7 of the Best Retro-Inspired Fashion Revivals – 5 That Missed the Mark

Retro-inspired fashion revivals can give a whole new generation a chance to explore fashions from decades past. However, sometimes designers miss the mark, leaving fashionistas pining for the originals. Many shoppers these days yearn for styles that are reminiscent of their childhood or early adulthood, especially the fashions of the ‘1980s and ‘1990s.Today’s fashion designers are breathing new life into vintage styles, whether you long for the tummy-control of Mom jeans or want a psychedelic aesthetic. Vintage clothing revivals aren’t always literal replicas, but they get awfully close. Let’s review the 7 best retro-inspired fashion revivals and those that missed the mark.

The Mom Jeans of the 1990s were loose-fitting, comfortable, and versatile. The emergence of skinny jeans has many women yearning for the days of Mom Jeans. To answer their call, designers have created more flattering Mom jeans, featuring the relaxed it and high waist. However, these new styles create a more attractive silhouette and flatter all body types. 

Doc Martens have remained popular footwear right before the Grunge Era. They are comfortable and last for many years. Men and women love these chunky boots that go with everything. They’re made for every member of the family, and the boots pair well with the slip dresses of the 1990s or jeans. 

Crop tops have been popular for decades, and designers continue to create new crop top styles for every generation. The crop tops of the 90s featured short sleeves and multiple patterns. In the 1990s, these fun tops featured various graphics, including band slogans and pop culture references. Today, crop tops come in a variety of materials and sleeve lengths. 

The fanny packs of the 1980s were often canvas or vinyl, and you could store everything in them. Their popularity waned for a while, but with high-end designers reviving these bags, they are now far more stylish. The multifunctional bags are terrific for concerts and festivals, and with their fresh styles, they are a fashion must-have. 

Tie-dye patterns began in the 1960s at the height of psychedelics. The designs were easy to make, and they were a fun DIY project. However, in the 1980s, tie-dye had a revival, and the designs appeared in fast fashion. Today, luxury brands and even streetwear designers have added tie-dye to their collections. 

Slip dresses were a fashion staple in the 1990s. They were often paired with Doc Martens boots and leather jackets. The sleek dresses create sultry silhouettes and take a more minimalistic approach to fashion. Today, celebrities continue to wear slip dresses, even at red-carpet events. They are the perfect go-to dress for any occasion. 

Oversized blazers have been a closet staple since the 1980s, and these jackets are perfect with shorts and rompers. They offer a fashion-forward design that works well for both casual and more formal ensembles. The retro-inspired blazers are available with and without shoulder pads, and you can use them to put together something edgy yet elegant. 

The 1990s tiny sunglasses were revived by many celebrities, but just like in the ‘90s, the sunglasses weren’t really practical. While they make a unique fashion statement indoors, they won’t protect your eyes outdoors. They don’t offer the same proportions as full-size sunglasses and may be unflattering for some wearers. 

The JNCO jeans were incredibly popular in the 1990s, and teens wore them everywhere. The jeans featured wide legs, and the hem were often jagged or frayed. While comfortable, they weren’t always practical, and the hems would tear with frequent wear. Fast fashion designers tried to revive these jeans, but they didn’t achieve the same commercial success as in the ‘90s. 

Platform flip-flops were incredibly popular in the early 2000s, and all girls wore them. However, the elevation of your flip-flops could lead to tripping and safety concerns. While many of the platform flip-flop designs were cute and edgy, they were really impractical and not ideal for everyday wear. 

While they were popular in the past, Ed Hardy rhinestone tees are considered the ultimate fashion faux pas today. Men loved them for their eccentric graphics and bold colors, but they were a short-lived trend. A fashion revival for these blingy T-shirts didn’t last long, and many of today’s contemporary men just weren’t impressed. 

Leg warmers were staples in the 1980s, especially among the dance crowd. They were featured in “Flashdance” and “Perfect,” and everyone wore them during aerobics. The most recent revival of these dancer necessities fell short of the mark. They weren’t practical with modern fashion and were difficult to coordinate with dressier ensembles. Leg warmers are perfect for cold nights at home.