If you’re anything like me, in the past year you have noticed an abundance of a certain group of fashion influencers showing up on TikTok. It’s a group of 3-5 tall guys from Los Angeles, all sporting bell bottoms, frilly button ups, and baby band tees. And of course, sophomore year me just had to dress like them. I expected finding their apparel to be a challenge, but thanks to natural fashion trends like the twenty year rule, it was quite easy. Whether you like it or not, 70s fashion is back.
First of all, what is the twenty year rule? The twenty year rule is that a fashion cycle will fall in and out of fashion every twenty or so years. This would make the 2020s maintain a lot of fashion trends from the 2000s, and in turn the 1980s. But that wouldn’t add up if the ‘00s were all about the ‘80s, and the ‘20s are all about the ‘00s! See, the twenty year rule is only an approximation. And because of the rise of fast fashion, the twenty year rule is always ever changing. If you look back at fashion from the 2000s, you can see many features of ‘70s fashion present. To name a few: baby tees, low rise flares, platformed shoes, and even an occasional bell sleeve top. Many of the colors and patterns choices also returned from the 1970s.
Now, if you look ahead at the current fashion trends (which according to the twenty year rule take inspiration from the 2000s), you can definitely see many of these 70s influences, especially those noted above. More and more you’ve been able to find flared jeans for purchase, and even vintage tees recreated. Many people have dedicated their entire wardrobe into recreating 1970s and vintage fashion, but this fashion is obviously prevalent in the mainstream. I mean, think. How many times have you seen other students at South High wearing bell bottoms? Or platform shoes? Or baby tees?
And of course, with the rise of thrifting it’s taken these fashion trends to another level. In-person thrift stores, but also websites like Depop and Poshmark have been able to help the public find real and authentic vintage pieces that look amazing. Not only that, but it helps contribute to ethical consumption.
But finally, what I think the most important part is about 2020s fashion turned ‘70s is the personalization of clothing. People have been able to take these 1970s pieces and mix them with other styles, creating something uniquely their own. After all, fashion isn’t about fitting into a mold. It’s about being able to express yourself and feel confident in what you wear.
