20 Vintage Fashion Trends That Have Made a Major Comeback

Vintage Style is Back!

By Little Things, Purple Clover

Check out some of the classic styles that fell out of fashion for a brief while but have returned in all their vintage glory and are once again in vogue. From full circle skirts that fall below the knee to wiggle dresses that were de rigueur in the 1940s and '50s, these fashion trends have proven to withstand the test of time. Here are some of our absolute favorites.

Circle Skirts

Circle skirts were a prim lady's style staple in the 1950s. Not much has changed these days as modern-day gals are still rocking this classic piece but updating it with a more modern edge by adding cute, current accents like a fun felt beret and cool leather accessories.

Crop Tops

Designers have been reinventing the crop top ever since it became popular as part of two-piece matching sets in the 1930s and '40s. Crop tops have since come back every single decade in new and different iterations.

Pussy-Bow Blouses

The pussy-bow blouse was incredibly popular attire for true '80s ladies. Though these feminine tops were often made in uncomfortable synthetic materials, the latest versions can be found in more comfortable cottons, linens, and silks and still look great with a slim pencil skirt or wide-leg trouser for work.

White Shirt Dresses

This minimalist look will never go out of style due to its clean lines and classic silhouette.

Aviator Sunglasses

Whether Italy in the 1950s or current day, nothing makes a couple look as cool as matching wire-rimmed sunglasses with a tinted lens.

Bishop Sleeves

The bishop sleeve is recognizable due to its full, voluminous sleeve and fitted cuff for a dramatic effect.

Peasant Blouses

Peasant blouses were popular in the 1970s and came in all sorts of fun florals. Luckily, this carefree style isn't going anywhere.

Head Scarves

There are so many different ways to tie a head scarf to add some vintage charm to your look. Just pick a pretty print you love, and go for it!

Duster Coats

Dusters are full-length coats that fell out of fashion for a while but are now back and better than ever. Those dramatic dames from the 1800s definitely knew what they were doing to elevate their cold-weather ensembles.

Black Leather Jackets

Punks and motorcyclists used to be the only ones wearing black leather jackets with metal hardware, but the ever-edgy look has been seamlessly appropriated into everyday street style.

Bell Bottoms

Bell bottoms actually came onto the scene as a naval design for sailors but quickly wound up permeating trend culture in the '70s. We have since brought them back into fashion and are coming up with new ways to rock this far-out look all the time!

Mini Dresses

The mini dress was a super-scandalous mod style that made appearances at every go-go dance from Akron to London. We're so glad it's back!

Platform Shoes

Elton John and glam rockers were notable wearers of this heightened shoe style, but now platforms have made a comeback, and the stage isn't the only place to find them anymore.

Cat-Eye Frames

Everyone is familiar with Frenchy's famous cat-eye lenses in the classic musical "Grease," but these funky frames are back on the scene, and we're obsessed!

Wiggle Dresses

Everyone remembers Marilyn Monroe and the iconic wiggle dresses she wore in films like "The Seven Year Itch." Luckily, this flattering style has returned in all its glory, and we're seeing it all over the place on runways and sidewalks alike.

Corsets

Corsetry was invented in France in the late 16th century. These restrictive structures were worn under a woman's clothing to shape her body. Thankfully, we've created slightly less restrictive versions that can be worn as a top or as an accessory to add a little glamour to an otherwise basic look.

Mom Jeans

Mom jeans were a punchline until a few years ago when the coolest trendsetters brought them back into the limelight, and they're looking better than ever!

Faux Fur Coats

Faux fur coats were all the rage in the 1970s, and we've really explored all possible iterations of this funky cold-weather staple!

Wide Brim Felt Hats

They've been keeping cowboys warm for many years, but the wide-brim felt hat is having a major resurgence in the fashion realm.

Shoulder Pads

Shoulder pads were very popular in the 1930s and '40s to create an exaggerated hourglass figure that was feminine and put together. Unfortunately, they got a bit out of control in the '80s, but we've finally figured out how to tame them, and don't they look chic?

Now that you know all of these trends are back in style, are you going to be digging through the back of your closet and wearing any old items from your past?