What was once old becomes new again, as trends from the past resurface with a modern twist.
Fashion is a form of self-expression and is cyclical. Lately, both vintage and retro fashion have been gaining popularity, offering a stylish escape from the fast-fashion cycle. Gen Z taking inspiration from the millennials to acquire the perfect vintage look. For Gen Z, style is an avenue to showcase individuality, sustainability, and a desire to break away from mainstream trends.
With the rise of social media platforms, they are redefining fashion by blending the old with the new. What sets them apart is their ability to recycle and reimagine past trends. They aren’t just following the latest runway looks or copying celebrity styles. Instead, they are pulling from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and even the early 2000s archives, remixing these vintage aesthetics with a modern twist.
One of the most iconic aspects of Gen Z's approach to fashion is the way they’ve revived two timeless staples: denim and retro dresses. Once considered old-school, these pieces are now central to many Gen Z wardrobes. It’s not just about wearing but about how you wear it, what you pair it with, and how you make it your own. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can incorporate both denim and retro dresses into your everyday wardrobe with ease.
The Gen Z Denim Revolution
Denim's have surged, thanks to sustainability. As more young people become aware of the environmental impacts of fast fashion, they are turning to thrift and upcycled denim as a way to minimise waste. It’s not uncommon to see customised denim with patches, paint, or embroidery. A perfect canvas for experimentation.
Gen Z is drawn to styles like wide-leg jeans, baggy silhouettes, and mom jeans, all of which offer a relaxed vibe with an oversized appearance. These fits not only echo the 90s and early 2000s but also align with the trend towards gender-neutral fashion, a movement Gen Z is championing. Another denim trend gaining popularity is the denim-on-denim look, affectionately known as the Canadian tuxedo. What used to be considered a fashion faux pas is now one of the chicest ways to stand out.
Retro Dresses with a Twist
Retro dresses have also made a massive comeback, but not in the traditional sense. For instance, 90s slip dresses are everywhere and are styled in unexpected ways with a mix of high and low, feminine and grunge, which is at the heart of Gen Z fashion. The key is in the contrast for a clear vibe of "I didn’t try too hard”. This blend of soft and tough allows for more creativity and personal expression, two pillars of Gen Z fashion. In short, Gen Z is reimagining vintage and retro trends, breathing new life into them in a way that’s both sustainable and individualistic.
The Comeback of Retro Fashion
Retro fashion draws inspiration from the styles of past decades, with bold patterns and striking silhouettes. Whether it’s the free-spirited vibe of the 70s, the playful polka dots of the 50s, or the grunge revival of the 90s, retro fashion allows us to relive and remix iconic looks from different eras. While vintage fashion involves wearing authentic pieces from a bygone era. This makes retro more accessible, as these pieces often feature contemporary sizing and construction techniques that fit seamlessly into today’s lifestyles.
High-waisted jeans are the epitome of retro denim fashion. Like the mom-jean trend of the 80s and 90s with a fitted graphic tee, a belt, and some chunky sneakers, for that vintage vibe. Even the oversized denim jacket has come back into fashion as a retro staple with a vintage wash or modern designs with patches or embroidery, the double-denim statement. Flared denim pants have seen a resurgence, particularly with a high-waisted cut. The distressed or ripped jeans work best in a relaxed fit.
Retro Dresses: From Fun Florals to Playful Prints
While denim is the go-to for casual retro style, retro dresses allow you to play with feminine and flirty vibes. Vintage-inspired dresses can instantly elevate your look, the key is to dress without feeling overdone in balance. The 1950s were all about the hourglass silhouette, and fit-and-flare dresses were fun, with polka dots, gingham, or floral prints to capture the essence of the era.
Choose those or maxi dresses in bold floral prints or earthy tones that are perfect for a retro boho look with bell sleeves, empire waists, or tiered skirts. The modern fashion of the '60s was all about geometric shapes, color blocking, and short hemlines in bold colors or monochrome patterns to make for a fun, playful retro look. The 90s saw the rise of the slip dress as a wardrobe essential, and it’s making a comeback. For a retro-grunge look, pair a slip dress with a leather jacket and chunky boots, or try layering it over a basic white tee and sneakers.
A Perfect Pairing
The beauty of retro fashion lies in its versatility, and denim’s adaptability. Style a 50s-style fit-and-flare or a 70s-inspired boho maxi with a denim jacket for a casual edge. If dresses aren’t your style, try pairing a denim skirt with a retro top. A button-up denim midi skirt works beautifully with a tucked-in polka dot blouse or a vintage-inspired graphic tee. Denim overalls are another fun and functional way to infuse some retro vibes into your wardrobe. Go for a pair of loose-fitting, wide-leg overalls for a nod to the 90s, and wear them over a colorful turtleneck or a boho blouse for a 70s twist.
This might sound unconventional, but layering a retro dress over a pair of jeans is a stylish way to mix things up, an unexpected combination that brings a modern touch to vintage styles.
Incorporating vintage and retro trends into your wardrobe doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your entire closet. With just a few key pieces like denim and retro dresses, you can experiment with past styles while keeping your look modern and fresh. So why not add some retro flair to your wardrobe? Whether you’re slipping into a vintage-inspired dress or throwing on a denim jacket, it’s easier than ever to blend the old with the new and create a look that’s uniquely you.