Fashion is an ever-changing art form. The clothes in our wardrobe cycle in and out. Vintage styles are hotter than ever, and there is a lot of fashion history to cover when discussing the fine art of retro clothing.
So much of our fashion is influenced by decades ranging from the rockabilly styles of the 50s to the 80s to even more recently. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of women’s styles that are still very much on-trend in 2021.
Now when shopping for unique vintage looks, shoppers know that these looks were made to last with a mixture of high-quality and evergreen styles.
Y2K IS Here To Stay
One of the most prominent trends this year is Y2K fashion. Y2K fashion broadly covers the fashion from the late 90s and early 2000s. Staple pieces might include low-rise jeans, velour tracksuits, bright neon colors, and butterfly hair clips.
This style made its comeback thanks to Gen Z on various platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Younger Gen Z women with large social media followings brought the style back by acquiring thrifted vintage clothes and putting together outfits that pay homage to the Y2K era, and posting videos on their accounts showing them off.
The Y2K obsession is still going strong in 2021, so if this particular style is for you, you will not feel out of place.
A Y2K staple piece might include a floral satin tank top. Nothing screams early 2000s more than a satin tank top, whether it is a floral pattern, a solid color, or is lined with lace. You will very much look the part in a vintage satin tank.
Another classic look to try is the gaucho style pants of the early 2000s. Wide-leg pants are making a comeback in general. Just make sure the measurements work, as pants sizes are always changing.
Accessories are a crucial aspect of the Y2K fashion sphere. This can mean anything from butterfly hair clips to large square sunglasses or even a miniature sequined purse.
There is a lot of variety within Y2K fashion, making it relatively easy to acquire cool vintage finds to keep up this style. Gen Z has spoken: Y2K is hotter than ever. Make sure to add a sleek middle part and high-waisted mom jeans to fully own these retro styles.
Cottagecore
Another trend that is here to stay in 2021 is the cottagecore aesthetic. Cottagecore fashion is loosely defined as a style that aims to imitate the fashion of a simple, quiet rural lifestyle. Much of the fashion of this aesthetic is made up of looser garments, floral patterns, and frocks.
The best way to find cottagecore clothes is by shopping from thrift stores, as many garments from the mid 20th century align perfectly with cottagecore.
One of the more popular looks of the cottagecore fashion aesthetic is a white frock-like gown. These vintage style dresses tend to be loose-fitting, simple, and sometimes decorated with lace detail (polka dot lace is a chic alternative to the classic). This look is easily found while shopping vintage. For instance, take a white maxi dress with lace detailing. This dress silhouette is simple but elegant and very reflective of the cottagecore aesthetic.
Another common vintage cottagecore look are thrifted clothes with floral or gingham patterns. These two fun prints represent the quiet life vibes and the naturistic aspects of cottagecore. Oftentimes these patterns are found on dresses, blouses, or even aprons.
A great way to accessorize if you are adhering to the cottagecore lifestyle is with a larger belt or jewelry like an antique brooch. There is no one correct way to wear a brooch; attach it to your outfit wherever it suits you best. To best stay true to the cottagecore aesthetic, you might want to keep an eye peeled for a floral brooch.
Corsets Are In
Corsets have a rich history in fashion. Though corsets are primarily associated with the Victorian Era, the first one was invented in the 1500s and was used to keep the women’s torso straight and create a sharp waistline. Now, however, corsets have resurged into the fashion scene and are very 2021.
Though corsets used to be an indicator of class and helped keep the torso upright and pulled in, it is now a more widely accessible fashion trend.
Though there are some modern designers creating their own corsets, the best and most accessible way to get a corset of your own is to shop vintage. Vintage sellers have access to corsets that span numerous generations and styles.
For instance, by shopping for vintage outfits, you can have your own deadstock corset that dates back to the 1910s.
Another great vintage corset style is the bustier. You can own a bustier corset from the ‘70s. Corsets have a surprising amount of versatility in the way you can style them. They can be worn as a stand-alone top or layered with other garments.
Throw a blazer over your corset for a night out, or pair it with a 1950s leather jacket for a look that combines iconic eras. They are extremely trendy in the year 2021 and guarantee a stylish look this year.
'70s Flare
The ‘60s were famous for ushering in mod style: think mini skirts sets and beehive hair on Mad Men. After this movement, came the 1970s, another iconic fashion era.
It seems that certain decades are always rotating back into popularity. If you want to emulate the fashion trends of the ‘70s, think flared and fabulous.
One of the most iconic looks of the ‘70s is the flared pant look, and that is proving to be a continuing trend in modern-day women’s fashion. This flared pant is showing up everywhere: from social media to glossy magazines by the grocery store checkout stand.
Modern fashion is particularly taken with the flared nature of the ‘70s style. Another very popular trend in women’s fashion today are tops and dresses with flared sleeves. Walk out in a vintage ‘70s jumpsuit with flared sleeves and legs and hit play on your favorite Bee Gees album to fully live the vibes. For a whole different look, match plaid bell-bottom pants with 90s band t-shirts.
There is an abundance of vintage clothes from the ‘70s available for purchase, especially clothes that have that flared style, so feel free to grab yourself a pair of flared jeans—you’ll look right on trend.
Blasts From the Past
Modern fashion often looks to the past for inspiration, and that is especially true in 2021. The trends above have never been more popular. Either go for full-on 100% time period accuracy or throw in a fun mix. Fashion is all about self-expression, so don’t feel limited to any decade or era.
To really bring the past to the present, look for authentic vintage. A vintage reproduction might fit the styles, but full disclosure, these pieces can't match the kind of quality from decades past.
Sources:
Corsets in Context: A History | FAMSF
Cottagecore: What Is It And Why Is So Popular In 2021 | The Vou
What Is Y2K Fashion Anyway? A Guide to Early Aughts Style and How to Wear It Now | Yahoo