ZU Magazine is a publication of ZU Media. The following is an article from Issue 5: Revolution.
Staff Writer | Jourdan Jefferson
Fashion trends work in cycles and shift from generation to generation. Today, many fashion trends making a comeback are being generated from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Some of the wackiest styles are making a name for themselves, whether it be haircuts, jewelry, shoes or clothing. These looks can be seen on A-list celebrities or making their debut in the music festival scene.
The following are some of the top fashion trends that have come back from the dead.
1. Chokers
The style of chokers has changed since the ‘90s. Back then, a select few color chokers were popular. They were typically black, neon, pink, green and yellow.
This simple accessory took the fashion world by surprise and made its debut early last year. This trend looks like it’s here to stay for a while, and is a popular item among festival-goers.
This ‘90s trend can be seen on celebs like Zendaya and Lil Uzi Vert. There are a variety of styles and colors to choose from. The typical black choker seems to be the most popular now. Some celebs, like Kim Kardashian West, can be seen sporting the name of their spouses or children across their neck.
2. Box braids and Pixie Cuts
These old-fashioned hairstyles have become the new norm. One star who is known to rock the pixie cut is actress, singer and model Zoe Kravitz. Although usually known for her long blonde braids, Kravitz has recently decided to ditch the braids and a rock a platinum blonde pixie cut.
Box braids and cornrows were big in the ‘90s. Celebs like Keri Hilson, Snoop Dogg, Cassie and Christina Milian have been seen sporting the braids. Box braids can be done either big, medium or small. It all depends on the individual’s preference. Yes, men have been seen sporting braids, but they add a masculine touch to it. Travis Scott is known for his short miniature braids as his unique hairstyle has set a trend for upcoming music artists or anyone who simply finds his hairstyle to be intriguing.
Along with the different sizes that these braids comes in, there is also a variety of colors to choose from. This is what makes them unique to each person. However, box braids have caused quite the controversy. Box braids originated from African American culture and many people of color perceive non-black individuals with box braids as appropriating black culture.
3. Jelly Sandals
When Rihanna came out with her fashion and makeup line “Fenty,” it shook the beauty world. Her accompanying clothing brand includes tracksuits, oversized sweaters, shirts and more. Her shoe line also offers a wide variety; including jelly sandals, slides and sneakers. Her sneakers have a distinct style as they have a giant bow where laces should be, they come in bold colors and the best part — they are made with satin fabric. The colors the shoes come in are olive green, lilac purple and a rosy pink.
However, her “jelly sandals” have caused quite a stir, as these shoes were once viewed as “ghetto.”
Before Rihanna, you could find these sandals in flea markets like Santee Alley in LA or in the fashion district for no more than five dollars. Rihanna has taken those sandals, made them into slides, added PUMA across the top and they’re selling for almost $100.
4. Denim Jackets and Jeans
Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash
Light denim epitomized ‘80s fashion, and it’s been flying off the shelves in 2018. It’s a bold statement, but denim on denim is in. Celebs like Victoria Beckham and Selena Gomez are often spotted in one of the two distinct denim styles, bell bottoms or boyfriend jeans.
“Boyfriend jeans are my go-to choice of pants! I tend to wear baggier clothing because it’s more comfortable, so to have that in pants form is great; they go with so much! They look good with heels, vans, a crop top or a long shirt,” Azusa Pacific sociology major Marijane Garcia said.
Denim jackets with patches and airbrushed art allow people to express themselves and be creative.
5. Champion Brand
What was once known as the “cheap” Walmart brand is now selling for much more inside stores like Urban Outfitters. Champion has come a long way. Back in the ‘90s Champion sweats were a must-have.
“Anyone who watched ’90s nostalgia swallow the fashion world whole could have guessed years ago that Champion was due for a revival, so it was no surprise to see its iconic logo start popping up recently on fashion-forward media stars and trendsetting Instagrammers,” Miles Raymer of The Esquire said.
Since this brand’s comeback, it can be found collaborating with streetwear legends such as Supreme, Bathing Ape and Vetements. With all these diverse collabs, the brand has marketed and promoted itself in a new way, effectively making a statement in the fashion world.
6. Plaid
Photo by Bekir Dönmez on Unsplash
This look is most commonly worn in the form of flannels and pants. This fabric is typically made of wool, and commonly seen in a checkered fashion.
This distinct pattern was the holy grail in the ‘90s movie ‘Clueless.’ Alicia Silverstone was seen rocking this bright yellow fabric as if (get it) it was worn by royalty. Many celebs have taken this look and added their own style to it. Rita Ora and Demi Lovato took this pattern and made it their own by wearing it as a jumpsuit or as a one-piece bodysuit.
Riverside Community College Cosmetology major Norma Tellez said, “Plaid has never gone out of style. I think it is a distinct pattern that fits well on everyone. It all depends on how you accessorize and dress up your outfit.”
7. Thin ‘90s Retro Glasses
With these fresh and minimal shades you can be seen from a mile away. Glasses are meant to block the sun out of your face 99.9 percent of the time, right? However, thanks to these distinctly low cut glasses, they’re first an accessory, and then a necessity.
The glasses come in a variety of shapes and shades to choose from. There are black, tortoise, white and red frames with dark, neon green, yellow or pink tints. There are also a number of ways one can purchase frames for these shades. They are available in thin, square frames or if you are feeling extra sassy, they also come in a unique cat eye shape, crafted to grab anyone’s attention.
Whatever you desire, these glasses are widely available online for a decent price. You can thank the Hadid Sisters and the Kar-Jenner clan for bringing these glasses back in style.
8. Track Pants
These are your summer on the go pants; they are thin, light, and comfortable to wear all day. The distinct style allows people to completely unbuckle the sides of the pant and show some skin; or for a more buttoned-up/conservative look, Adidas striped track pants have made a comeback. They are available in either legging form, or in a tracksuit made from a mesh material. The pants can be found in a variety of stores such as Zumiez, PacSun, Urban Outfitters and of course Adidas.
With a variety of colors to choose from, track pants are in style. They can be seen on Justin Beiber, A$AP Rocky and Gwen Stefani.
Forbes contributor Sarah Boyd has noticed that the fashion trends are adapting to the seasons. Celebrities also contribute to the fashion world. Whatever celebrities post on their social media often gets picked up by their followers. The one thing with fashion that makes it unique, is you can always budget your outfits and have some of the same looks that the wealthy have for a more affordable price.
With celebrities constantly in the public eye, they change their style up and set trends.
Even though these are just a few of the fashion trends coming back in style, the fashion world is constantly changing. It is only a matter of time before these previously listed trends will fade away and be left in the dust to make way for something new.
Only time will tell what the next popular trend will be.