Sometimes the best way to stay on trend is to look to fads of the past for inspiration. These days, many of the most desirable looks actually derive from vintage trends.
As fickle as fashion may seem, styles that once fell out of fashion are back on in full swing. The 90’s grunge look no longer belongs to just the ’90s. Modern men’s fashion takes great inspiration from that era, as well as many other decades of clothes.
If you are someone with a flair for all things vintage, you will want to learn more about the best trends for men to shop for in 2021.
'90s Grunge
The ’90s were a decade defined by the introduction of the internet, pop music, and most notably, the grunge era. Grunge was an aesthetic, primarily represented by darker music and more laid-back fashion. This was a rejection of the 80’s glam that dominated the previous decade.
Grunge fashion was a huge movement. This aesthetic was especially dominated by men, with Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain being the poster boy of the movement.
90’s nostalgia has greatly taken over modern fashion, and the grunge style that dominated that decade is once again hugely popular in men’s fashion.
You, too, can revel in 90’s nostalgia and channel your inner Kurt Cobain with a vintage flannel shirt. Flannel shirts are one of the most notorious garments of the grunge scene. A vintage oversized flannel will be a necessary addition to your closet if you want to fully encapsulate the grunge vibe.
Worn-out band t-shirts or tees with punk-like graphics were another staple of grunge fashion. To master this, simply grab a vintage 90’s punk t-shirt, and you’ll be well on your way to nailing the 90s fashion style.
Yet another iconic aspect of the grunge look was a general affinity towards cardigan sweaters. Often layered with a graphic t-shirt underneath, a cardigan was a common garment in a grunge kid’s closet.
You can perfect your grunge wardrobe with the addition of a vintage cardigan sweater. This is a great way to stay cozy while also nailing the hippest vibes.
Grunge is super “in” for men again in 2021, so pop on a moody mixtape and grab a vintage flannel shirt and you’ll nail the 90’s fad.
Western Style
Western films dominated Holywood for a period of time, but especially between the 1930s and the 1970s. The American cowboy trope was a phenomenon that played a huge role in not only film and television but also in men’s fashion.
Primarily in the ’60s and ’70s, much of men’s clothing was designed to emulate that of the stereotypical cowboy.
History tends to repeat itself, and that couldn’t be more true of the current trend towards the cowboy aesthetic. The western style is being revived in men’s fashion, and now you can shop the iconic trend to stay up to date on the most desirable looks.
Possibly the most iconic aspect of the western look are cowboy boots. You don’t have to wear the full cowboy attire to rock a pair of cowboy boots either. Simply buy a nice pair of vintage leather boots, and you have locked down the most key element of the western aesthetic.
Western button-up shirts are another fun aspect of the style making a comeback. These shirts are great because they really lend themselves to exploring new patterns and finding ways to express yourself.
For instance, a great way to play with this look is to purchase a vintage paisley button up. The pattern on this button up is busy and colorful. It is a great way to honor the western look while experimenting with cool patterns.
A subtle but stylish way to honor western fashion is with a vintage western belt or belt buckle. Belts are a great way to accessorize without being too flashy but still adding a fun flair to an outfit. Western belts are very popular today, and with a quality vintage one, you will look perfectly current.
You do not have to be attending a rodeo to rock the western fashion trend. Today, all it takes is a solid pair of cowboy boots and a vintage western button up, and you will look as fashionable as ever.
Punk Revival
The subculture of punk emerged on the music scene in the late ’70s with the British band the Sex Pistols. From then on, it became a pop culture movement that defined the rest of the 1970s and much of the ’80s too.
The punk movement was characterized by rebellion, dark themes, and hard rock. Though punk often refers to just the genre of music, fashion was widely influenced by the subculture as well.
In 2021, post-punk and pop-punk are widely popular genres. With the rise of punk once again comes the revival of the iconic punk fashion that existed heavily in the ’70s and ’80s.
Mohawks will not be necessary to rock the punk revival fashion, but instead, perhaps grab a vintage pair of combat military boots to start.
Combat boots no longer belonged to just officers and factory workers but were being repurposed to match the heavy, rocker vibe of the punk scene. Combat boots are widely regaining popularity today, so grabbing a pair will be a great start to dressing for the punk style.
Punk fashion was basically made up of anything and everything dark and symbolic of rebellion. Therefore, if you want to emulate vintage punk fashion in 2021, a vintage leather jacket is another excellent place to start. Leather jackets are reminiscent of motorcycles and being “bad,” so it is a perfect look for anyone trying to revive punk fashion.
The fashion that defined the punk era of the ‘70s and ‘80s is making a huge comeback, and you too can hop on the trend. Whip out some leather and combat boots, and you will look as stylish as ever based on today’s standards and the standards of the vintage punk scene.
Vintage Is the New Modern
Vintage trends frequently cycle back into style over time, and that is certainly true of modern men’s fashion. Many of the past fads are making huge resurgences, and you will not want to fall behind on the best vintage looks to wear in 2021.
90’s grunge, western style, and the punk fashion of the ’70s and ’80s are all widely popular again. For once, do not put the past behind you; revel in your nostalgia and rock those vintage looks that defined past decades. You’ll find that they are cooler than ever.
Sources:
Things That Defined Your Life in the 90s | Goliath