Retro rerun: 4 fashion trends making a comeback
From designer brands to small thrift shops, every brand is on a mission to bring back retro trends
One thing Gen Z seems to love when it comes to fashion is a blast from the past. When deciding what to wear next, this generation can blend in nostalgia with innovation to create unique new outfits and styles, as we circle back to trends that would make their mothers pull out pictures of them rocking the same look.
From designer brands to small thrift shops, every brand is on a mission to bring back retro trends. Here's a look at some of the key trends making a comeback.
Flared pants and bell bottoms
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These silhouette-enhancing pants were all the rage in the 70s, and it seems like people are just rediscovering the ability of these jeans to ramp up every outfit with a little bit of flare (pun intended).
The best part about these jeans is that they are universally flattering; you do not have to be a specific body type or height to look good in these pants. These flared pants have been brought back in full swing, with multiple chic styles and designs to choose from; so there is really something for everyone.
"Flared jeans are my absolute favourite piece of clothing that I own, and I love how they can be incorporated into any outfit and change its look," says Ameerah Hoque, a Dhaka-based student, who has been a fan of these jeans since she got her first pair.
"Whether it be a day out with my friends or a fancy dinner; you will often find me pairing flared jeans with practically everything I own."
Flared jeans are widely found in Dhaka and can be bought from thrift stores or even in stores like Artisan, and Noir.
Bows
From a TikTok trend to a symbol of girlhood, bows and ribbons have become a holy grail accessory, adorning everything from hair to clothes to shoes (literally top to bottom).
Bows have enjoyed their share of popularity throughout fashion history, adapting to different styles and periods, such as adorning dresses in the Victorian era to posing as playful embellishments in the Roaring Twenties. The appeal of these bows lies in their ability to add a touch of femininity and grace to a look in seconds.
"I love how this trend blends classic charm with its modern versatility," says Zunairah Shehzeen, who has used bows to elevate her style. She explains how she pairs bows with high-waisted trousers for a chic look, or uses a bow accessory to add flair to a simple ponytail.
"If I pick a monochrome outfit, I usually pair it up with a floral/ printed bow that gives an added edge to my overall look. Contrarily, for a colourful printed outfit, I go for a monochrome bow," said Nashara Tasnim, a student at Brac University and a fashion enthusiast.
Mini Skirts
Dare to bare with mini skirts, returning with the same playful touch from the '60s and '90s, but styled uniquely for today. Designer labels such as Miu Miu and Versace have managed to bring these skirts back into the limelight, and people simply can't get enough of them.
Whether it is a denim mini skirt paired up with a cropped top and sneakers for a quick summer look, or a leather one with heels on a night out, the versatility of this piece of clothing never fails to impress.
Mini skirts have become a staple closet essential for Ananya Sondhi, a student in 12th grade. "I like to pair my mini skirts with stockings and wear them out, in order to make my outfits both modest and chic." She says.
"I love wearing denim mini skirts on summer days, as they help to keep me cool while making my outfit look good."
Y2K Fashion
Think crop tops, bright colours, low-rise jeans, miniskirts and bedazzled accessories. This loud style may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it can add a pop of colour and uniqueness to one's style.
With influences from pop stars like Britney Spears, the style of the vibrant era, blended with a sense of nostalgia results in a daring sense of fashion experimentation and self-expression that embraces a mix of 2000s pop culture and almost all the colours in the rainbow.
Y2K Fashion has taken the Dhaka fashion scene by storm, incorporating 'deshi' culture with the colourful world of the 2000s. Influencers have created different contemporary outfits, pairing sarees or kamizes with Y2K jewellery and accessories, and people love it.
In the world of fashion, nostalgia isn't just a feeling, it's haute couture. The fashion scene is like a massive recycling bin, which makes it oh-so easy to raid your mother's closet for her old clothes guilt-free (because when will she wear these clothes ever again!)
It proves to be sustainable too. Those butterfly clips from when you were younger that you stashed away - they're making a comeback, proving fashion has a knack for bringing back the most unexpected trends.
So, before you throw away those 'outdated' pieces, remember that they could be back in trend quicker than you can say 'throwback'!
