Fashion’s Time Loop: What Past Trends Are Making a Comeback?
Do you sometimes feel like you’re caught in a whirlwind of déjà vu when it comes to fashion trends?
Well, you're not alone. The ever-evolving style landscape has a thing for revisiting the past— and the Y2K allure is upon us once again.
Today I’m introducing you to the eloquent voice and discerning insights of our guest writer, Hailey Washington, from Drexel University’s Design & Merchandising program. Embark on a journey through the enigmatic world of trend recycling, guided by Hailey's pen.
Editor’s Note: Hailey is a participant in Fashion Talk's student writing program. Aligned with our mission to uplift young voices in the fashion industry, I had the pleasure of working closely with Hailey to craft this article. I’m excited to share her fresh and insightful perspective with our community.
Happy reading,
Amarissa
Editor-in-Chief, Fashion Talk
Have you ever noticed how fashion appears to be caught in some type of eternal time loop? Trends continuously loop back around, and currently, we’re dialing up those 90s and early 2000s vibes. That’s right– that Y2K charm is making a comeback. Think low-rise pants, halter tops, and platform shoes, reentering our closets. Now, are we nailing the original styling? Well, not always, but we're adding our own modern twist.
Go through your parents’ wardrobes and you’ll spot clothes that are as effortlessly chic now as they were back in the day. Case in point: the Fendi baguette bag. This iconic bag was famously flaunted by Carrie Bradshaw in the hit series Sex and The City. In an enchanting twist, it made its way back onto the Fendi runway in 2022 to commemorate its 25th anniversary. We are constantly drawing inspiration from past decades of fashion, whether we realize it or not. So tell me, what truly marks a “new trend” when the old ones keep coming back in style?
90s Trends
Ahh, the 90’s. How could we forget such an iconic fashion era? This decade is the birthplace of many of the trends we see re-emerging today: streetwear, denim, bucket hats, plaid, and more. Think about trailblazers like Aaliyah, who gave us athleisure, and Winona Ryder, who unleashed the power of leather and graphic tees, defining the style landscape of that era.
The fashion scene drew abundant inspiration from pop culture. Movies like Clueless became style bibles, showcasing the preppy 90s vibe. Throughout the movie, characters wore plaid, long socks, and headbands, which were all the rage back then.
Magazines and television peaked during this era, giving people the inside scoop on their favorite pop stars’ fashion sense. MTV was the hub for trendy music videos and the go-to channel to get style inspiration. At the tail end of the 90’s era, girl groups like Destiny’s Child ruled the fashion and music scene. If Destiny’s Child wore low-rise jeans and strappy heels in their latest music video, soon everyone was wearing low-rise jeans and strappy heels. These pop culture icons were influencers before the social media storm hit.
2000s Trends
The tube top. The mini skirt. The baguette bag. These are just some 2000s trends that are etched in memory. A multitude of style icons blazed the fashion trail during this era. Leading the pack was Sex and The City star Carrie Bradshaw who was responsible for popularizing trends that continue to grace today’s scene. I’ve personally been craving a pair of Manolo Blahniks ever since I watched the show. This fictional fashionista boasted a wardrobe filled with capris, kitten heels, and of course, the Fendi baguette bag– all of which continue to inspire the fashion gurus of 2023 as well as runway shows this year.
Trends On Today’s Runway
The runway is the fertile soil in which fashion takes root and blossoms, a fertile ground where new styles sprout and old favorites rekindle their flame. It is where we see past fashion favorites being reworked and revamped. In 2023, we’ve witnessed an exceptional display of runway fashion, accompanied by the reappearance of many recognizable elements. Designers are attuned to the resonance of 90s and 2000s trends and our reactions to them. With this knowledge, they have reincarnated the most infamous trends and pieces from those eras, bringing them to center stage.
Blumarine, a brand known most for its flirtatious and alluring aesthetic, unveiled a Spring Summer 23 collection that was Y2K-esque. Dominated by mostly denim and delicate sheers, the collection teleports you back to the year 2003, blending the Y2K essence with a contemporary twist.
Fendi, in their 25th-anniversary show, embarked on a nostalgic stride, reviving their iconic baguette bag on the runway. As mentioned earlier, this beloved bag, once famously adorned by Carrie Bradshaw and other style icons of the early 2000s, became a remarkable symbol with its signature silhouette and FF logo, etching its mark in fashion history. It wasn’t just a bag, it was a living emblem of pop culture’s allure and the lap of luxury. This anniversary show beautifully highlighted the bag, celebrating a quarter-century of resplendent renown.
Brands Making a Comeback
Brands hailing from these two iconic eras are staging a triumphant revival. Coach bags are regaining their former glory, Adidas shoes are recapturing closet space, and Guess jeans find new life, as they are being borrowed from moms and aunts far and wide. These brands grasp their enduring impact in the global market, yet their unforeseen resurgence, 20-30 years later, bestows upon us a delightful twist of fate.
In an elegant dance between nostalgia and innovation, these brands are resurrecting styles from their prime and introducing fresh creations that channel timeless silhouettes. Coach’s recent campaign fully embraces the Y2K revival. Behold, the return of their iconic Demi bag. Probably paired with a classic Juicy Couture tracksuit, this bag was a staple in every “it girl’s” early 2000s wardrobe. Now, the bag is back and better than ever, enhanced with new colorways while preserving its timeless silhouette.
2020s Trends
In the midst of the pandemic, online shopping boomed. The consumption of fast fashion was on the rise because online shopping was the only avenue for people to buy clothes in bulk from the comfort of their place of quarantine. 2020 was a colorful year for fashion; pastels, neons, and animal prints were popular amongst fashion consumers. As 2022 and 2023 strolled in, in-person shopping became the norm again. The thrill of in-person shopping started reclaiming its throne, accompanied by a fresh wave of enthusiasm for second-hand treasures and thrifting. These past two years have been all about sustainability, causing those once ubiquitous fast fashion brands to wane.
The attraction of second-hand shopping perfectly exemplifies the very essence of trend recycling. Breathing new life into old styles, it’s as if fashion’s own time machine has propelled us into a future where the past effortlessly intertwines with the present.
In 2023 specifically, we’re seeing a medley of sheer mesh, metallic sheen, and oversized clothing/accessories. In Acne Studios’ SS23 collection, crocheted and lace creations ignited the summer trend. These ultra-feminine dresses and skirts are a perfect example of what everyone has been wearing this summer. Breathable fabrics are the epitome of sartorial comfort, rendering this trend as practical as it is sensational.
Another trend that seamlessly merges style with functionality is the rise of oversized bags. Let’s be honest, those dainty little bags are unsuitable to accommodate our on-the-go essentials. If a bag can comfortably shelter my laptop, lip products, wallet, keys, book, headphones, and sunglasses, then it’s a keeper. Designer brands like Bottega Veneta and Prada recognize this desire for functional fashion and have released oversized purses and totes that exude utility and elegance in their Spring Summer 23 and Fall Winter 23 collections.
So what really defines a new trend if trends constantly recycle themselves? These days, I can hardly leave the house without my mom saying, “I wore the same outfit twenty years ago!” When the past becomes the present and decades start to intertwine, it’s hard to say if we’ll ever see an end to trend recycling.
Final oversight & edits by , Founder & Editor in Chief of Fashion Talk.
Get to know Hailey here.
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