Hip To Be Square: How To Modernly Rock The Retro Scene

Fashion has a way of repeating itself. Season after season, old trends are recycled and modernized. People always say to clean out your closet of pieces you don’t wear, but I disagree with them. Yes, maybe we should get rid of or donate clothes that haven’t been worn in the past two years. Maybe I shouldn’t be a hoarder, but my clothes have feelings. Am I the only one that feels this way? I think that “if you haven’t worn it in a year, throw it out” rule is just stupid. You could be throwing away some very valuable pieces. I vote that it should be at least three years! Regardless, wearing these super retro pieces can easily date your outfit. How does one balance the act? Today, I’m sharing three simple tips on how to modernly rock the retro scene!

There’s a debate on how long the “cycle of nostalgia” runs. Research has shown us a that a trend’s cycle is about 20 years. Basically, anything in your youth will come back in style again. For example: my mom had a sweater just like this, that she wore when she was my age. I had it in my closet for the longest time, and then one day I figured it was time to move on. I thought it was too dated. Sure enough, I found on Pinterest that it was even rocked at Coachella this year! If you want a constant source of seasonal fashion inspiration, I pin almost every other day. Be sure to follow along! Furthermore, check out these other modern trends that have repeated themselves.

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Now that we have established that fashion has a way of repeating itself, it’s time to master the art of wearing it.

Make sure your silhouettes complement each other.

What I mean by this, is make sure each of your pieces work in harmony. For example, this crochet top from Anthropologie is modernly updated and is cropped. In order to make sure that this top remains flattering, I paired it with some high-waisted, bellbottom jeans. Not only is this style of jeans super flattering by itself, but paired with this crop top makes my legs look a mile long. This is always a good thing for a girl whose 5’3″. If you have a longer dress, maybe pair it a blocked heel. That way you get that extra height.

If you can modernize your retro pieces, use this to your advantage.

Since my piece is a recent retail purchase, it was a bit easier for me to not look so dated. If you have a piece that maybe too retro for the modern world, maybe take it in to a tailor and enhance it a bit. Perhaps they can take the hem up, or alter the sleeves. I’m not saying to destroy the piece, but use the altering kindly and minimally. This will make the styling that much easier for daily use.

Accessories are your best friend.

If you are not able to alter your retro piece, this is where modern accessories are going to be your saving grace. Let’s say you have a suede fringe jacket that is just screaming to be worn in the modern world. That kind of piece, is very tricky to alter. Plus, you wouldn’t want to ruin the suede. Just by layering on some metal jewelry and some chokers, you instantly take yourself from the 70s, straight to today. In my case, I threw an Urban Outfitters belt on, some Caslon shoes (which come in a variety of colors + are 35% off at $54.90), Kate Spade earrings, and a pair of Quay Australia sunnies. With this mix of retro and modern piece, I didn’t come off out dated.

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If you have watched Girlboss on Netflix, you know how often she wears super high-waisted, flared jeans. I just recently finished the series and was inspired to bounce off of her style. Since Sophia Amoruso is a vintage shop owner, she practices those exact three tips. By slightly altering the piece to make it more modern, it was more marketable. Furthermore, by adding a bunch of rings and layered necklaces to her looks, her character in the show didn’t feel so stuck in the decade. If you haven’t watched the show, you need to! It’s very empowering to watch someone take matters into their own hands, regardless of their life situations. Also, do you think there will be a second season? With Nasty Gal going bankrupt, and her podcast put on hold, I’m not so sure. Therefore, I’m curious to see what’s next for her. What do you think?

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In conclusion, the next time you go to clean out your closet, be cautious of throwing out pieces. Do as I say, not as I do. In addition, don’t be scared to rock the retro scene this spring! With these three simple tips, wearing a retro piece can be a piece of cake. Happy Friday everyone!

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Top || Jeans (similar) (similar) (similar) || Shoes || Belt || Bag (similar) (similar) || Shades || Earrings || Lipstick in Lovecraft + Demure

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[Linked up w/: Friday Fab Favorites, Passion For Fashion, Fashion Friday, Five On Friday, Oh Hey Friday, Flashback Friday]