Fashion Trends Return

1970s vintage fashion turtleneck
Image: AI illustration
Q: Is it true that fashion trends always return after a number of years? I mean trends for clothes, not hairstyles. For instance, is it possible that the 70s trends (which I very much love) will return someday soon?
 
A: While it's not a guarantee that every single trend will make a comeback, fashion does follow remarkably cyclical patterns that fashion historians have documented. The general rule of thumb is that trends tend to resurface roughly every 20 to 30 years, which coincides with generational shifts and nostalgic rediscovery.
 
Looking at historical examples, we can see this cycle in action throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The short flapper dresses and drop-waist silhouettes of the 1920s and 1930s served as clear inspiration for the mod fashions and mini dresses that defined the swinging sixties. Similarly, the bell-bottom pants and hip-hugger jeans that were staples of the late sixties and seventies directly influenced the low-rise and flare-legged denim that dominated the 1990s and early 2000s.
 
Your love for 1970s fashion is particularly well-timed because we're already seeing significant elements from that decade making their way back into contemporary style. The turtleneck, which was arguably one of the most iconic and versatile pieces of 1970s fashion, has experienced a remarkable renaissance in recent years. During the seventies, turtlenecks weren't just casual wear. They were sophisticated statement pieces that could be dressed up or down. Fashion icons like Diane Keaton in "Annie Hall" popularized the layered turtleneck look, often worn under blazers or vests, creating an androgynous chic that was both intellectual and cool.
 
Today's designers have been drawing heavily from this seventies turtleneck aesthetic, but with modern updates that make them feel fresh rather than costume-like. Contemporary versions often feature updated fits that are more tailored to current body preferences, while maintaining the essential comfort and versatility that made the original so appealing.
 
1970s turtleneck and blazer
Image: AI illustration
The resurgence isn't limited to high fashion either. Fast fashion retailers have embraced the trend, making seventies-inspired pieces accessible to a broader audience. This democratization of the trend means that elements of seventies style are filtering into everyday wardrobes.
 
If you're passionate about seventies style, you're in an excellent position to embrace these trends as they continue to evolve. The beauty of fashion cycles means that the looks you love are never truly gone. They're simply waiting for their moment to resurface. You don't even need to wait for mainstream fashion to catch up completely. Vintage clothing stores and thrift shops are treasure troves of authentic seventies pieces that can be incorporated into modern wardrobes. By mixing vintage finds with contemporary pieces, you can create looks that feel both nostalgic and current.
 
Fashion's cyclical nature means that your beloved seventies trends aren't just possible candidates for return. Many of them are already here, and others are likely on their way. The decade's emphasis on comfort, quality fabrics, and versatile pieces aligns perfectly with current fashion priorities, making it a natural source of inspiration for contemporary designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
 
Vintage satin blouse and a turtleneck
Image: AI illustration
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See also:
 
The Disco look of the 70s
 
Silk turtlenecks
 
Who decides about the fashion trends for the upcoming season?