The world has been raging with appliqués on denims, and cold shoulder tops are the latest it-thing. But, news flash: they are not all that millenial! Barge into any middle-aged fashionista’s wardrobe and you’ll find a long lost pair of shoulder pads, fringed tee shirts, bright sequins and mirrored sunglasses for sure. From Selena Gomez’s pyjama street-wear to Katrina Kaif’s entire wardrobe during Fitoor promotions – the ‘80s retro style is back and here to stay!
Often the item of multiple fashion jokes, shoulder-pads were just as in style in the 80s, as criticised they were. Yet the trend got revolutionised by high end fashion brands in 2017. City-based stylist Neha Duggal claims, “The idea is to cut some edge by incorporating strong shoulders into almost every piece. To keep it from looking too dated, skip the voluminous pants and try a silk shoulder padded blouse tucked into high-waisted skinny jeans and a killer pair of heels or platforms.”
Oversize denim jackets covered in airbrushed art, pins, or patches were the ultimate retro era hit. “You wouldn’t be considered cool until you were rocking ridiculous amount of art and crafts on you jackets,” claims designer Shilpa N. “Two decades later we see the likes of the Kardashians and Jenners bringing back the same trend. Layering these jackets with crop tops and cat-eye frames are a bonus!” But it doesn’t stop at that as stars like Deepika Padukone have flaunted the flashy sequined and disco jackets with palazzo. Even Priyanka Chopra indulged in the trend, taking it a notch higher by teaming classic bobby print pants with a crop top and a cats-eye frames.
Even accessorising these looks around the retro aura is a thing now. From mirrored sunglasses to classic white heels and wide waist clenching belts, celebrities aren’t stopping at anything! “The fun fact about accessories is that they can be used to light up pretty much any outfit at all,” says city-based designer Anmol Chopra. “Mirrored shades have been reinvented as aviator shades and white boots and pumps are treated like the skinnier the heel, the better. Wide belts are just apt to pull off the signature corporate woman look people are aiming for these days. Simultaneously, the 80s’ gold lame is a go to cocktail ensemble.” It is loud, it is bold and it is clear – the cycle has been spinning and old trends are back to rule the stage, just revamped!
