The ‘80s and ‘90s are alive this spring, and for my fellow women who lived through this decade, you may feel as though you’re having a flashback. What’s next, mall bangs and charm necklaces? Fear not, while trends that were hot then are back now, they have returned in a very wearable manner. Here’s some tips on how to wear some of these blast-from-the-past fashion trends without repeating history.
Neon
The last time I wore neon, I was in elementary school and thought I would DIE if I didn’t own a pair of Jams. So when this trend returned, I swore I wouldn’t hop on it. And then I saw how very wearable this trend can be.
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With neon, a little goes a very long way. Use it as an accent for the neutrals already in your closet – a chartreuse skinny belt over a gray sheath dress, an electric orange blouse with tan trousers, a shocking pink statement necklace peeking out of the collar of a crisp white shirt.
Even if you dive head-first into the neon waters, keep this retro trend modern by tempering it with neutrals - white, cream, tan, gray and even olive keep these electrified hues looking fresh and even appropriate for the office.
Pastel Denim
I can still remember the issue of Teen Magazine that featured pastel denim – pages of young girls in sherbet-colored skinny jeans with matching oversized jackets and puffy hi-top sneakers. I begged my mother mercilessly until she caved and got me a pair of powder-pink jeans and a matching Henley.
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Pastel denim has returned, but in a far more refined and sophisticated manner. Instead of wearing one color from head to toe (or a pastel Texas Tuxedo), it is a wonderful alternative to chinos, cropped pants, and winter’s brighter-colored jeggings. Pair with a white blazer and tan heeled sandals for a modern alternative to the Casual Friday look; freshen up a striped tee or simple knit tank for weekends.
Florals
The ‘90s was a big time for big flowers, be they cabbage roses on a Laura Ashley frock or vintage prints on a grunge babydoll dress. Such floral prints are back, bigger and bolder than ever.
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While the floral prints of the ‘90s were feminine, vintage-inspired, and quaint, the floral prints of 2012 are bold and brazen. Oversized prints, bold colors, and clashing of florals are the hot look this season. Look for floral prints in crisp silhouettes – cropped trousers and structured blazers take center stage. A floral cropped pant is surprisingly versatile – wear with a blazer and pumps for the office, with a slouchy tank and platform sandals for the weekend, with a contrasting floral blouse or jacket and heels for a night out on the town.
What is your favorite trend for Spring 2012? What blast-from-the-past trend are you planning on adopting this season?
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