There is no fast-fashion sin so egregious that a subsequent generation won't rediscover it and adapt it to their style. You would think that younger generations would learn from the missteps of previous ones and steer clear of velvet collars, the head-to-toe denim look, platform sneakers and neon-colored jackets with puffer coats. However, the fashion world seems to be stuck in an endless loop. And so, in 2019, designers are once again offering us the latest fashion trends from times gone by.
In the spirit of slow fashion, we welcome these rediscovered trends and welcome them into the present. After all, nothing is more sustainable than giving old garments a new lease of life and transforming outdated styles into modern designs with just a few tweaks. We tell the story of three vintage pieces that have successfully reinvented themselves and continue to enrich the fashion world.
Then:
Flared pants were chic when Jane Birkin wore them in the 1960s, sexy when Farah Fawcett wore them in the 1970s and cool when Kate Moss wore them in the 1990s. Then flared trousers, which created long legs and a bubble butt, disappeared for a very, very long time. Anyone who's ever stalked through a muddy and slushy field in bell bottoms at a festival (Woodstock night owls, you're meant!) or totally ruined the hem of their jeans knows that flare jeans aren't the most practical cut of pants.
Today:
A true fashionista is of course not deterred by this. So it's no surprise that flared jeans are making a comeback. For decades, skinny, mom and boyfriend jeans were all the rage. Today, figure-flattering flared jeans are back, as influencers Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian demonstrate. The fact that even Mrs. Yeezy has given in to the style proves that this style puts the butt in the spotlight. Consider yourself lucky if you can get your hands on a pair of first-class vintage jeans. Pair them with tight-fitting tops and block-heeled shoes to show off your legs and bum in the best possible way.
Then:
Cycling shorts look back on a less colorful history. Long before the term “athleisure” even existed, they were considered practical sportswear. They are certainly not the kind of item that you would have thought would be back in fashion decades later as a retro design. Elastane was celebrated as an innovation when it found its way into professional cycling in the 1970s and also won over amateur cyclists in the 1980s. It was not until the 1990s that the new, stretchy and slightly shiny material spilled over from the world of sport into the world of fashion. Designers tried their hand at it and added a new creation to the endlessly long fast fashion list.
Today:
Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang and Chanel all agree that it's time to give cycling shorts a second chance. Celebrities and influencers are literally racing to show off their tanned legs in the new cycling shorts.
Styling is the be-all and end-all. Here are three looks to breathe new life into this fashion trend in style. Wear your cycling shorts to the office with a shirt and a blazer with a waist belt. Throw on a super short mini dress before heading to the club in the evening. Combine a casual band T-shirt and denim jacket with your cycling shorts for brunch at the weekend. Give your look that certain something with a 1990s accessory: hair tie, belt bag and sock boots.
Then:
Since the 1960s, skin-revealing outfits were generally accepted and crop tops have been in fashion ever since. They undoubtedly celebrated their heyday in the 1990s. Teen stars like Britney Spears topped off the look with matching dance moves.
Today:
The main difference from back then? The evolution of positive body image and the multitude of styling options have made the once intimidating look acceptable for all silhouettes and sizes. The best thing? The crop top is sure to serve you well for many years to come and is a must-have in any slow fashion collection.
Image credits:
Header image: Nabile Quenum/Blaublut-Edition.com
Image of woman walking across the street in flared jeans:Alexandra Chaulaud/Blaublut-Edition.com
Image of woman in black bike shorts holding red bag: TheUrbanspotter/Blaublut-Edition.com
Image of woman in blue tied crop top: Frenchy Style/Blaublut-Edition.com
Fashion basics are not the only things that can be transformed. Dylon is also making a change towards more sustainability. Follow the journey here.