How is nostalgia playing a role in today's fashion industry?

by Eve Ghuloum

How is nostalgia playing a role in today's fashion industry? Most recently fashion trends have been from the past, now why is that? Biker shorts, chunky tennis shoes, and neon are all examples of trends that have resurfaced from the past and have since become the new fad. 

This sudden nostalgic movement isn’t only in fashion; it has also made its way into the film industry, shows such as Stranger Things, I Am not OK with This, and Everything Sucks. All of these shows have taken inspiration from films of the past like Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day off, and Clueless. The grunge or “E-Boy” style is also becoming very popular for males especially. 

Going forward, experts say that these nostalgic trends are ideal for teens and tweens. These old trends seem new to them because they were not born at that time. But for millennials, it’s a little bit different, they remember the 90s and 00s, so their inspiration roots more from memories. Having more access to their earlier life memories has also made it easier than ever to draw direct inspiration from the past.  Their fond memories of these times may make them more inclined to purchase something that is reminiscent of that time. 

A few of the main trends coming back from the 2000s (sometimes referred to as Y2k) fashion are bright greens and pinks, shoulder bags, low rise jeans, bedazzled graphic tees, and lacey crop tops. As of right now, the 90s and 2000s are kind of being blended through fashion and different things are being pulled from each. 

Now more than ever, people are forming their own definition of what fashion and style are to them, so shopping at the click of a mouse pad has made it easier for people to branch out and be unique. This creative ability has kind of brought to light the concept of everything being relative. You might think that my shirt is ugly and simple but someone else might think it's the best thing they’ve ever seen.