Calling It: This Retro Decade Is the Next '90s

There's a new decade in town (again), and it's giving the '90s a run for its money. As we know very well, all things '90s have dominated fashion for quite some time now, to the point that we've pretty much been through every trend by now—from scrunchies to slip dresses. But like it or not, a new decade is here to potentially eclipse the popularity of the '90s: the swinging '60s. Ultimate aesthetic goal? The Brady Bunch and Bewitched.

Those retro florals, wavy mirrors, shaggy rugs, mushroom prints, and shades of orange, brown, and yellow that you've been seeing all over Instagram are not a fluke. The fashion of the '60s was colorful and fun, tailored yet relaxed, and home décor was equally "groovy", not holding back when it came to color combinations and curved lines. It's all very uplifting and Instagrammable, which says something about why people are embracing the distinctive decade now. 

During the pandemic, dressing up has obviously gone by the wayside, and people are missing it more and more. It explains why the bold, experimental fashion of the '60s is gaining such popularity these days, and décor is a natural extension of that. While we're spending so much time at home, it's only natural to want to infuse some personality into our space and make them a place we want to be all day every day. 

Keep reading to see the 2021 evidence of the return of the 1960s and shop the chicest groovy pieces on the market—for your closet and home.

The '60s in Fashion

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

This psychedelic print is a big departure from the grunge look of the '90s.

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

When a print is this fun, you might as well wear it on your feet too.

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

A leather trench is the perfect complement to a groovy-print dress.

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(Image credit: @jennymwalton)

Twiggy would definitely approve.

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Start preparing your swimsuit collection—'60s-inspired prints will be all the rage at the beach.

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

If you want lots of '60s inspo, Alyssa Coscarelli has really nailed the vibe.

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Fashion people are losing it over this wavy checkerboard print right now—rightly so.

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(Image credit: @devonleecarlson)

Now is the time to get yourself a pair of go-go boots.

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(Image credit: @alwaysjudging)

Of course Gucci is partly responsible for 2021's new It decade.

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The '60s at Home

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(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

Elsa Hosk's new house is a retro-design lover's dream.

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

The more crochet and shag carpet the better.

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

We love to see the checkerboard.

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(Image credit: @luciacuesta_)

And suddenly, I want a mushroom stool.

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

This side table is one of the many '60s-inspired gems hiding at Urban Outfitters.

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Next up, 7 spring trends that are all over Instagram.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.