Fashion Takes a Stroll Down Memory Lane

Every season there are plenty of new fashions but some are fresh takes on older motifs. This fall, fashion is taking a trip down memory lane with styles that are especially evoking of the last three decades of the 20^th century.

Starting in the 70’s, flared pants that pay homage to bell-bottoms are back along with cropped denim and crochet flares. You might have thought that jeans with square front pockets were completely relegated to the domaine of vintage stores but these too are making a comeback and if that is not enough to spell Barney Miller for you, how about some patchwork and knits?

The 80’s might have had an abundance of big hair and over stuffed shoulder pads but glitzy dresses and fur (this time most of it is faux) are back. Remember the shimmery metallic colored dresses from Dynasty? If you were so inspired to buy one 30 years ago hopefully you never gave it away and it still fits because once again they are au courrant. However, should you be one to identify more with “new wave” than the opulence of the era, neon and colorful prints made it to the runways this year. This outfit from J. W. Anderson will make you want to listen to The Cure and DEVO all over again.

On the more casual side, 90’s grunge is rearing its head with plaid and nose rings. Remember the movie, Singles? If not and you want to know how to look chic, rent it because the street look of this period is creeping back. Oversized everything, from sweaters to skirts, high waisted pants and not least, sweaters are once again, in. Doc Martins never really went out but their utilitarian value is appreciated even more when the snow is falling and it’s 20 degrees out.

Going back even further, black lace, which has been around for centuries, is making the rounds, accenting dresses and skirts but also serving as the main fabric. Turtlenecks, once the hallmark of mid-20^th century intelligencia, have also been popping up in the fashion blogs.

Every fashion era has timeless elements. With each passing year it seems as if is more of an “anything goes” attitude and since we have more of the past to draw from as time goes on, older styles will continue to re-appear with a contemporary flair.