Fashion staples from the last century that you need to have in your wardrobe today

We’ve all heard that fashion is cyclical, and that every trend that is deemed old fashioned will come back sooner or later. Flared or low waisted jeans, Y2K fashion, chokers: all of these trends have come and gone, but they’ve always returned, which implies that, in addition to the basics, you should have some stylish trendy items in your closet to create more interesting outfits. Let’s have a look at some prominent 20th-century fashion staples that will make a great and long-lasting investment in your wardrobe.

The 50s: pearls and cable knit sweaters

Because the 1950s were all about elegance, femininity, and grace, it’s no surprise that the most popular apparel and accessories were the basic crew neck sweaters worn by both men and women and the pearl necklaces. Both of these pieces are timeless classics that should be in everyone’s closet. The pearls add a nice touch to any outfit, and the sweater is a wonderful, snug, and stylish garment to wear on a daily basis. If you’re looking for similar garments, ladies merino sweaters knit with Aran stitching will look just as wonderful on you as Merlin Monroe’s did on her in the 1950s.

The 1960s: pillbox hats and babydoll dresses

Femininity and elegance were still prevalent in the 1960s, but not in the conventional sense observed in the previous decade. Jacqueline Kennedy, the first lady of the United States at the time, is still regarded as one of the most stylish first ladies in history, and it was she who popularized the now-iconic pillbox hat. These headpieces are still fashionable, especially when worn with elegant outfits during the winter months. And, since the 1960s were the decade of Twiggy, boyish body types, and short skirts, babydoll dresses, particularly the colorful, vibrant ones, were at their peak of popularity, and are still worn today, particularly by the teenagers and young adults.

The 1970s: floral shirts and knit dresses

The 1970s are remembered for their vibrant shirts, flared pants, and big belts, as well as hippies, music festivals, and bold patterns. Floral shirts have been at their peak of demand, with both men and women wearing them in areas where the sun shines all year. They’re still a great choice for a vacation outfit or a Hawaiian-themed party.  Dresses, especially tiny dresses, also were highly fashionable throughout that decade since the feminine component of fashion had not been lost. New styles, such as warm, comfortable knit dresses, have been quite popular, especially in bright hues like orange, yellow, red, and greed, as opposed to the ones we’ve seen so far. Today, such a dress together with some tights and a fit turtleneck would make a wonderful autumn outfit.

The 1980s- jackets/ blazers with shoulder pads and straight leg high rise jeans

In the 1980s, fashion went a whole new direction, unlike anything we’d ever seen before. Many of today’s trends are exact copies or inspirations of those from that decade. Straight leg high rise denim jeans, for example, have remained extremely popular in both men’s and women’s fashion since then, despite its ups and downs. From being paired with crop tops to white button-ups, these garments are perfect for both a walk in the park and a job interview. For women, the jackets and blazers with shoulder pads took the spotlight. Artists, singers, fashion icons, as well as regular fashionistas have all been wearing them to accentuate their beautiful bodies and today they are especially popular with crop tops and biker shorts.

The 1990s: plaid sets and leather jacket

When Clueless first aired in the middle of the 1990s, Cher’s famous yellow plaid set played quickly became one of the most desired garments for all young girls. These sets, both the classy and the colorful ones, became a staple of the decade that was worn everywhere: to school, work, and on nights out. On the other side of the spectrum, black leather jackets both big oversized and shorter ones became highly trendy. Jennifer Lopez, Winona Ryder, Jennifer Aniston were all fashion icons of the decade who wore those garments. Today, no wardrobe is complete without a high quality leather jacket that will last you for many years.