Special Report
Fall Fashion Trends That Should Come Back
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Fashion trends, as cyclical as they are, can fizzle out, but sometimes come back. Some retro styles are even better the second time around. They can return in a big way, go mainstream, and even stay trendy for years.
Fashion is not rocket science. It depends on people’s taste, which can change monthly, and sometimes on people’s whims, which can change even more often. What’s “cool” or haute couture can vary from day to day.
“Young people want to preserve what’s already been made – they want to make a contribution to the world,” said Diane Maglio, Chair of the Fashion Department at Berkeley College New York. “If the item is sustainable and it looks good on them and suits their individual style – then they will add it to their wardrobe.”
The biggest trend is sustainable fashion. “Consumers and retailers are focused on how to reuse, recycle, remarket, and re-commerce items,” Maglio continued. “Young people are more about the reusing than the styling.”
Sometimes what’s cool is based on the name of the brand. The most popular designers are names familiar even to those who are not fashionistas. Some are icons whose fame has transcended the fashion world. These are the most popular fashion designers of all time.
Trends have no single source. Their origins can be traced to movies, street culture and social movements. Artistic creativity flourishes under various circumstances — when people take risks or when they are open-minded and determined. Before something is called a trend, it often matters who is wearing the clothes, not so much what they are – here are America’s most popular fashion influencers.
To compile a list of 23 fashion trends from the past, 24/7 Tempo reviewed dozens of online media articles and other sources that specialize in fashion. To decide which ones should or are already making a comeback, we consulted fashion experts and used editorial discretion.
Click here to see fall fashion trends that should come back.
Cowboy boots
Men, and especially women, wore cowboy boots even in the summer. Calvin Klein, Fendi and Isabel Marant are just a few famous designers who pioneered the urban cowboy boot. People wore them with anything — pants, shorts, long and short dresses…. Everything worked.
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Chunky-knit sweaters
Chunky-knit sweaters were popular in the 90s. They appear to be making a comeback as evident from the 2018 runways of Vivienne Tam, Fendi and Isabel Marant. The only problem — how do you choose? The pattern options seem endless.
Blazer, T-shirt, and jeans
This combination is perfect for a casual setting; it should never go out of style. It’s very simple and it’s an established way of wearing a blazer — it’s been around for about 40 years. Blazers can be easily matched with formal outfits. Keep it simple and stick to no branding and slim fitting.
Slip skirts
Slip skirts were at the helm of 90s fashion. These skirts are simple and elegant and fit nicely with almost any kind of shoes — sandals, high heels, or (cowboy) boots. They are a simple choice for any occasion.
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Bell-bottoms
Bell-bottom jeans were the rage in the mid-70s, especially in the disco scene. Perhaps the most famous image of someone wearing these trousers that widen from the knees down is of John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever.”
Halter tops
Halter tops, popularized by Marilyn Monroe — who wore one in the film “The Seven Year Itch” — were a mainstay in women’s wardrobes in the latter part of the 20th century. Megan Markle wore a halter when she wed Prince Harry. Designers Christian Dior and Tibi have helped revive interest in halters.
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Midriff skirts
Midriff-baring skirts paired with bra tops were all the rage in the 80s. Madonna was just one celebrity who made them trendy. In 2014, celebrities embraced this style once again, wearing midriffs at the Met Gala.
Overalls
Supermodel Bella Hadid has helped bring the 90s fashion statement — Demi Moore famously wore them in the 1990s romantic drama “Ghost” — back in vogue. Besides overalls, she has also been seen wearing denim dresses.
Belted coats
Belted coats and jackets serve to accentuate one’s waist. Celebrities such as former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham have been spotted wearing them. Belted coats are an appealing choice for the fall, particularly in plaid patterns.
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Oversized sunglasses
When people think of oversized sunglasses, they think of fashion mavens such as designer Karl Lagerfeld and fashion editor Anna Wintour. The thick-rimmed accessories have been seen on the catwalks of Stella McCartney and Burberry.
Espadrille sandals
Espadrilles were quite popular in the 80s, especially after they made an appearance in the very popular TV show “Miami Vice.” This style of footwear — wedged or the high-heeled version — fits with just about anything.
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Wide-leg jumpsuit
The wide-leg jumpsuit, a lightweight alternative to a dress, was a popular item in the 1970s and is making a comeback. The roominess of the jumpsuit lends itself to a diverse palette of colors and the item itself is a comfortable choice for the summer.
Over-the-knee boots
Who can forget Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman” wearing over-the-knee boots? They were very popular when the movie came out in 1990. But they don’t only look good when paired with short skirts. In the fall you can wear them with jeans, long skirts, as well as dress coats.
Turtleneck dresses
Turtlenecks first became a trend in the 19th century among working-class men. Their original name was “polo neck” because polo players wore them in the 1860s. Women started wearing them in the early 1900s when the fictional Gibson Girl, who symbolized what an attractive woman looked like, became popular.
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Color-coordinating shoes
Matching shoe colors with a dress was perceived as old-fashioned. Then style-watchers observed First Lady Melania Trump following this look on a state visit to the United Kingdom. Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, also favors this style.
Prairie dresses
People either love them or hate them. But one indisputable fact about them is that the floaty and loose-fit prairie dresses are comfortable. And they can be worn year-round. Wear them with sandals in the summer and boots in the fall.
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Light wash denim jackets
While it’s true denim never really went away, particular styles popular in the 90s — when denim flourished — are coming back. Modern versions of the cropped jacket are more box-shaped than their 90s predecessors.
Bomber jackets
Bomber jackets, also called flight jackets, were popular in Europe in the 1950s and 60s. This kind of classic jacket is perfect for all kinds of weather and casual occasions. The most iconic style is perhaps the MA-1 Bomber.
White sneakers
Another 90s trend that is rebounding is white sneakers, particularly those made by Fila. Both Fila and Champion are riding a wave of streetwear nostalgia for the 1990s. Footwear News named Fila’s Disruptor 2 sneaker its shoe of the year in 2018.
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Bright hues (yellow, blue, green)
Bright colors like neon green are favored by celebrities such as Kylie and Kendall Jenner. The shade was a popular choice on the runways at the spring/summer New York Fashion Week. Fashionistas are advised to wear bold hues like neon green and millennial pink as accessories and not overpower their ensemble.
Pinstripe suits
Pinstripe suits used to mark the wearer as a financier or power broker. Their association with power meant they were adopted by the New York Yankees. Today, pinstripes have been reclaimed by celebs such as actor/singer Donald Glover and boxer Conor McGregor.
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Suspenders
Suspenders, also called braces or snaps, are a substitute for belts. For many men, the only time they are worn is with a tuxedo. Suspenders once had a fairly utilitarian role, but today they are considered a fashion statement and are worn with panache.
Broad shoulder jackets
Broad shoulder jackets are returning from the 1980s — think “Working Girl” era with actress Melanie Griffith — and can be paired with more feminine dresses. Designers such as Anthony Vaccarello and Saint Laurent dressed models in wide-shouldered jackets this past spring.
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