fulfill our utilitarian needs and our fashion dreams, we’ll gladly embrace their return. 

They pair perfectly with dresses, skirts, denim, and trousers. Plus, they make us feel totally groovy.

The beloved ‘90s footwear has returned. Mules are back in fashion and we’re so grateful. They can be slipped on in a second and worn with almost any outfit. 

Whether you’re wanting a flat heel, a little height, a printed pattern, or a solid suede, there’s a mule for you.

Because mules are easy to style, they transition through the seasons. They can be worn in early winter with denim and an oversized knit. 

They can also be worn in spring with a delicate dress and leather jacket. There’s no reason not to follow this trend.

The ‘80s introduced us to many questionable fashion and beauty fads, but the oversized blazer is one trend that we actually liked. 

It was typically worn with a classic white tee, a pair of straight-leg jeans, and a set of pumps.

Now that this trend has made a comeback, it’s slowly being reinvented. Bold colors, padded shoulders, and sequins have given life to this vintage trend. 

Blazers can be worn with flowy skirts, slip dresses, trousers, and denim, making them incredibly adaptable.

Before the full brows of the 1960s, silver screen stars wore their brows uber thin. It wasn’t until celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn embraced their thick, natural brows that others were inspired to do the same.

They finally stopped plucking and allowed their brows to grow back. The change was drastic, yet beautiful!

Thankfully, we have full permission to embrace our bushy brows. Done are the days of overplucking. Ditch the tweezers and let your eyebrows fill out.

Not only will you save time and money, but you'll also have brows that you're proud of! Unruly is the new thin. 

Shoulder pads have been used in men’s and women’s clothing since the 1930s. The illusion of elevated and extended shoulders were extremely desirable.

This is why the majority of suits, jackets, and overcoats utilized this addition. And in the ‘70s and ‘80s, this trend was brought back.

Almost 50 years later and this fashion design has resurged. Pop icons like Lady Gaga and Rihanna have worn costumes and clothing with shoulder pads. 

And in turn, fashion designers have reintroduced them into their collections.

Contrary to popular belief, the biker short trend isn’t new. Women wore them in the ‘80s as they worked out to Jane Fonda exercise videos and attended step aerobics. 

But in 1995, Princess Diana wore them as leisurewear and changed fashion.

We’re finally taking notes from British royalty and reforming biker shorts into athleisure wear. They can be dressed up or down. 

Celebs wear them with chunky sneakers and sweatshirts or heels and blouses. Both are acceptable.

Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears eternalized the denim-on-denim trend when they arrived to 2001 American Music Awards in an all-jean ensemble. 

It’s one of the most memorable red carpet looks and for good reason.

The world may not have been ready for denim-on-denim in the early 2000s, but they are now. Celebrities are intentionally pairing different shades and styles of denim to elevate their outfits.

It doesn't have to be light-wash on light-wash or dark-wash on dark-wash. You can mix and match without worries. 

I’ll be the first to agree that cobalt blue eyeshadow was frightening in the ‘80s—but it wasn’t the hue that was the issue, it was the application process. 

One shade of blue was smeared all over the lid, crease, and brow bone...and it was not a good look.

To properly revive this trend, you must apply and wear blue shadows without evoking the ‘80s. 

Although this trend emerged during this decade, it was done all wrong. Use fluffy eyeshadow brushes, liners, shadows, and paints to achieve the perfect electric blue look.

80’s prom dresses were atrocious. The gaudy colors, excessive frills and ruffles, and oversized bows and embellishments will go down in infamy. 

And when designers began using velvet in their creations, this textile was ruined as well.

Velvet is no longer cringeworthy. We’ve repressed our ugly high school prom dresses and can finally enjoy this fabric again. 

Celebrities wear velvet wrap dresses and slips with confidence and it’s time we do the same.

Choker necklaces were huge in the ‘80s and ‘90s. The most popular style, the tattoo choker necklace, imitated an actual tattoo. 

These were worn 24/7. Girls and guys didn’t care if they were dressing up or down, the choker was a necessary accessory.

Jewelry has evolved since the ‘90s—and for that we’re thankful. The choker has morphed into a style of necklace that is dressier and more elegant. 

It’s back in all types of shapes, colors, and styles and is worn beauty influencers, fashion bloggers, and celebrities everywhere.

‘90 grunge was a fashion evolution based around the grunge music scene. Band tees, ripped denim, flannel, combat boots, and dark colors appeared overnight. 

Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains inspired this movement.

Grunge is back. Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones, The Doors, and other influential artists and bands are represented on our clothing. 

We pair these tees with trousers, skirts, blazers, cardigans, and accessories so they can be worn year-round.

We have Cleopatra to thank for the winged eyeliner trend. This iconic makeup look was first seen in Ancient Egypt, but it’s since evolved. 

The classic cat eye has appeared and reappeared multiple times throughout the last century.

This beauty trend rarely goes out of style, so it’s no surprise that it’s back. Eyeliner is often experimented with. 

Instead of the traditional black kohl liner, makeup artists are using other shades and mediums to reinvent the classic look.

Dr. Martens have been around since the 1950s. They were huge in the United Kingdom during the ‘60s and were popular in the United States by the ‘70s. 

As the famous footwear gained notoriety, they were seen on the feet of postmen, police officers, factory workers, punks, and musicians. And “Docs” became the iconic shoe during the ‘90s grunge movement.

Good news—Dr. Martens have made a comeback. The supportive leather, cushioned soles, and stylish design are reasons enough to bring back these shoes. There are hundreds of pairs to choose from so it’s likely you’ll find a pair you love. 

And the best part is they can be worn with quite literally anything—frilly dresses, fancy suits, denim, etc.

We have Bausch & Lomb to thank for aviator-style sunglasses. They were originally developed in 1936 and meant for pilots to wear during flight—hence the name “aviators.” 

But the dark lenses and thin metal frames were extremely flattering and were worn by more than just pilots.

The timeless style of sunglasses have since been redesigned by Ray-Ban. Celebrities like Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, and Roger Waters wore them during the ‘70s and ‘80s and they’re now worn by anyone and everyone.

If you don’t own a pair, you should definitely think about investing in this aviator-style eyewear.

Band tees have been worn since the 1940s. Fans were eager to support their favorite musicians and would proudly wear their names and faces across their clothing. And honestly, music fans still feel this way.

And the best part is that you don't have to go to a concert to buy a band tee. Most boutiques sell these tees in their stores.

Brands like Daydreamer and Chaser sell comfy, yet stylish band tees that are extremely popular! But nothing is better than purchasing merchandise while at your favorite artist’s concert. 

Even if it’s extremely overpriced, it’s all about the experience and the memories.

Was it really the ‘80s if you didn’t own a plethora of scrunchies? These hair accessories elevated every high-ponytail and half-up-half-down hairstyle. 

It’s time to accept that we’re in the midst of the scrunchie revival.

Hair barrettes and headbands may be out, but hair scrunchies are in. The fabric covered hair ties are large, elaborate, and trendy. If they aren’t in your hair, they’ll look cute on your wrist. 

If you want to step up your game, purchase a scrunchie-scarf to embellish your ponytail.

Bomber jackets first appeared during the late ‘50s and were popularized by the European Air Forces. They eventually garnered attention in the States after the release of Top Gun in 1968. 

The military-inspired clothing was revolutionized and worn by both men and women during the ‘80s.

Although they haven’t been extremely trendy in the last decades, army green bomber jackets are slowly making a comeback. Celebrities are leisurely wearing them with comfy tees and denim, leather, or spandex.

Many stores have also begun selling bomber jackets in bold colors like red, yellow, and blue.

It’s believed that wooden clogs date back to the 1500s. This shoe represented tradition and culture, but it wasn’t until the 1970s and ‘80s that they became fashionable. 

Platform clogs were worn with wide-leg jeans and flowing skirts and dresses.

It’s 2019 and clogs are fashionable again. The mixture of wood, leather, and suede updates the look of the clog, yet the shape remains the same. It’s a functional shoe that can be worn comfortably and confidently.

They look especially adorable with dresses, skirts, and flared denim. 

The history of hoop earrings dates back to 1100 BC. This jewelry trend has accessorized men and women for centuries. 

Traditional silver and gold hoops have always remained a staple, and other styles of this earring have drifted into and out of fashion.

The classic style is effortlessly chic, easy to wear, and even easier to pair. They come in countless styles, shapes, metals, and finishes that can be dressed up or down. 

You should have at least one pair of hoops in your jewelry collection.

Dramatic high-rise swimsuits were all the rage in the ‘80s. And this trend continued well into the ‘90s. The most iconic high-cut bathing suits were featured on Baywatch. 

The high-cut sides, bright red hues, and lifeguard logo were unforgettable.

One-pieces and bikinis have been reintroduced to the ultra high-cut sides of the ‘80s and ‘90s. The return of this trend was noted over the summer when celebs started wearing them.

Celebs like Kourtney Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, and Emily Ratajkowski were pictured in these iconic swimsuits.

Throughout the late ‘80s and early 90s, chunky sneakers were worn exclusively by dads. These ugly shoes were the epitome of uncool. 

The orthopedic-looking shoe was never given a second glance during these decades. Well, that’s no longer the case.

Women everywhere are adopting this trend. Most of the time, the chunky sneakers are worn with sleek, fashionable, and beautiful dresses and suits. 

The clunkiness of the shoes are a contrast to the trendiness of the clothing. They’re a must-have for fashion-lovers.