The 70’s and 80’s make their comeback in fashion
By Julie Burkett
In this fashion season, there have been a lot of retro trends coming back into style. The most frequent trends I’ve seen are bellbottoms, vintage jean jackets filled with patches and colorful turtlenecks. These trends have been seen in movies and television shows that have come out or become popular. These shows include, ‘Stranger Things 2’ and ‘Freaks and Geeks’, which came out in the late 90’s but heavily emulates 80’s fashion.
High Point University sophomore, Oliva Huang voices her opinion, “Bardot tops are coming back, they are off the shoulder tops that Bridget Bardot wore as a signature. Jewelry now also has native american vibes; you see a lot more intentionally blackened and tarnished rings and bracelets. Natural hair is having a moment too with women embracing the ‘wild’ textures and styles similar to the 70’s. It’s not really a style, more of the general attitude of not spending hours and money on product to conform to a single acceptable hair appearance.” These trends made the 70’s and 80’s into what we think about today.
HPU sophomore, Arjun Agarwal said, “I’m beginning to notice that jean jackets and leather jackets are kind of becoming more common.” Any popular retail store will have different type of jackets that came back into style. Blazers are making a big movement with coming back with women wearing pantsuits, this is to make a statement of women’s success in the current workforce. Back in the 80s, women who wore business suits were seen as successful. Bomber jackets are taking over everyone’s wardrobe, whether it be men or women.
I noticed make-up trends are coming back. Bright lipstick and heavy eye makeup were very popular in the 80s. In the past, it was all about finding the perfect nude lipstick, but now it is all about perfect red or bright colored lipstick. HPU junior, Patrick Boaz said, “I really think bright colors are making a comeback for sure!” Along with that, many are going for the most natural look you can do. The clean look has become very popular within the past couple years fashion weeks.
The same colors and materials are coming back into style, such as embroidery on blouses, pants and even shoes! High waisted jeans have continued their popularity into this fashion season. Vintage band t-shirts are becoming a need for everyone to stay in the here and now fashion world. They go along with graphic tees, especially focused on one-word sayings like “fleekend” and “beet it” that are relatable to our culture today.
This retro trend is not found only in women’s, the men’s clothing have been sporting flowers, paisley, and colorful patterns! Men’s clothing has gone completely old school. The big brands in the 80s like Guess Jeans, Calvin Klein, Reebok and New Balance. All of these continue to be popular in frequently shopped retail stores for men, like Urban Outfitters.
HPU junior, Gina Giorgio, has some of the same opinions; “Mid-calf length dresses seem to be coming back into style from the 70’s along with over-the-knee boots paired with short skirts and a t-shirt.” Crushed velvet was on the verge of popularity last winter season. However, now it has come into style in dresses, bodysuits, and even shoes. This was a trend in the mid-80s along with the early 2000’s. All of these things are coming back into fashion today. Some of these trends have almost remained in style since the 80s and some are making an unexpected comeback. What will come next for the fashion world? Only time will tell.
Olivia Huang
Patrick Boaz
Arjun Agarwal
Gina Giorgio