Fargo Fashion | What’s Old is New Again

GABBY HARTZE & KEYONA ELKINS | PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
Can’t choose a favorite fashion decade? You don’t have to! Looks from the ‘60s, ‘70s and
‘90s are all back in style.

Fashion is cyclical. Styles from certain time periods often come back as trends, but it’s rare that three decades will take a hold of fashion at the same time. This season, runways, magazines and stores are filled with looks inspired by the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘90s (the ‘80s have yet to make a full-fledged comeback – thank God.)

It can be easy to get stuck in a rut of wearing your favorite basic sweaters and skinny jeans, so every once in a while it’s fun to step out of your comfort zone and play with fashion trends, especially when they involve a little bit of history.

The secret to successfully pulling off a vintage inspired look is to not take the trend too literally. Use fashion from decades past as inspiration, and pick out certain elements and pieces that speak to you and fit your personal style.

In the early ‘60s, mod styles came into fashion. They consisted of A-line dresses, miniskirts, go-go boots and op art prints. You can channel the mods by wearing dresses and skirts in boxy shapes and bold colors. The ‘60s look was very clean and intentional, so choose pieces in either graphic prints or minimalistic solids, and keep the silhouettes unfitted and simple. You can accessorize with chunky heeled boots and gold jewelry in geometric shapes.

Your ‘70s style muse could come from one of two groups: hippies or rockers. Hippies wore loose printed blouses, maxi skirts and pieces with patchwork and fringe detail. Rockers of the era are better remembered for wearing leather jackets, fur and suede vests, denim bell-bottoms and thin scarves. These unique styles mix well together. For example, throwing a leather jacket with a fur collar over a peasant blouse printed in earthy tones makes for an eclectic ‘70s inspired ensemble. Try topping off flare jeans with a touch of vintage texture; something with shearling, fur, crochet, embroidery, piecing or fringe will act as a subtle nod to the decade.

Grunge took over in the early ‘90s. Plaid shirts, loose dresses, oversized sweaters and torn faded jeans made angst and apathy a sought after aesthetic. Contrast was a major element of ‘90s style, so mix opposites like slinky slip dresses and tough combat boots or edgy leather and delicate floral prints. For a simpler take on the trend, try the best fashion-meets-function style trick to emerge from the ‘90s and tie a flannel shirt or fleece sweatshirt around your waist. To accessorize, add a few punk elements like chokers, safety pins, studs and spikes.

Fashion allows you to experiment with different versions of yourself. With a simple outfit change, you can become a coy ‘60s mod, an earthy ‘70s rocker, or an angsty ‘90s punk. Each of these styles helped define a generation and identify the groups of people who wore them. Looks this powerful can change your attitude and outlook for the day just as easily as they can score you a few compliments on the way to class.