What goes around, comes around — particularly when it comes to fashion.
While some trends seem gone for good (stirrup pants, anyone?), take a look around and you’ll see lots of returning styles, albeit with a modern twist. For Chatelaine‘s 85th anniversary, editors took a look back through previous fashion features and noticed quite a few trends that are actually quite current.
The magazine’s assistant fashion editor Tyler Franch took us through a few of those trends, and explains how they’ve been updated for today.
Polka dots: In the late 1950s it wasn’t uncommon to see a polka dot dress layered with a cardigan over top. Polka dots are very current, and a cute mini-dress is a great way to wear them, even now. Paired with a light cardigan, a thin belt, and a pair of cute heels, it’s a great look for summer.
The update: a non-matchy cardigan. Try a contrasting colour — for example mint green over a cherry-red dress.
Suiting: There weren’t as many options for women in the 1960s, so suits were matching, in a small variety of colours, generally grey and black.
The update: There are so many styles of blazers, pants, skirts and tops for women now, so feel free to mix it up! Try a blue top with a striped skirt, and a navy blazer. Prints, bold colours, it’s all good! That way you can pair the items with other things and get the most out of your wardrobe.
Pajama pants: We might find this trend a bit out there, but in the 1970s pajama pants were definitely trend-worthy. And you might be surprised to learn that they’re back. But there are a few keys to pulling this challenging look off.
The update: To avoid them from looking like something you’d literally wear to bed, you want to stick with silky, flowy fabric, but look for a bit of structure. Pockets, a good waistband, and a suit-style pant cuff (no elastic bottom). That helps to give the look a bit of sophistication.
Menswear-inspired: In the 1980s, it was all about power dressing. High-waisted pleated pants, jackets, shoulder pads, big chunky bangles. We’d rather not re-live all that. However…
The update: Gone are the shoulder pads and box pleats — today’s suits are streamlined and fitted. A good rule of thumb is to go either big on top/small on bottom or small on top/bigger in the bottom. So a fitted blazer with a wide-leg pant, or a looser-fitting jacket with a cigarette pant. Find feminine touches, such as a sexy shoe or a hot pink lip.