In fashion, what goes around often comes back around. From bold prints to iconic silhouettes, many trends from the past have resurfaced in recent years, some of them rather surprising. We’ve been surprised by the delightful return of friendship bracelets from our childhoods thanks to Taylor Swift, and so thought we’d take a look around… what else has made a comeback while we weren’t looking?
1. Friendship Bracelets
Let’s start with our inspiration for this article and talk about the friendship bracelets that have made a big comeback thanks to the pick-up from the masses of Swifties. They were inspired by some lyrics on her recent album Midnights, which encouraged them… “So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it” and they’ve completely embraced this.
This trend quickly gained traction as fans enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to express their love for Swift’s music in a tangible and creative way. The act of crafting these personalized bracelets became not only a form of artistic expression but also a communal experience, with fans sharing photos of their creations on social media platforms and forming connections with fellow Swifties around the world.
2. Initial Jewellery
There’s also been a revival of initial jewellery which is also distinctly nostalgic. Necklaces and bracelets with our initials on them were for so long associated primarily with childhood jewelry, but initial jewelry has undergone a sophisticated revival, appealing to a mature audience seeking to add a personal touch to their attire.
Part of this trend has been fueled by a desire for individuality and self-expression, as well as a yearning for simpler times reminiscent of childhood keepsakes. What sets this revival apart is the emphasis on craftsmanship and quality materials, elevating initial jewelry elegant and timeless accessories. Whether crafted from delicate gold, sterling silver, or adorned with sparkling gemstones, these pieces exude a sense of sophistication and refinement.
The resurgence of initial jewelry also likely reflects a broader cultural shift towards self-love and empowerment. By wearing their own initials close to their hearts, people celebrate their identity, affirm their worth, and honor the connections that shape their lives.
3. Bucket Hats
It almost seems too soon to be thinking of the 90’s as nostalgia, but we’re beginning to see celebrities, musicians, and fashion influencers wearing bucket hats again. These hats had incredibly humble beginnings as practical headwear worn by fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts and surged in popularity as a piece of streetwear in the 90s worn by artists like LL Cool J and The Notorious B.I.G.
Now, we’re seeing bucket hats again worn by Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and others, bringing the style back. Fashion designers and streetwear brands have quickly picked on the trend, offering a diverse array of bucket hat styles in various materials, prints, and colors to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From classic cotton iterations to trendy animal prints and luxe leather finishes, bucket hats are available in a multitude of options to suit every wardrobe and occasion.
4. Mom Jeans
Nobody is more surprised than we are to see Gen Z embracing mom jeans. Part of this resurgence is likely thanks growing appetite for vintage-inspired fashion among millennials and younger consumers. Celebrities and fashion influencers have also embraced the trend, wearing mom jeans in their daily outfits and sharing their looks on social media platforms like Instagram. Fashion brands have capitalized on the trend by offering modern interpretations of classic mom jeans, incorporating stretch denim and updated silhouettes to cater to contemporary tastes.
And honestly, while this feels like something we all may have wanted to resist in theory, mom jeans are quite comfortable. They’re a very clear counterpoint to skinny jeans and with the right fit can still offer a very flattering silhouette! When you break it all down, maybe it’s no surprise they’ve made a comeback.
5. Tie Dye
Tie dye is back, but this is one that shouldn’t be a surprise. It’s a trend that’s been back again and again, nearly every decade it seems. Perhaps it never left?
Certainly part of the repeated comeback for tie dye is its association with nostalgia and the revival of 1960s and 1970s counterculture aesthetics. It’s an evergreen nod nod to the free-spirited ethos of past decades, appealing to a desire for authenticity and individuality. The pieces can also evoke a comfy DIY vibe that’s both versatile and sustainable as well, not to mention comfortable. Lately we’ve seen it on Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, as wellas singers like Madison Beer and Ariana Grande.
What’s Next?
Anything is possible. Are we all going to start wearing fanny packs again? Or parachute pants and windbreakers? It’s hard to say what the younger generations and new designers will bring back to us again. If there’s one streak that remains constant in fashion and clothing, perhaps it’s nostalgia itself. We look forward to embracing whatever is next (but maybe let’s say no to fanny packs!).
