Retro Fashion Style : Discover the timeless charm!

Retro derives from the Latin prefix meaning “backwards or in past times”. Generally, we use the term to categorize any styles (art, deco, fashion etc.) that have been created in the past and refer to the new things that display characteristics of the past.

London designers first used the Retro Fashion style term to refer to a style that is consciously derivative or imitative of trends, modes, fashions, materials, techniques, or attitudes of the recent past. It generally implies that 20-40 years earlier, for example, clothing from the 1980s to 2000s could be retro. 

Retro fashion style invites you to explore modern interpretations of past trends, vibrant colors, bold patterns, and unique silhouettes that capture the essence of bygone eras while adding a contemporary twist. For instance, pairing a retro dress with accessories like knee high colored compression socks can provide both a nostalgic look and modern comfort.

Difference between "Retro" and "Vintage": Typically, the term Retro is given to items which are at least 20 years old (but not yet older than 40 years), meaning those were made between 1980 and 2000. Vintage generally represents style from 1920 to the 1980s. If it’s more than 100 years old, we call it "antique".

Vintage clothing is rated high in terms of style, pattern, material, and timelessness. On the other hand, retro-style clothing is likely to have a more polished and updated look. It means that those clothes are designed in the old style, but contemporary or new materials may be used. The concept of retro can be better defined as imitated and reproduced designs.

Please check the Vintage Fashion Style and Bohemian Fashion Style pages for more detail. 

Main Components:

1980 - 2000. A decade of bold style, extravagant designs, colours, and silhouettes and heaping amounts of permed hair and anything with shoulder pads.

Oversized Blazers & Shoulder Pads : Oversized colourful blazers with dramatic shoulder pads, belted jackets

Power Suits : Wider shoulders with the aid of padding and larger sleeves paired with pleated or plain skirts over tights or pantyhose as well as straight-cut trousers.

Flared and Bell Bottom Pants & Jeans : Bell-bottom pants with floral shirts, high waisted hip-huggers, flared jeans, leather pants

Neon Colours : Bold, neon colours, colour block style

Go Disco / Sequins : Disco fashion was defined by glamour, eccentricity, and decadence. Glam Sequins and tight-fitting clothing, wrap-around skirts, leotards, tube tops, jumpsuits and dancewear-inspired dresses made of form-fitting fabrics like spandex, heavy fur coats etc.

Acid Washed Denim : Slim-fitting or high-waisted mom jeans, jackets, denim skirts, shirts and shorts

High Waisted Jeans : Now commonly referred to as mom jeans, these high-rise jeans were so popular

Puffed sleeves : Puff sleeves are classic on dresses, blouses and jackets looking a 90s inspired spin

Overalls / Dungarees / Jumpsuits / Pinafores : Casual cotton overalls, jumpsuits, jumper dresses

Double Denim : The trend of pairing denim jackets with high-waisted jeans continues until the end of the 80s

Mini Skirts and Rara Skirts : Mini skirts were worn along with form-fitting sweaters and knee-high socks or boots. The ra-ra skirt is a short flounced layered skirt that originated in cheerleading.

Stirrups : Stirrup pants borrow the concept by having a strap of material at the end of the foot to hold the pants in place

Harem Pants : Long, baggy, with a very low drop-crotch and fitted at the ankle, harem pants were also known as the MC Hammer pants

Mock Necks: Mock neck, crew neck and turtleneck tops

Frills & Ruffles: Frills and ruffles are one of the most feminine fashion statements and became popular again

Polka Dots: Influenced by 1950s fashion, polka dot dresses, skirts and tops were worn by royalty and pop stars

Animal Prints: Animal print was also a popular choice in the eighties for both men and women, particularly leopard, zebra and snake. 

Groovy Prints: Mostly floral, artsy prints 

Slogan Tshirts: Statement tees, also called slogan t-shirts became popular after the anti-war 70s movements

Body Suits and Leotards: Women’s obsession with dance and exercise with fitness videos showcasing an extensive collection of bright colours bodysuits

Sweater Vests : Fitted sweater vests over flowy skirts or trousers

Sheepskin Coats : Also known as shearlings defined by their buttery exterior and fleecy interior

Accessories :Beaded necklaces, big earrings, a big stack of plastic or jelly colourful bracelets or bangles, lace gloves, fingerless gloves, headbands, thick belts, fanny packs

Leather Jackets :The most popular leather jacket styles had large, padded shoulders and were worn with the sleeves rolled up

Leg Warmers :Aerobic outfits, leggings, oversized sweaters, mini skirts, shorts, and skinny jeans for women were all garments that required legwarmers as a finishing touch

Style Followers : Kaia Gerber, Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner