Rachael Ray Show: Then vs. Now Fashion Trends!
Ever see fashion trends today and think to yourself, ‘Wait! That was popular when I was a kid?’ It’s true that elements of 70s, 80s and 90s fashion are resurfacing as some of the hottest looks this season. And given I LOVE recapping fun moments from past decades as seen in my social posts in Instagram and TikTok, this fashion assignment by the Rachael Ray Show was super up my alley! View the segment here!
Take a turn down memory lane to see what’s back and why it works!
1. FLARED JEANS
Let’s talk about the 70s and the style that defined it all.. Flared Jeans!
This was my love language as a girl in the 70s, flared pants. Back THEN it was worn with ponchos, crocheted tops, and frilly crop tops and clogs. It had a definite boho kind of vibe.”
70s icons who wore it well: Farrah Faucet, Michael Jackson, Sonny & Cher
How to wear NOW: I love these because flared pants are super flattering on all body types. They counterbalance hips more so than any other jean cut. The flared jean of today is more tailored but still has sass. Pair your flare jean with a fitted top or blouse tucked. If you opt for long sleeves roll up the cuffs a bit and wear a pointy-toed pump. Do a little fitted jacket topper!
70’s vibe Nic+Zoe printed blue top, $148, stitchfix.com
Vigoss Ace High Rise Exposed Button Fly Jean, $68, stitchfix.com
Nola Born Clog Platforms in Tan Camel Distressed, $110, bornshoes.com
Blank NYC Vegan Moto Jacket in Burgundy (for similar, Perfect Strangers Jacket in Black, $98, blanknyc.com)
2. PUFFY SLEEVES
Up next is the 80s, and you can’t talk about style in the 80s without talking about Puffy Sleeves”
I lived through an entire era of 80s puffy sleeves. We could’ve floated away from the sheer volume. It was a power move, along with power suits of the 80s, where more volume meant you commanded a room. Padded shoulders, lamé fabrics–all of this really was to make the shoulders a statement. But we were only truly successful if our hair was as big as our sleeves. Embodied on dresses, blouses, fitted jackets.
80s icons who wore it well: Brooke Shields, Princess Diana, Whitney Houston
How to wear NOW: we’ve been seeing a rebirth of puffy sleeves hit fashion for a couple of seasons now but its really having its time in the spotlight. Wear it with slim-fitting pants or as a dress with nice volume in the shoulders and tapered sleeves, or a tapered dress silhouette. If you have a shorter neck, wear your hair back or low in a bun so you don’t look like it’s all sleeve and no neck.
Rebecca Taylor Maroon Dotted Dress, $79, rebeccataylorrntd.com
Calvin Klein Silvia Slingback, Pointy-Toed Heels in Black, $110, macys.com
3. GRUNGE
And finally, the 90s!
“Back Then, A lot of people write off the grunge area of style as a teen fashion statement of that time. As disheveled graphic Ts and oversized sweaters and shredded jeans and Converse or Combat boots. But were they on to something? As we emerge from Covid a little rumpled and disheveled and refusing to take off our leisurewear, quite frankly are we really that different? With a few modifications, it’s an appealing style for today because it embraces functionality, soft fabrics and a loose silhouette.
90s Icons: Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl, Avril Lavigne
How to wear NOW: Modified is key. I like a long-fitted dress in a neutral hue with a slit. Over this an elongated fluffy cardigan or striped sweater. Or can do a plaid knitted men’s shirt. Platform-type shoes or black boots. Crossbody bag. OR plaid skirt, black top, black cardigan, boots, cross body or fanny pack.
All Saints Oversized Sweater, $106, nordstromrack.com
Vera Moda Knitted Skirt, $27.97, nordstromrack.com
Converse Hitop Sneakers in white (similar Chuck Taylor All Star Lined Leather, $75, converse.com)
Vintage Marc Jacobs Blue Shoulder Bag