History often repeats itself, even in the fashion world. Trends go out of style, and a few decades later- boom! They are back again. The first instance of a vintage fashion revival was documented in the 1960s when hippies started wearing vintage clothing to flaunt their anti-establishmentarianism.
Today, there are all sorts of reasons for fashion revivals: nostalgia, paying homage to vintage styles, as a way of standing out, or to shift towards sustainable practices that reduce dependence on fast fashion. Let us take a look at some of the latest and most popular vintage revivals.
1. Grunge Fashion
Nirvana. Pearl Jam. Soundgarden. Alice in Chains. What do these four have in common? Their laid-back grunge attire, also known as “I woke up like this.” This fashion trend began in the 80s in Seattle by the aforementioned rock bands. Oversized t-shirts, ripped jeans, and chunky combat boots dominated the grunge fashion scene. (The iconic Kurt Cobain with his disheveled hair and ripped jeans, anyone?) But it was not just an aesthetic; it was a lifestyle that spoke of comfort and rebellion. When you wore grunge, you were comfortably dressed to kill.
In 2024, this fashion style is making a comeback. Celebrities like Billie Eilish, Timothee Chalamet, Kristen Stewart, and Olivia Rodrigo are embracing this effortless look. Even high fashion brands have begun adopting this style, but with current contemporary trends mixed in. For instance, the Spring/ Summer men’s wear collection by FACETASM. If you are looking to incorporate the grunge aesthetic, look towards layered flannels, chokers, distressed denim, combat boots, and all things baggy and oversized.
2. Dungarees
Cute, affordable, and comfortable, overalls were the ultimate comfort-wear in the 1960s. What began as a piece of clothing that was typically donned by painters, fishermen, and farmers, quickly became a fashion staple. If you watch movies and TV shows from that era, like The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, you will find teens and adults alike wearing them. Not only were these overalls comfortable to wear, they were durable and practical, letting the wearer move around freely.
Today, many fashion influencers and A-list actors have started putting on dungarees – a clear sign that this fashion staple is making a comeback, albeit with some adjustments. They are no longer available only in denim; there are corduroy, polyester, distressed denim, and even cotton dungarees available.
But why is this back in trend? Because they are the easiest outfit you can wear. Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Jennifer Lopez, all have adopted the overall style. You will also see Gucci and Diesel models wearing them on the runway. So, whether you are dressing up for an event, or for a casual day out, you cannot go wrong with dungarees.
3. Slip Dresses
Like the denim overalls, slip dresses were also a statement of comfort and minimalism in the 90s. The trend of slip dresses began in Paris when women dared to wear a chemise (something that was considered a form of innerwear) outside. In the 90s, icons like Gwyneth Paltrow, Sofia Coppola, and Kate Moss, popularized satin and silk slip dresses. You could see them wearing these on red carpets, in movies and TV shows, and even on runways. The slip dress over shirt combo was particularly popular, in an effortlessly cool and chic way.
In 2024, it looks like this trend is back on, marked by Kim Kardashian’s slip dress look. However, unlike the 90s trend, where slip dresses were often body-hugging and slim with a subtle V neckline, the modern iterations are more body positive. We are seeing different types of necklines, thicker straps, and inclusive silhouettes for these dresses, which is great news! You can wear them to a party, or slip one on over a t-shirt for a casual look, but we wouldn’t say it could replace a cocktail dress for an evening at a roulette table in those more classy, murals wall-layered casino, in that case, it would be more appropriate for you to stick with something like a FatFruit and their players that won’t judge for what combination you came in (because they can’t see it, touché).
4. Y2K Fashion
If you were a teen in the early 2000s, you probably cringe at your fashion sense when you look through old photos. Well, guess what? The beloved Y2K fashion trends are cool once again! We are talking tube tops, low-rise jeans, baggy cargo pants, butterfly clips, asymmetrical skirts, sequined clothes, belly waist chain belts, and capris.
This fashion trend emerged in the early 2000s in response to all the major changes that the world saw with the turn of the new millennium – especially the internet. But now, the trend – with all its bright colors and funky accessories – is re-emerging due to a shift away from fast fashion and a higher emphasis on sustainable and thrifted clothing. So, if you are looking to jump on the eco Y2K trend, get some inspiration from the Brittney Spears and Christina Aguilera of the past, and rock that baby tee with low-waisted jeans combo. Add a waist belt, a scrunchie, and a tiny bag to complete your nostalgic look.
5. Bohemian Chic
It seems like loose, flowy dresses are back in season just in time for summer! The Fall/ Winter 2024 show by Chloe at the Paris Fashion Week featured lots of ruffled dresses with asymmetrical hemlines, effectively bringing back the boho chic fashion trend.
Bohemian chic finds its roots in the 18th Century with the counter-cultural movement in France. It gained its foothold with hippies in the 1960s and 1970s, and depicts a person who lives a carefree life, unburdened by society’s norms. This fashion style was characterized by clothes with bold prints, open toed sandals, ruffles, tie-dyes, patchwork, and unstructured hemlines. It was made popular by people like Sienna Miller and the Olsen twins, and embraced by people who wanted to feel comfortable – both in their own skin and with the world at large.
Today, decades later, this eclectic fashion style has made its way back to the runway, but with modern elements intertwined. This season’s Boho chic mostly features earthy tones such as greens, yellows, and browns. Many A-list celebrities like Rihanna and Zoe Kravitz have jumped on this trend, sporting maxi dresses and clothes with fringes, white lace, and uneven hemlines.
If you are looking to jump on the Boho bandwagon, here are some staples that you should consider adding to your wardrobe: flowy tops with big, airy sleeves, clothes with brilliant prints, crotched clothes, flouncy kaftans, maxi dresses, and some chunky accessories like beaded bracelets, layered necklaces, tassels, wide brim hats, and pom poms. It is all about being comfortable and carefree.
6. Punk Fashion
For most of us, punk fashion is reminiscent of that teenage emo phase. Studded leather jackets, angsty band t-shirts, black mini shirts with fishnets, and combat boots, paired with body piercings – these were the looks that dominated the punk fashion era. But pop-punk fashion actually has a really interesting history. It first cropped up in the 1970s in London and New York as a rebellious anti-fashion movement with anti-establishment ideals. It stood for going against the grain, being an activist, and rebellion. The youth of that time began cutting up clothes and creating new and “bold” DIY looks that went against everything fashion had stood for. The punk fashion movement gained popularity along with punk rock bands of that time, like the Sex Pistols, The Velvet Underground, and the Ramones.
Today’s pop-punk fashion is not that hardcore. It includes elements from bands like Green Day and Blink-182, giving them a modern twist. A great example is Junya Watanabe’s Spring/ Summer 2024 collection that combines the aesthetic of punk fashion with streetwear – such as a mesh shirt with slouchy jeans. Versace’s 2024 Fall collection also brings punk fashion into the modern era.
