The ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s Are Calling
It’s no secret that fashion evolves as time goes on, but there are some pieces from past decades we still can’t get enough of. As a kid, you probably indulged in most, if not all, of these trends. From those jelly sandals to the grunge flannels, there were so many styles to choose from. Did we miss any of your favorites?
1. Jelly Accessories
Jelly accessories, particularly jelly shoes, were made from a colorful, translucent plastic material that was squishy and slightly sticky to the touch. They were ultra popular in the late ’80s and early ’90s for being inexpensive. You could get them in essentially any color, including glitter, which may or may not count as a color. There was nothing quite like that squeaking sound as one walked across tiled floors in their jelly sandals.
2. Spandex Stirrups
Spandex stirrup pants were leggings with a strap that hooked under the foot to keep them in place. They were huge in the late ’80s and early ’90s, and that probably had to do with their prevalence in music videos at the time. It was also pretty common to wear them to gym class!
3. Parachute Pants
Parachute pants were baggy legwear, often made of material like nylon. Most had way too many zippers and a slightly shinier finish. They were meant for breakdancing and gained popularity during the ‘80s due to hip-hop culture, as they were often featured in music videos showcasing street dance.
4. Bubble Skirts
Bubble skirts are puffy, rounded skirts that are cinched in at the hem, creating a puffed-out, balloon-like silhouette. This style of skirt was especially popular in the late ’80s and early ’90s and offered a cute, playful alternative to some of the more structured looks of the era. They’re making a comeback these days, although they look a bit sleeker and refined.
5. Doc Martens
Doc Martens are sturdy leather boots with thick, padded soles and trademark yellow stitching. Surprisingly, they were made originally as work boots. However, in the 1980s and 1990s, they became particularly popular with punk, grunge, and alternative subcultures as an act of rebellion and individuality.
6. Mary Jane Shoes
Mary Jane shoes are simple flats with a rounded toe and a strap across the instep. They’re what you think of when you think of schoolgirl uniforms and '90s catalog fashion spreads. They were comfortable and practical, and at the same time achieved that "girlie” look. Essentially a cool alternative to Doc Martens.
7. Neon Everything
Nowadays, fashion feels muted, with blacks and beiges being the norm. However, in the 1980s, neon colors were all the rage. From bright and vivid greens to blues to pinks, these colors rose alongside pop culture, aerobics gear, and MTV’s high-energy aesthetic.
8. Acid Wash Jeans
Acid wash jeans are blue jeans treated with chemicals to give them a faded, worn-in, mottled look. While we still have treated jeans today, they were far bolder in the 80s. In fact, during this period, they became an integral part of the edgy and rebellious look of punk and rock music.
9. The Blowout
Everyone was trying to achieve that flawless blowout look in the ‘90s and early 2000s. The quintessential blowout involved a voluminous but smooth hairstyle, with bouncy strands. You had to use a blow dryer and round brush to achieve it, but it was still so hard to master.
10. Bucket Hats
While there were great hair moments in the 90s, there were also those that may be better forgotten. Bucket hats were soft, wide-brimmed hats made of fabric such as cotton or denim, often used as a sun hat. They were often worn in association with hip-hop and streetwear because of their relaxed and versatile style.
11. Bodysuits
The bodysuit was a signature garment of 1990s fashion, particularly for Gen Xers, for its sleek tuck-free appearance and its comfort. They were a precursor to modern shapewear and created a streamlined silhouette. This meant they paired well with maxi skirts, flannel shirts, and oversized jeans.
Tobias ToMar Maier on Wikimedia
12. Sweater Vests
Remember preppy fashion? Well, sweater vests were an essential part of that. They were sleeveless knit tops generally worn over a shirt, providing a layered aesthetic. They reached peak popularity in the 1970s, being embraced for their academic and retro appeal.
13. Snakeskin Prints
It seems villains, at least the glamorous ones, always had a thing for snakeskin. Snakeskin print became hugely popular in the 1970s, and then came back in cycles, especially in the 1990s and 2010s, as a statement of edgy glamour and confidence. It’s essentially a bold, patterned design inspired by the scales and texture of actual snakeskin.
14. Tie Dye
You probably have fond memories making your own tie-dye clothes! Well, it’s essentially a fabric pattern consisting of bright colors formed by twisting, tying, and dyeing clothes to produce an array of large swirls. It was especially popular in the 1960s and 1970s and was associated with peace, individuality, and free expression.
15. Pedal Pushers
Pedal pushers are a type of tight pants that typically reach calf length. They were equal parts comfortable and sporty, and were popular in the ‘50s and ‘60s, but were worn long after that, too. They were seen as a casual choice for those who want to get up and get active whenever and were more presentable than shorts or pants.
16. Scrunchies
This is a staple that people are still using to this day, and always should. Scrunchies are essentially made with a fabric-covered elastic that adds a pop of color or texture to most hairstyles. They were seen as fun and playful in the ‘80s and ‘90s and helped accessorize different outfits.
17. Terry Cloth Wristbands
Terry cloth wristbands were stretchy, sweat-absorbent fabric bands that you could wear on your wrists. They were originally designed to absorb sweat while you are exercising, which may be a bit gross. In the 1980s, they were worn by athletes, fitness fans, and pop stars during the aerobics and workout craze.
18. Skorts
Are they shorts? Are they a skirt? Why not both? Skorts were a type of clothing that resembles a skirt but are made of shorts with a flap of fabric covering the front of the legs. They were especially popular in the 1990s and early 2000s for their sporty and preppy look.
19. Oversized Flannels
At one point, fashion was all about appearing anti-fashion. Essentially, baggy flannel shirts that were oversized were often worn as an outer garment or over T-shirts. They were popularized in the ‘90s through the grunge scene, with bands like Nirvana opting for a rough anti-fashion look.
20. Zigzag Headbands
Whether you hated or loved them, everyone had to at least try the zigzag headbands. It served the purpose of keeping hair back while also adding a bit of interest. It gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s and was a sporty and sleek way of keeping hair under control.
