It is safe to say that no particular fashion trend from whatever generation is safe from a comeback. The fashion industry repeatedly recycles itself in terms of design and general idea behind the styles. Dresses that our mothers wore when they were our age are now back with just a few alterations here and there mainly in fabrics. But fashion from the past is at times received amid lots of mirth with the generation of the day wondering how on earth people found the guts to pull some designs off. When I think of a fashion blast from the past I think of the 60s and 70s, mostly because fashion from those days is what runs in my parents albums. There are a few that stand out for me.
The bell bottom
Bell bottom pants are reminiscent of the disco era since they were incredibly common in the 60s and 70s. To a good extent they became a symbol of outlandish rock and roll lifestyles. They’re made in such a way to hug the hips and thighs and then get markedly flared from the knee down. Too bad for anyone who thought they were in bad fashion taste and should go away forever. They’re back, not just as costumes but also as trendy high fashion clothing.
Platform shoes
The good people of the 60s and 70s did not feel complete wearing bell bottom pants without block platform shoes. Platform shoes from this era are/were characterized by thick block soles about 2 to 4 inches thick. Platform shoes, which have often been described as so beautiful in their ugliness, are back in fashion circles for women though with a modern day twist. Some may actually cost you more than your average shoe since they have that whole vintage feel to them.
Afro hair
Afro hair is simply African hair in its natural form, unaltered by chemicals, hot combs and hot irons. Afro hair is often dense and thick; characteristics that made it hold styles for long – the style in question being a neat fluffy cloud of hair on the head. It is/was such a simple style to maintain, requiring only some natural soaps and oils and a wide toothed comb. The afro was worn by both men and women and is arguably the most memorable and most defining hairstyles of the 70s. The fro is back though its being approached with care. It’s just that a lot of us are afraid to try it out but afro hair especially when slightly long is such a natural frame to the face that you’d rarely go wrong with it.
Culottes
These were neither trousers nor shorts and unless you looked closely, they looked like skirts. Culottes are more recent, having been worn mostly in the 80s and early 90s. They then went away for some time but they’re back on high end runways and in people’s wardrobes. Culottes are a strong fashion statement and a big advantage is that they look quite good even on plus size women. However, they require a high level of confidence to pull off and are certainly not for everyone.
