It’s safe to say that the fashion industry has seen its fair share of trends come and go, each season heralding the introduction of something new and exciting! Today however, we are seeing a trend that has been dubbed the ‘Retro Revival’, a welcome return to the beloved fashion trends of the past decades. Join us as we explore the reintroduction of the much-loved items of times gone by and how they have been revamped to suit the times we live in!
1. Taking it Back to the Good Old Days
It’s hard to imagine what life was like before technology came along and changed the way we do everything. Even though it can be incredibly helpful, technology can also be isolating and a barrier that stands between us and the connection we once had with our surroundings. is one way to break that barrier and become reacquainted with the joys of yesteryear.
Life was simpler when things were done manually. You had to use your hands and your feet, and that caused you to be more physically active. You had to remember phone numbers by heart, instead of having them saved in your contacts. You talked to people for hours in the same place, face-to-face, in real-time.
The food you cooked was from scratch, you took your time to prepare it and it had more flavor that way. The ingredients were all natural and you could grow your own food. You did the laundry the old-fashioned way with a washboard and a tub full of hot soapy water.
Entertainment was by far the best thing about the good old days. There was no internet, so you had to rely on traditional sources of entertainment such as TV, books, playing cards or board games with the whole family. And of course, the unforgettable conversations with friends on the phone during a slow night.
Here are some other activities that took place in the past that many of us have forgotten.
- Getting up to change the channel when you don’t have a remote.
- Spending hours at the library for research.
- Making lab equipment for a school project.
- Making cassettes with your favorite songs.
- Asking an operator to connect you to a phone number.
- Facing a class of kids as a teacher in an old-fashioned school
will reveal an age where connection was strong and human contact was natural. It’s worth a try
2. Turning the Clock Back to Retro Fashions
In a world dictated by trends, the notion of retro fashion has somehow maintained its prominence in the fashion industry. Giving a nod to the style of the past decades, retro fashion has allowed identifiers to reveal to the world a glimpse into their personal style history.
- Many celebrities and influencers have been seen rocking vintage pieces inspired by the 70s and 80s.
- This has had an immense impact in propelling our tendency to appear vintage-inspired high street fashion today.
Reviving Nostalgic Trends
The trend of reviving past styles has been with us for quite some time. From the resurgence of bell bottoms, the resurrection of mom jeans, and the revival of graphic tees, vintage clothing has made a triumphant return. It seems like retro fashion is unstoppable.
To achieve a retro style, one does not always have to shop for vintage clothing. High street brands have adopted “throwback” influences from various past eras. As for the sources of inspiration… the vintage fashion trends seems to have endless possibilities.
The best way to create a retro-inspired look is by mixing and matching products with different styles. For instance, one can pair a crop top with a pencil skirt, add a bold belt and put on some vintage high-tops for a hint of retro-style glam.
Making an Impact
Ultimately, retro fashion is consistently making waves in the fashion industry, allowing many people to express their personality through their wardrobe choices. It is safe to say that “retro” is still very much “now”.
3. Dipping into Vintage for a Modern Makeover
These days, if you want to match a modern vibe to your home, why not go with a vintage twist? There’s plenty to discover throughout history – a mixture of styles that can create something truly unique. You can even give it a modern touch with the addition of a few contemporary pieces for the dream look!
1. Paint it Old – We often associate Vintage with wood furniture, but why not start with your walls? Vivid old-fashioned colors like bold blues, emerald green, and rosy pink bring your space back into the past. To combine the past with the present, you could add wallpapers and wall stickers with traditional motifs, bright geometric shapes, or abstract images.
2. Tap Into Reclaimed Pieces – Reclaimed pieces open up a treasure trove of vintage possibilities. Look through country-style antiques, with their rustic patina, and choose sturdy old furniture such as chairs and tables with wooden frames. Upholstered pieces are also great too, as they add an extra interest as well as preserving the old character. Just be sure to check each piece for condition before purchasing.
3. Or Go With Replicas – If you don’t have the budget for original vintage pieces, there are plenty of replicas and antique-inspired pieces available on the market. Look into designers and manufacturers who specialise in exact recreations of vintage designs. These pieces will bring a retro vibe to your home without the high price tag.
4. Bring in Vintage Textiles – Vintage fabrics are still extremely popular today. Incorporate these into your home by using printed curtains and cushions as a focal point. If you find a unique piece, it’ll have all the makings of a true conversation piece in your home.
5. Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches – When you’ve got the main pieces settled in, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches. Choosing collectibles, display items, lamps, old clocks, art, and vintage toys is a great way to draw attention to that special aesthetic. You don’t have to use only vintage objects here, though – feel free to mix it up with modern items too.
4. Reimagining the Classics: Retro Revival
The classic style of the past is making a resurgence. From fashion to furniture, vintage is back in style. The retro revival of this decade has altered a number of familiar forms, creating reimagined versions of classics. Here are four look-backs to the past that are making their way to the present.
Furniture: Furniture designers are taking vintage silhouettes and updating them with modern elements. Geometric shapes and Bold colors bring a fresh feel to well-known pieces such as Chippendale chairs and Mid-Century sofas. Classically designed fabrics from the 70s and 80s combined with new textures and updates, are creating a fresh look for furniture.
Clothing: Retro fashion is everywhere, often with a modern twist. Bell-bottom jeans, for example, are making a comeback, with a rise that’s slightly higher than the original cuts. Similarly, the 70s style dress with puff sleeves is suddenly in style, but often with higher necklines. Contemporary takes on classic styles are making vintage clothing trendier than ever.
Prints: Today’s wallpapers and fabrics combine classic designs with modern prints. Florals are thriving and paisleys are popping up everywhere. Colorful parrots, abstract shapes, and leaf patterns are reminiscent of the past but presented in a totally new way.
Lighting:
- Mid Century lamp bases and shades are being combined with new materials, such as rattan, to create a modern take on an old favorite.
- Edison bulbs are adding an industrial feel to hanging fixtures that would give any room an old-world vibe.
- Globe string lights are giving a vintage edge to backyards and patios.
These are just a few examples of how the classics are being reimagined, reimagining everything from furniture, clothing, prints, and lighting. Retro revival is back in style and getting lots of attention.
As the fashion industry continues to look back to past decades for inspiration, it’s clear that retro fashion is increasingly becoming a high-demand trend. Whether it’s a vision of the sixties or the nineties, retro fashion is here to stay for the foreseeable future – and the possibilities it brings are exciting and limitless!
