The reality of past fashion trends returning to modern day

Katherine Daly Staff Writer

With the new season upon us, it is becoming clear that the trends that were established in the summer are coming back in full force for the fall. Not only that, but some of these trends are also showing how fashion that first became popular in the past is being reinvented for the present.

The most apt example is the resurgence of the 1970s color palette and popular styles. There has also been a recycling of 1990s-era trends, like the baggy and ripped jean.

Fashion consistently brings back old styles when the industry needs new life.

“Vintage clothes are coming back because trends are circular,” freshman Chase Tyler said.

Of course, fashion isn’t an exact science, so it is impossible to perfectly predict the styles that will make a reappearance.

The industry lets people express their personality through the way they dress. This means that fashion is perpetually linked to what a person identifies with the most. For instance, perhaps people today relate most to the rebellious era of the 1990s or the carefree movement of the 1970s. This dynamic is what explains the clash of fashion trends we see today, as people’s identification to these two decades is what incorporates a level of identity into the current state of fashion.

Fashion is all about presenting yourself in the pieces you most relate to.

“It’s a feeling of being comfortable in certain clothing or as simple as putting on slippers,” freshman Shannon Kostulos said.

In the digital age where most of the world is plugged in, it’s no surprise that trends circulate through the mainstream media at an accelerated rate. Social media plays a large part in the fashion industry, through promotion and the sharing of different ideas to a mass audience.

Entertainment works under the same umbrella. Just consider some of the movies and shows you might have watched this year – television shows and films like “Stranger Things,” “Star Wars” and “Ready Player One” are all nostalgic in their own way.

Whether these shows or films are taking place in a different decade, bringing back old styles, or inventing their own through the combination of current and past fashion, they are contributing to the public’s interest. If an individual likes how something looks on a show such as “Stranger Things,” they may be tempted to bring back some of the ‘80s trends seen on the show.

In truth, most fashion trends we see today have already been a part of society, and this pattern will probably never stop. There are many pieces that have come back already in this new vintage style. Denim on denim looks, flannels and crop tops are all staples of our generation that have been transplanted from other eras.

Denim has always been popular, whether it’s a denim jacket, jeans, a vest or even a button-up. You can wear denim a million different ways for almost any occasion. So whether it’s in the form of pants, a dress or a jacket, you probably have it in your wardrobe already. Flannels can be traced back to the 18th century, where farmers wore clothing made out of the fabric to protect themselves from the elements. This tradition continued up until the early ‘90s when flannel became associated with the “Grunge” look. Now it is worn for comfort and style.

To pick one standout trend of last summer, the crop top would win hands down. The crop top was created for belly dancing, which comes from the East, and did not become popular in Western culture until the mid-1980s. The crop top continued to be featured heavily in pop culture all throughout the ‘90s, especially in music and television. Now, it would be unusual if you did not see at least one crop top on any college campus.

Over the past few months we have been surrounded by familiar patterns and colors that may be worn in new ways. However, there are many new styles to look forward to as we get ready to transition into the winter. Who doesn’t love leopard print? This season definitely has a back-to-basics approach for us, and animal print is no exception. It’s a throw-on-and-go, eye-catching outfit this fall. Ruffles provide the same effect. Remember the little ruffled skirts people wore years ago? Now, they are back and better than ever.

Keep an eye out for these trends and don’t be afraid to try them out. Who knows what other surprising throwbacks will make an appearance next?