It seems like fashion trends change so frequently that it can be hard to keep up with them. When we look at trends over the past century, it’s amazing just how much clothing and accessories have changed.
The fun thing about fashion trends is they often come back around. There are plenty of trends that have made a comeback over the years. In modern times, we’ve seen trends from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s show up over and over again.
Even if something isn’t in style, you’re free to wear whatever style you choose, but some items may be more difficult to find if they haven’t been trendy for years. If you’re looking for fashion trends from bygone times, you can find clothing and accessories at some thrift stores and vintage clothing stores.
While clothing used to be solely designed for practicality, many of the modern conceptions of fashion design started in the 1800s. Fashion, like many other human inventions, has changed and adapted over time to fit the changing styles of men and women across the globe.
Many fashion trends should never come back, but there are also many trends we want to wear again. From the classic white Keds to the elegant look of Mary Janes, the past century of fashion has led to many trends we’d love to see again.
To determine the fashion trends that should make a comeback, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous lifestyle and entertainment sources, including Vogue, InStyle and GQ. We looked at various fashion trends over the past century and compared which trends have made a comeback and which have stayed in the past. (After this article, check out 12 Outdated Fashion Trends That Seem Bizarre Today.)
Here are 10 fashion trends from the past we want to wear again.
Legwarmers
- Popular in the 1980s
Legwarmers are a trend that has come back periodically, but you don’t see them as much anymore. These leg coverings were originally worn by dancers, but they became a fashion trend in the 1980s and women started wearing them in different colors and patterns. You can wear leg warmers over pants or tights, or simply wear them with boots to keep your legs warm.
Mary Janes
- Popular in the 1920s
Mary Janes were a type of shoe originally designed for children. These round-toed shoes, most often seen in black, were a popular choice for school girls who needed comfortable and classy footwear. However, they became popular with young women in the 1920s, leading to this style of shoe being designed in various colors and heel sizes.
White Keds
- Popular in the 1980s
Keds have been one of the top choices for women’s casual footwear for over 100 years. Their canvas shoes were the first to be known as sneakers and they’ve been worn by celebrities and athletes all over. The classic white keds became popular in the ‘80s, especially after Baby, played by Jennifer Grey, was spotted wearing them in her role in “Dirty Dancing.”
Cloche Hats
- Popular in the 1920s
Cloche hats are felt hats in the shape of a bell. These hats were a popular women’s fashion trend in the 1920s. Some styles were plain while others were adorned with brooches, feathers or scarves. The name “cloche” also comes from the French word for bell, which comes from the shape of the hat. These hats also became a popular trend for flappers in the 1920s, which paired well with their bob haircuts.
Victory Suits
- Popular in the 1940s
Victory suits were a type of women’s suit that came in a wide range of colors. This two-piece suit was popular during wartime and could be worn to work or during a night out. Unlike many of the pant suits women wear in modern fashion, the victory suit included a skirt and a jacket, which gave it a professional and feminine look. Although the name “victory suit” had a patriotic meaning in the United States, the same type of women’s suit was known as a utility suit elsewhere.
Pleated Skirts
- Popular in the 1920s
Pleated skirts first became popular in the 1920s when women would pair them with blouses, especially those with a sailor collar. In the ‘20s, pleated skirts would typically stop just below the knee and were considered everyday wear. Over time, these types of skirts got progressively shorter and the pleated skirt soon became associated with the “school girl” look as part of school uniforms.
High-Waisted Pants
- Popular in the 1950s
High-waisted pants have come and gone multiple times over the past 70 years. When jeans started to become more common for women in the 1950s, high-waisted jeans became popular. This style was flattering for most women. This trend came back in the ‘80s along with acid-wash denim. We’ve seen high-waisted styles in the 2000s as well, which many prefer to low-waisted jeans.
Playsuits
- Popular in the 1940s-1950s
When you look at the history of women’s swimwear, anything before the 1920s looks downright terrifying and dangerous. By the 1920s and 30s, bathing suits started to become more practical and stylish for women. During this time, the first designs of the playsuit were created. This type of one-piece swimsuit was popular during the 1940s and 50s for both swimming and physical activities.
Poodle Skirts
- Popular in the 1950s
The term poodle skirt doesn’t just describe a style — poodle skirts often had the design of a poodle on them. However, these felt skirts could have other designs and patterns as well. This retro style is one of the most recognizable trends in women’s fashion to come out of the 1950s and they were often modeled by celebrities and movie stars.
Pencil Skirts
- Popular in the 1950s
The pencil skirt is an incredibly versatile item of clothing that was first popular in the 1950s and 60s. This type of skirt was worn by icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. The original pencil skirts were so tight it was challenging for women to walk in them. However, they became looser over time as the designs changed. (Next, dive into Trends That Should Go Out of Style in 2024.)