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30 Vintage Fashion Trends That Need to Make a Comeback

Fashion from the past doesn’t stay gone. Every now and then, a trend will come back and stick around for a bit. For example, cat-eye sunglasses were huge in the ‘50s. Then, the trend disappeared a little while. Skip ahead a few decades, and it came back with a huge force. Even now, women aren’t afraid to sport their cat-eye sunglasses, and we’re all about that. They’re fierce and complement pretty much anyone’s face.

There are a few trends that have fallen off the map that we really miss. Some of these trends may have popped up here and there on the runway, but they’re not officially back. After all, who cares what walks across the runway? It’s more of an artistic expression than it is wearable fashion. Some of the models can’t even see when they walk out!

See, when we look back, we see plenty of cute, quirky trends that we envy. We want to wear them now. In fact, we can already see some of these vintage trends paired with some modern ones. Peasant tops and distressed jeans? Talk about a great combo.

That isn’t all that deserves to come back. These are 30 other things that we want to see return. These vintage trends would really upgrade our wardrobe—they’d upgrade anyone’s wardrobe!

Mini Skirts

Mini Skirts

Mini skirts are adorable and accentuate any body type. They’re also easy to pair with nearly any top, whether it be a crop top or a full blouse. We also love how you can dress it up or down, depending on your mood. 

Mini skirts look just as good with graphic tees and platform sneakers as they do with satin blouses and delicate heels. No matter how you wear it, you’ll be sure to look your very best.

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Pearls

Pearls

You can’t get any classier than a pearl choker. Pearls go with virtually everything (casual and formal). Plus, they aren’t as flashy as most gold jewelry, so they’re ideal for making a subtle statement. It may be a smart idea to invest in a staple piece. 

If you want to imitate that old Hollywood glamour, purchase a set of pearls. You’ll definitely be able to wear them on more than one occasion.

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Overalls

Overalls

First of all, overalls are comfortable. Second, they’re durable. We’re always about clothing that lasts for a decade or more. Third, they’re super cute and versatile. Basically, we’re saying that they’re the perfect thing to wear, and they should come back.

The best part about overalls is that they can be worn during any season. In the winter, bundle them up with a cozy sweater and boots. In the summer, lighten them up with a tank and sandals.

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Duster Coats

Duster Coats

Duster coats are ideal for the fall and spring because they’re light and loose-fitting. A lot of the modern designs have a slit in the side, and we dig it. It adds a little bit of flirty fun to a classic, vintage item. 

And because they’re lengthy, they’re dressier than normal coats. They look just as cute over denim and knits as they do over dresses and heels.

MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images

Bishop Sleeves

Bishop Sleeves

We’ve all heard of bell sleeves. Well, get ready for bishop sleeves. These are basically like bell sleeves, but they’re tight around the wrist. Instead of the classic huge puffy sleeve, a thinner bishop sleeve would look best for today’s modern fashion. 

If you haven’t tried this style sleeve yet, it’s time. Forget about the puff sleeves for a while and remind everyone why bishop sleeves need to make a comeback.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Round Sunglasses

Round Sunglasses

You may have seen round sunglasses and regular glasses here and there, but they haven’t made a real return. It’s just on the cusp! Since cat eyes have been so popular lately, we’re rooting for a change.

Many celebrities have recently started wearing round sunglasses. They’ve reintroduced a trend that was very popular in the past.

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Hats

Hats

If you wear a hat nowadays, it’s a dead giveaway that you’re having a bad hair day. Yet, hats used to be considered very fashionable, and we’re hoping they come back soon! 

Pair a panama or cowboy hat with your swimsuit in the summer and a fedora hat or bucket hat with your sweaters in the winter. They’re the perfect accessory for all outfits!

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Patterned Tights

Patterned Tights

Sheer, seamless tights are the most popular style right now, while patterned tights are underrated. This style of tight adds a hint of sultriness to your outfit without going overboard.

Lots of women wear patterned tights with neutral pieces like black dresses or black dress shorts or skirts.

(Image via New Line Cinema/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Brooches

Brooches

What happened to brooches? They’re absolutely stunning pieces of jewelry that can add a little pizzazz to an outfit. While heavy, intricate brooches are great, lighter brooches would be a lot more convenient with today’s fashion trends.  

They look so trendy when pinned to A-line dresses and blazers.

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Leather Jackets

Leather Jackets

Everyone should own at least one nice leather jacket. A high-quality leather jacket can last for a really long time if taken care of. On top of that, they’re protective and easy to match with any outfit. 

We recommend pairing them with almost anything. Dress them up with a denim skirt and a graphic tee, or dress them down with a pair of straight-leg jeans and a slouchy v-neck.

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White Dresses

White Dresses

Whoever said, “don’t wear white after Labor Day” was wrong. White dresses? They should be worn all the time. People stopped wearing them after believing that fashion rule, but now they’re the epitome of fresh and bright-eyed.

White, linen dresses are perfect for spring and summer, while lengthy, formal white dresses are flattering for more professional events like galas and benefits.

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Faux Fur Coats

Faux Fur Coats

Faux fur coats are everything. They're cute, cozy, and constructed without harming animals. 

Don’t feel confined to furs that are brown, black, or white. Boutiques and stores have embraced color and sell many bright, bold faux fur coats!

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Lavalier Blouses

Lavalier Blouses

Lavalier blouses can be worn a number of ways. Untied is a great casual look, while single knots class things up a bit. Then, you have the full bow! Naturally, this is the fanciest look, but don’t be afraid to wear it whenever (if it makes a comeback).

The most popular way to style this blouse is with a pair of fitted dress pants and heels. It will immediately up your business casual game and inspire your coworkers to purchase a lavalier blouse ASAP.

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Driving Gloves

Driving Gloves

You probably only wear gloves in the wintertime, but this accessory can (and should) be rocked year-round! Not only will a set of soft, leather gloves protect your fresh manicure from the elements, but these gloves also look ultra sexy. 

Plus, putting them on before you get in the car in the hot summertime or cold wintertime will save your hands from being burned or frozen by the steering wheel!

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Denim Skirts

Denim Skirts

Denim skirts are so easy to wear. A chunky sweater, button-down, or crop top—denim looks good with everything. A lot of the skirts from the ’90s were incredibly short, which you could wear, but we prefer the longer ones because they look more stylish. 

They’re perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re grabbing drinks with friends, seeing a movie with your significant other, or going to brunch with your family, a denim skirt is a solid outfit choice.

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Head Scarves

Head Scarves

Headscarves are practical because they keep your hair out of your face, and they can make a bold fashion statement if you pick a great color or pattern. 

You could wear a headscarf casually, like when hitting the gym, working in the garden, or washing your car. You could also wear them formally, like when going out to dinner, attending a show, or going for a drive.

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Peasant Blouses

Peasant Blouses

If it’s comfortable, it should be in style—within reason, of course. This ’70s style could come back. We can already see it now: paired with jeans (distressed or not) and a stylish hat. It almost sounds too good to be true.

If you’re wanting to purchase one, try shopping at Anthropologie. They have a huge selection of peasant-style blouses in all different colors and patterns!

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Kitten Heels

Kitten Heels

Heels are getting higher and higher, and even though they’re sexy, they are uncomfortable and bad for your back. You can achieve the same chic look by putting on a pair of kitten heels that will keep you from being miserable the entire evening. 

This style was first popularized by Audrey Hepburn, and other modern celebrities have finally started wearing these heels again, making them popular.

Melinda/Cute as a button. And comfy to boot!/CC BY 2.0.Flickr

Neck Scarves

Neck Scarves

This classic French style has fallen out of fashion here in the United States, but we hope it makes a comeback soon. Lightweight, silk scarves are the perfect neck accessory to wear in the springtime. 

They add a touch of glamour to an outfit and are the perfect alternate accessory to jewelry.

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Mock Neck Tees

Mock Neck Tees

Mock neck t-shirts have a high neckline that isn’t quite as thick as a turtleneck. These t-shirts look great under blazers, cardigans, and structured outerwear because you can still catch a glimpse of your shirt even if you’re wearing a buttoned-up coat. 

They also look so good with these outerwear pieces because they have a high neckline. This neckline is flattering on everyone and is ideal for those who have to follow a dress code for work or school.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Leopard Print

Leopard Print

Leopard print used to be the epitome of high fashion, but now it’s been reduced to cheap, patterned leggings and fur vests. Leopard print works best as an accessory (less is more), so if you want to attempt to bring this trend back, buy yourself a pair of leopard print flats or a leopard print clutch. 

But if you’re feeling bold, don’t be afraid to make a statement in a leopard dress or blouse. Fashion is so versatile! If you love it, wear it!

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Platform Shoes

Platform Shoes

Platform shoes were the thing in the ’70s thanks to the disco era. Then, they came back in the ’90s. Now, we think they should come back again. They make you look taller, and they’re a lot more comfortable than stilettos. 

Currently, platform sandals and sneakers are making a much-needed comeback. Stores are selling out of the styles because they’re so popular.

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Soft Grunge

Soft Grunge

Nowadays, grunge is pretty versatile, but it’s mostly hardcore. Soft grunge is where it should be at. Throw on a floral dress, a pair of Doc Martins, and a leather jacket, and you're good to go! 

If you need inspiration, look to the ‘90s celebrities that spent a lot of time touring with bands and spending time at music gigs!

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Flares

Flares

Straight from the days of Farah Fawcett and Cher, flares deserve a return. They’re great for accentuating curves and can be paired with a platform sandalsl, ankle boots, or heels. 

In our opinion, this trend already is catching on. Many celebrities and fashion influences have revived their flares and breathed new life into them!

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Dresses with Puff Sleeves

Dresses with Puff Sleeves

Mini dresses never really went out of style, but the ones with puff sleeves did. Now, they have slim straps or halter tops. Some of us miss the trendy puff sleeves!

In addition to dresses with puff sleeves, blouses with puff sleeves are also adorable. They add a touch of femininity to any typical top.

Neilson Barnard/MG24/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Ruched Dresses

Ruched Dresses

Does anyone else remember ruched dresses? They were absolutely jaw-dropping. Thanks to Marilyn Monroe, ruched dresses popped up in the ’50s and ’60s. 

It looks like celebrities like Kim Kardashian are taking style tips from Monroe because the ruched dress is slowly making a comeback in the fashion world!

Michelle Hébert/2010. Black Ruched Dress/CC BY-ND 2.0/Flickr

Corsets

Corsets

No, we don’t mean the ones that were super tight and made it difficult to breathe. Those should stay gone forever. In their place, we think the corset design should come back.

The corset design accentuates the waist, while still being breathable and comfortable. What more could a girl ask for?

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Tweeds

Tweeds

Where did you go, tweed? The weave just looks classically elegant whether it’s a skirt, coat, or top. Unfortunately, they fell out of favor, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a triumphant return this winter. 

If you’re wanting to help bring this style back, think about purchasing a tweed blazer, jacket, or skirt!

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Neon Colors

Neon Colors

Neon colors have been on the ugly list for a while, but that’s because most people don’t know how to wear them. When wearing neon, it’s important to wear complementary colors that aren’t as bright or vibrant. 

When just beginning to wear neon, you may want to ease into it by pairing a neon top with neutral trousers or a neon skirt with a white tee! If you love neon, don’t be afraid to go all out and wear an entirely bold outfit!

Robert Kamau/GC Images/Getty Images

Flannel Shirts

Flannel Shirts

Flannel shirts are super versatile. You can button it up and wear it as a top, or you can use it as an accessory over a plain-colored tee. Flannel shirts also soft and cozy.

Dress them up with a crop top and your favorite pair of denim, or dress them down with an oversized tee and jean shorts.

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