Retro Fashion: History and Retro Styles That are Back in Trend

Think paisley prints, polka dots, bell bottom jeans, Mom’s jeans, pastel and neon colors; and the name that comes to mind is the retro fashion!

Fashion is quite a funny thing. It keeps on changing with generations. At times, you adore a certain style but as time passes by; you can’t fathom wearing it again. At other times; you spot a trend from two decades back that you find it hard to relate. However, just a modern-day twist on that style and you begin to rethink your choices, and soon it becomes your favorite outfit.

Sooner or later, pretty much all retro fashion trends make a cool comeback. It’s the cycle of life and fashion too! Let’s delve deeper into what is retro fashion and the stylish retro trends that still rule!

What is Retro Fashion?

The word retro is derived from the Latin prefix retro which means in past times. Retro fashion is a style that imitates lifestyles, trends, and motifs from the historical past. Unlike vintage clothing, retro fashion doesn't denote reference to any particular time period in older times. Rather, the term retro relates to a kind of style in which the clothing is made.  

In layman terms, retro fashion refers to clothing that is made recently with an intention of imitating the fashion of the bygone era. For instance, various fashion clothing stores try to bring back the earlier trends by creating clothes which were in vogue during the 1980s or 1990s.

In other words, retro fashion provides a way for vintage styles to make entry into the fashion of current times. Moreover, it enables fashion lovers to achieve a “vintage” or “old-fashioned” look without having to look for actual vintage clothes. The term retro doesn’t just apply to clothing. Music, toys, and even household goods can be deemed as retro too.

Retro Fashion vs Vintage Clothing

Most people have no idea that retro fashion and vintage clothing are not similar. Yes, you heard it, right! They both are different. If you wish to impress your fashion-crazy friends and acquaintances at the next social gathering; why not learn the difference between the two! Well, they both have certain similarities, however, there are key differences that every fashion lover should know.

In simple terms, vintage clothing refers to clothing from a specific era, normally 20 years old whereas retro describes the style in which the clothes are made to replicate old designs or patterns. Vintage refers to the age of the clothing item, rather than the style of it.

Although anything made in the 1920s or later is technically vintage, it doesn’t imply that everything has a “vintage” appeal. For instance, fur coats that were hugely popular in the 1960s and are still made in this era too; are now considered vintage. However, a simple blouse from 1955 can’t be branded as vintage as it doesn’t have the same appeal as a fur coat. As the conventional wisdom says that fashion moves in twenty year cycles known as the "nostalgia cycle" that is 20-30 years before the current one.

Did you know that a garment can be both retro as well as vintage? For instance, if a garment was manufactured in the 90's to reproduce styles of the 1980's then this clothing item would be considered as both retro and vintage. Isn’t that interesting?

Retro Fashion Styles that are Back in Trend

Now, let’s have a look at the retro fashion styles that have made a dramatic comeback in the recent times:

Retro Puffed Sleeves

Puffed sleeves are one of the retro styles that have made a huge comeback! Dramatic puffed sleeves can make any outfit look so extra-ordinary and bring so much drama into your look. Over the years, classic puff sleeves have evolved into some stylish upgraded versions. From classic puff sleeves to thick border puff sleeves, or sheer ones; retro puff sleeves can be the perfect pick for any day!

High-Waisted Mom Jeans

Mom jeans is a high-waist, loose fitting women's jeans that were originally fashionable in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They got their name because they were the type of jeans that Moms in the US wore in the 70s. Mom jeans can be labelled as one of the most comfortable and stylish pairs of jeans. They have a high waist, straight-cut legs with wide-cut hips and a super, relaxed fit. Mom jeans are a bit lose around the thighs but tapered around the ankle; thus they are not so baggy.

Mom jeans have long back pockets and they go well with most body types. You can pair Mom jeans with almost any kind of tops or women’s shirts. Various top fashion brands have picked up this retro fashion trend once again and unlike skinny jeans, Mom jeans are highly popular because of their comfort!

The Classic Polka Dots

It would be unfair to say that polka dots have made a comeback. As polka dots are evergreen; they never left the fashion scene. In fact, they are one of the most loved patterns and you can find everything in this pattern from dresses, tops, to jumpsuits. This evergreen pattern can be seen on various clothing items such as like blouses, dresses, bow ties, and even swimsuits. Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon is known to play her retro style game up in fabulous polka dot outfits. Ladies, brighten up your wardrobe by infusing a dash of retro-inspired fashion with classic polka dot dresses and tops. You can just never go wrong with polka dots!

Go Retro with Bell Bottom Jeans

Bell bottoms were an extremely popular fashionable trend during the 1960s and 1970s. What started as a comfortable wide-legged trousers for U.S. Navy sailors, went onto become a massive fashion trend in the US, Europe, India, and all over the world. Bell-bottoms are flared trousers that are fitted from the thighs and widen from the knee downwards.

Hippies in the US adopted the bell-bottoms as their chosen outfit. From Hollywood personalities like Cher to Bollywood superstars like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Rishi Kapoor, and Neetu Singh; everyone wore bell bottoms with élan! Now this retro fashion trend is back and how! Bollywood star Ranveer Singh is known to slay in his different retro-styled bell bottoms that he is seen spotting on multiple occasions.

Embrace Retro Vibes with Wide Leg Jeans 

Wide leg jeans featuring wider leg opening have made a comeback in recent years. Featuring high rise style, the wide leg jeans are extremely roomy till the hem. No wonder, these wide legged jeans make for a super comfortable alternative to skinny jeans. Effortlessly stylish and versatile; they offer the perfect blend of comfort and style. Wide leg jeans are perfect for the fashion-conscious individuals who appreciate the timeless retro styles.

Cargo Jeans

In case you haven't noticed, cargo style jeans have made a comeback and they look so cool. Versatile and supremely stylish, cargo jeans offer the perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality. They feature multiple pockets in which you can carry all your essentials. Available in a variety of colours, prints, and styles; cargo jeans are what you need to stand out from the crowd. From the cargo jeans in solid colours to the ones in camouflage prints; they guarantee comfort all-day long!

Retro fashion offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, versatility, and individuality. Check out our vast collection that is reminiscent of retro fashion and lets you express your unique style!