By: Alexandra Keshishian | @alexxkeshishian

As we constantly change the way we dress, trends are always going out of style, but eventually tend to make their way back in. Recently, the trend cycle has been moving at a significantly faster pace than we have ever seen before, resulting in the oversaturation of fast fashion. Now, more than ever, we have been diverting back to trends that were already popular 10, 20, 40, and even hundreds of years ago! Although they are making a return, it is not necessarily in the same way we have seen in the past. Here is a deeper look into some of the biggest recycled trends circulating today.

Low-Rise

Arguably the new “basic,” low-rise everything is in style right now. Skirts, pants, shorts– regardless of the garment, if it feels slightly too low for comfort, you're headed in the right direction. Most of us would associate this trend with the 90s and 2000s era of fashion; however, it was first introduced in everyday fashion when Irene Kasmer created hip huggers in 1956, gaining popularity with hippies in the mid to late 60s.

In 1996, Alexander Mcqueen debuted the “bumsters,” a pant that was meant to sit significantly lower on the body, hence the name. This then led to Tom Ford creating a similar style of pants at Gucci, and soon after, everyone was rocking low-rise. With the rise of the Y2K aesthetic, many trends have resurfaced in the 2020s, but I’d argue that this one has had the greatest chokehold on us.

Not only are we seeing it back in our everyday wardrobes, but many luxury fashion houses are reverting to this trend as well, like Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Versace, Fendi, and Coperni, just to name a few. When it comes to styling low-waisted bottoms, anything goes! Whether it be a cropped or longer style top, jacket, sweater, or perhaps just a bra, it truly has the potential to look good with almost anything.

Corsets

As undergarments have slowly become more acceptable as outerwear, it should come as no surprise that corsets have taken over. First introduced by Catherine de Medici in France in the 1500s, the corset is an elongated laced bodice designed to be worn underneath clothing to accentuate the waist. It definitely wasn’t comfortable, and probably not something women at the time pictured themselves wearing without clothing covering it; however, corsets are now being worn with almost everything.

Although they never exactly left fashion, they were completely reintroduced when Netflix’s Bridgerton became the hottest show in 2020, resulting in this undergarment being found all over Pinterest and Tiktok. As time has gone on, we have begun playing around with the idea of corsets again, styling them in various ways. Most popularly, you will see these being worn with a pair of pants like jeans, or a mini skirt; corset-style dresses have become hugely popular as well. From the runway to a high school prom, and now to the streets of LA, we cannot escape corsets.

Vests

A trend that originated in menswear, vests of all types have made a huge resurgence in the past three years. Originating in the 1600-1700s, later referred to as waistcoats, women began wearing them in rebellion against gender norms. They have lasted through time. These “waistcoats” have recently become huge in women’s fashion, implementing themselves as a staple piece for anyone, both casual and formal.

In comparison to many trends that have previously been introduced, vests have stayed relatively solid in fashion. Around the 1950s, sweater vests became a popular layering piece, and remain to be so today. They are often viewed as “preppy” and slightly more chic if styled properly. It was in the 1970s when both men and women began partaking in this trend, and it is definitely still popular for both genders today. Regardless of type, vests will likely never go out of style, becoming a timeless piece in your wardrobe.

Uggs

If you asked me a few years ago, I’d probably be under the impression that we wouldn’t be bringing uggs back as a fashion trend—however, I stand corrected. Australian surfer Brian Smith arrived in Southern California in 1978 and created the Classic Ugg boot out of sheepskin. They gained huge traction in the 2000s, as almost every celebrity was seen rocking them on a day-to-day basis.

In 2022, these shoes made a huge comeback, and with high-profile celebrities like Bella Hadid wearing them, they were bound to become trendy again. From being paired with Juicy Tracksuits and Victoria’s Secret Pink leggings, to now being worn with mini skirts and oversized leather jackets, these boots have redefined their original image. Recently, Ugg released a platform version of the mini boot, which became the It Shoe of the 2023 winter season. Instead of being considered primarily loungewear, these boots quickly became acceptable with most outfits.

Cowboy Boots

Speaking of boots, cowboy boots will definitely remain a huge trend throughout the rest of the spring and into the summer/fall season. These shoes were originally used by cowboys to protect their legs and feet from rubbing against horse saddles, cacti, and bushes. Originally brought to the Americas from Spain in the 1600s, these boots have remained a staple in fashion, especially for the Midwest. These boots are typically associated with “Western” style, but have recently been inserting themselves into mainstream trends, especially this year.

Although we have been taking inspiration from cowboy boots by creating a simpler version for those who aren't into the typical Western style, people are now styling vintage cowboy boots with almost everything. Even a traditional “coastal” and “beachy” style intertwined with these rustic-style shoes is now popular amongst many trend followers.

Choker Necklaces

Popularized in the 90s, then again in the 2010s, chokers are making their return once more. The first people to wear golden choker necklaces were the Sumerians in 2500 BC, who believed the necklaces were protective. Now seen as more of an “edgy” fashion choice, many people are wearing chokers… again. Most people didn’t see these coming back again after they died down in the late 2010s.

Whether it be beaded, chained, or ribboned, these necklaces are stylish layered, or worn just on their own. As we move from winter to summer fashion, this accessory is not going anywhere and is now being styled with mini dresses and skirts, both at the beach and in the city. 90s trends continue to dominate mainstream trends, and they likely won’t be stopping any time soon. Now that people are embracing the art of accessorizing more than ever, a choker is the perfect piece to add to any basic or simple outfit.

Then and Now: 6 Trends That Have Made a Huge Comeback