Fashion always comes full circle, bringing back styles we once packed away in attics or donated to thrift stores. Today’s trendsetters are raiding vintage shops and their parents’ closets for pieces that defined past decades.
What was once considered outdated is now the height of cool, with Gen Z and millennials embracing these retro looks with modern twists.
1. Flared Pants
Bell bottoms and wide-legged trousers have swung back into fashion’s spotlight after years of skinny jean dominance. These dramatic pants create a flattering silhouette by balancing proportions—slim at the waist and hips, then dramatically opening at the knee.
Modern versions come in various fabrics beyond the classic denim, including corduroy, velvet, and flowy materials perfect for both casual and dressier occasions. Pair them with a fitted top to balance the volume below.
Unlike their 70s predecessors, today’s flares often feature a higher waist and more tailored fit through the thigh for an updated, sophisticated look.
2. Chunky Loafers
Remember those substantial loafers your school librarian wore? They’re runway staples now. The thick-soled, substantial leather shoes that once symbolized practical footwear have been embraced by luxury fashion houses and street style stars alike.
Fashion influencers pair these sturdy shoes with everything from flowy dresses to tailored trousers, creating an intentional style contrast. The chunkier the sole, the more current the look—with many versions featuring platform heights of 1-2 inches.
Black remains the classic choice, but contemporary options include rich burgundy, forest green, and even metallic finishes for those wanting to make a bolder statement.
3. Waistcoats/Vests
Formerly relegated to three-piece suits and bartender uniforms, waistcoats have broken free as standalone statement pieces. These sleeveless wonders add instant structure to any outfit while creating that coveted layered look without bulk.
Celebrities and style mavens wear them solo with jeans for an effortlessly cool vibe, or layered over everything from t-shirts to long-sleeved blouses. The most versatile versions come in neutral tones like black, navy, or gray, though patterned options like pinstripes or plaids offer more personality.
Vintage shops often house hidden gems with unique buttons or unexpected details that mass-produced modern versions lack.
4. Crochet Pieces
Grandma’s hobby has become high fashion, with crochet items appearing on designer runways and festival grounds alike. The intricate, handcrafted texture of crochet adds visual interest and a bohemian flair to contemporary wardrobes.
Modern interpretations range from delicate tops and dresses to statement bags and even footwear. The craft’s revival reflects our growing appreciation for handmade, sustainable fashion alternatives in an era of fast fashion fatigue.
Colorful, multi-hued crochet pieces channel 1970s vibes, while monochromatic designs in cream, black, or navy offer a more sophisticated, current take on the technique.
5. Bucket Hats
From fishing accessory to fashion essential, bucket hats have completed their journey from practical headwear to style statement. Their floppy, casual silhouette offers both sun protection and an instant dose of laid-back cool.
Hip-hop culture embraced them in the 90s, and now they’ve returned with options ranging from luxury designer versions to affordable cotton styles. The hat’s versatility shines through its many incarnations—canvas for summer, wool for winter, and even fuzzy textures for the fashion-forward.
Patterns like tie-dye, checkerboard, and floral prints make these hats perfect for adding personality to simple outfits without overwhelming them.
6. Oversized Blazers
Power dressing gets a relaxed makeover with the return of roomy, shoulder-padded blazers that look like they were borrowed from a 1980s executive’s closet. The exaggerated proportions create a striking silhouette that manages to be both powerful and effortlessly cool.
Styling has evolved from the matchy-matchy approach of decades past. Today’s fashion leaders pair these substantial jackets with unexpected elements like bike shorts, crop tops, or distressed denim for a high-low contrast that feels thoroughly modern.
Neutral tones offer the most versatility, but don’t overlook the statement-making potential of jewel tones or patterns like plaid and houndstooth.
7. Corduroy Jackets
The ribbed fabric once associated with professors and dads has become a fashion favorite for its textural interest and cozy comfort. Corduroy jackets offer the structure of denim with a softer feel and distinctive visual appeal that stands out in a sea of ordinary outerwear.
Earthy tones like caramel, forest green, and burgundy dominate the corduroy jacket landscape, though bolder hues like mustard and royal blue make occasional appearances. The material’s natural warmth makes it perfect for fall layering without the bulk of heavier winter coats.
Vintage shops often yield perfectly broken-in versions with character that new pieces take years to develop.
8. Platform Shoes
Reaching new heights (literally), platform shoes have stomped back into fashion’s favor, bringing their elevation-boosting powers to a new generation. Unlike their sometimes dangerous 1970s predecessors, modern platforms often feature chunky, stable bases that provide both height and walkability.
From boots to sandals to sneakers, virtually every footwear category has received the platform treatment. The added inches create a dramatic silhouette while the substantial sole adds visual weight that anchors outfits featuring voluminous clothing.
Black platform boots remain the versatile classic, but colorful options and unexpected materials like clear vinyl or metallic leather offer fresh takes on this retro favorite.
9. Claw Hair Clips
Those plastic hair accessories that saved bad hair days in the 1990s have clawed their way back into our beauty routines. Their renewed popularity stems from the perfect combination of practicality and nostalgic charm that defines many fashion revivals.
Modern versions come in tortoiseshell patterns, marble effects, and even jewel-encrusted designs that elevate them from purely functional to fashionable. Style influencers use them for everything from casual half-up styles to sophisticated twisted updos that look effortlessly elegant.
The clips’ ability to create polished hairstyles in seconds makes them perfect for our busy lives, proving that sometimes the best innovations are the ones we’ve known all along.
10. Baguette Bags
Made famous by Fendi and immortalized by Carrie Bradshaw, these compact shoulder bags named after French bread have returned to the fashion spotlight. Their slim, rectangular shape sits perfectly under the arm—small enough to be unobtrusive yet large enough for essentials.
Luxury vintage versions from the late 1990s and early 2000s now command impressive prices on resale sites, while contemporary designers offer fresh interpretations at various price points. The style’s defining characteristic is its short strap that positions the bag at upper torso level rather than at the hip.
Leather remains the classic choice, though current iterations experiment with everything from sustainable materials to beaded embellishments.
11. Peasant Blouses
Flowing, embroidered, and romantically bohemian, peasant blouses bring a touch of folkloric charm to contemporary wardrobes. Their loose fit and often-embellished necklines offer a feminine alternative to structured button-downs and basic tees.
Originally inspired by traditional Eastern European clothing, these tops experienced popularity surges in both the 1970s hippie era and the early 2000s boho revival. Today’s versions maintain the signature elements—gathered necklines, voluminous sleeves, and often some form of embroidery or trim.
White remains the most versatile option, though colorful embroidery adds personality and connects to the blouse’s cultural roots.
12. Track Suits
Velour and nylon matching sets have journeyed from gym staples to ironic fashion statements and back to legitimate style choices. The coordinated comfort that defined early 2000s casual wear has returned with both faithful reproductions and refined updates.
Celebrity-backed brands have elevated the humble tracksuit with improved fabrics, tailored fits, and thoughtful details that separate them from their purely athletic predecessors. The appeal lies in the effortless matching that creates a put-together look with minimal effort.
While classic brands like Adidas and Juicy Couture maintain their nostalgic appeal, luxury fashion houses now offer high-end interpretations that bring unexpected sophistication to this once-casual category.
13. Micro Mini Skirts
Hemlines have risen once again, bringing back the ultra-short skirts that defined fashion rebellions of the 1960s and early 2000s. These thigh-grazing pieces make bold statements about confidence and the cyclical nature of fashion trends.
Modern styling often balances their brevity with oversized tops or chunky footwear to create proportion play that feels contemporary rather than dated. Fabrics range from structured denim and leather to softer pleated materials that add movement and dimension.
Black and denim versions offer the most versatility, though plaid patterns channel both 1990s grunge and preppy aesthetics depending on how they’re styled.
14. Mom Jeans
High-waisted, relaxed through the hip and thigh, and tapered at the ankle—the silhouette once mocked in 90s comedy sketches now dominates denim collections worldwide. These comfortable jeans offer a flattering alternative to skin-tight styles that dominated the 2010s.
The name comes from their association with practical, unfussy 1980s and 90s motherhood, but today’s versions often feature strategic distressing, crop lengths, or wash variations that update the look. Their higher rise elongates the leg while the relaxed fit through the thigh creates a laid-back vibe.
Light and medium washes channel authentic vintage vibes, while darker indigo offers a more polished take on the silhouette.
15. Tie-Dye Prints
Swirling patterns of color that symbolized 1960s counterculture and summer camp crafts have been embraced by mainstream fashion in surprisingly sophisticated ways. The psychedelic printing technique has evolved beyond rainbow spirals to include subtle two-tone effects and even monochromatic variations.
During the height of pandemic lockdowns, tie-dye experienced a massive resurgence as people sought creative at-home activities and comfort clothing. High-end designers have elevated the humble technique with luxury fabrics and refined color palettes that make tie-dye appropriate for more than just music festivals.
Muted combinations like indigo and white or black and gray offer wearable alternatives to the vibrant rainbow versions most associated with the technique.