Out with the old and in with the new, but what if the new is actually old? History has a way of repeating itself, especially in the fashion industry. Fashion experts use the 20-year rule to predict when trends will reappear next. Currently, the early 2000s style, also known as Y2K, has made an explosive return. Although the decade consisted of gaudy and ostentatious trends, the fun and carefree style has been readopted by Gen Z. The return of Y2K first came back last year on TikTok and has now returned to runways as well. All things considered, different styles lead back to a particular era that made them popular. 

By Sophie Bogen

Let’s look back on some of the most memorable styles from the past 60 years: would you cop or drop? 

The 1960s: mini skirts, hot pants, shapeless dresses, bold prints, and futuristic fabrics. 

Fashion icons like Mary Quant, Brigitte Bardot, and Jackie Kennedy made a great contribution to the legendary trends of the ’60s. Quant, the British designer, is celebrated for her design of ‘hot pants,’ which were super short shorts, available in every color. 

 A 1960’s pencil skirt pattern from McCall’s magazine. Courtesy: Pinterest

In addition, mini-skirts, pencil skirts, and short shapeless dresses were a huge sensation. The everyday mini skirt was often paired with a button-down shirt, chunky sweater, or even a turtleneck. Bold prints, pastels, bright colors, and “futuristic” fabrics were often incorporated into these everyday outfits. It wasn’t uncommon to see plaid prints, horizontal stripes, polka dots, and flower patterns on just about every piece of clothing one could wear. 

The idea of “futuristic” fabrics also became immensely popular during the 1960s through the shiny white and silver patent fabric that represented the psychedelic time period. 

The 1970s: bell bottoms, jumpsuits, pantsuits, platform shoes, and big accessories. 

The hippie culture of the 1970s largely influenced the fashion industry through ideals of world peace and fun disco music, which closely mirrored the convivial environment of the decade. 

Artists like Cher and Diana Ross participated in the bell-bottom denim jean trend which was often embellished with a peace sign symbol and paired with a deep-cut tank top and some oversized jewelry. 

On top of that, the rise in popularity of the women’s pantsuit and the jumpsuit was an absolute sellout and could be found in various styles, colors, and prints. The eye-catching platform heel was also a smash hit and was ordinarily shown off with a maxi skirt or flared bell-bottom pants. 

The 1980s: spandex, scrunchies, leg warmers, over-accessorizing (fanny packs, plastic bangles, big earrings), stirrup pants, big hair, neon, and lace.

The 1980s is widely known as one of the most daring times for the fashion industry due to the materialistic mindset of consumers during this time. Icons like Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Jane Fonda, and Madonna ruled the decade as they modeled the style of huge hair and huge accessories. Workout outfits were the biggest craze as women often wore neon-colored spandex, leg warmers, scrunchies, and leotards. However, the comfortable outfit wasn’t just worn for an aerobics class, as spandex was even brought to the red carpet. Additionally, the captivating hip-hop style was also adopted because of the comfortable, baggy pant style and expressive manner of hip hop artists. Regardless of the baggy pants, the upturn of the stirrup pants exploded with the design in mind of traditional horseback riding outfits. The stirrup pants were leggings, sold in every color, that included a band underneath the foot, much like that of a horse rider. Although these developments in fashion were significant, the 1980s are broadly known for plastic bangles, big earrings, fanny packs, and lacey clothing that were represented by the true idols of that decade.

The 1990s: sheer dress, choker, combat boots, hair accessories, and corset tops.

At the turn of the decade, fashion was advancing rapidly as women became showier with their clothing selections. Sheer dresses became huge on the red carpet as supermodels like Kate Moss rocked a beaded slip dress for a night on the town. 

Women also found interest in the new trend of structured corset tops and corset bodysuits that generally were found in velvet fabrics or lace. Fashion historians found that these corset tops were inspired by the tie-up stays from the Victorian era; however, the modernized version of this trend was worn in a more casual setting.

As for shoewear, a classic pair of black combat boots became essential to almost every outfit and still is popular today. A notable brand is Doc Martens, as their iconic boots portrayed the grime and grunge of this era. Likewise, accessorizing with a choker necklace, bandana, scarf, or hairband was the perfect match for any relaxed outfit with combat boots. 

Actresses Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were recognized as punk-rock style icons towards the end of this decade through their youthful and distinctive looks. Despite their young age at the time, the Olsen Twins greatly influenced the fashion industry with their features in many popular 1990s movies and tv shows.

Now at the age of 35, the Olsen twins are widely known for their clothing line, The Row. The crimped hair and expressive style throughout the 1990s symbolize the rise in pop culture that perfectly led to the styles of the early 2000s. The 2000s: low-rise jeans, trucker hats, velour tracksuits, choker necklaces, patchwork denim, and designer handbags. 

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, pictured here with the late Bob Saget, their “Full House” co-star, went from child actors to well-respected, successful fashionistas. Photo courtesy: Shawn Ehlers/GETTY/Harper’s Bazaar.

 The first and possibly most polarizing fashion trend from the early 2000s revival that is happening today is the low-rise jean. Celebrities like Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa have hopped on the bandwagon, incorporating a pair of low-rise jeans in everyday outfits.

However, unlike the early 2000s, a baggy version of the low-cut jeans is acceptable as well. Other newly repeated trends from this era include trucker hats, velour tracksuits, choker necklaces, and patchwork denim. Additionally, certain brands are resurging with their vintage Y2K products.

The classic Von Dutch trucker hat, Juicy Couture velour tracksuit, and Fiorucci t-shirt are just a few of the name-worthy brands with the biggest comebacks. Along with this, designer handbags from brands like Prada, Dior, and Gucci are being inspired by the structure and design of their classic bags from this era.

As fashion trends from the past often return to the present, the repetition of trends is inevitable. Every fashionista knows that keeping up with the hottest new trends is a struggle due to the short lifespan of its popularity. Yet, many recurring trends are tied to a certain era that made them iconic.