I Just Lifted a Longstanding Personal Ban on These 4 Trends
In the past month, I shared my thoughts on which sunglasses trends, vacation trends, and beach trends are definitely in and out. But more and more I find myself repeating the phrase "never say never" in reference to any trend I'm on the fence about because, as you're about to see, everything comes back around again. Despite being aware of this cyclical nature, I still found myself surprised to be warming up to a few of the '80s fashion trends I used to throw mad shade on. (That is before the decade started to become as relevant in fashion as it currently is.)
I could rattle off a list of all the '80s trends resurfacing right now without even trying: tweed, puffed sleeves, hot pink, strong shoulders, acid wash… I could go on, but I think you get the gist. With nearly every trend under the sun coming back, it was only a matter of time until the following four styles found their way into my wardrobe. My former self may be shaking her head right now, but that won't stop me from embracing my newfound love for all things '80s.
Ahead, see which trends are re-entering my wardrobe after a years-long personal ban and shop my favorite versions of each.
Oversize Sunglasses
TBH, I breathed a sigh of relief when the micro sunglasses trend started to fade out. I never loved the style anyway, and sensing that the pendulum would swing the other way, I picked up a pair of upsized aviators to test out. Surprisingly, I didn't hate what I saw. Oversize shades have a tendency to overwhelm my face, but these turned out to be just right.
Pleated Jeans
Pleated jeans usually top the list of jean styles that have people really divided, and I can see why. What comes to mind at first is probably something frumpy and unflattering, but I'll stop you right there. The '80s denim trend is starting to resurface again (Chrissy Teigen is a fan), and this time, it's with sleeker styles that read more like a "mom" jean and are much easier to wear.
Ruching
Thinking it overly costumey, I avoided ruching at all costs in the past, but seeing the influx of ruched pieces in summery prints and colors that brands like Stine Goya and Iro are doing, I've started incorporating a bit of the '80s look into my outfits.
Micro Kitten Heels
I know I'm in the minority here, but I avoided wearing kitten heels for a long time because I always preferred higher heels or flats instead. Now that I've come around to them, I realize exactly what I was missing out on the whole time: They're the perfect in-between shoe you can wear in any basically any context. I've been favoring these Dear Frances slingbacks to give my outfits a ladylike finish.
Speaking of trends I'm warming up to, I have thoughts on camo pants.
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
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