Table of Contents (or just scroll, your call)
- 90s Grunge Flannel Shirts
- 70s Boho Maxi Dresses
- 80s Power Shoulder Pads
- 60s Mod Mini Skirts
- 50s Polka Dot Everything
- 90s Baggy Jeans
- 70s Platform Shoes
Intro
Okay, let’s get real for a sec—if you haven’t noticed, “retro” is having a major moment. Pinterest is basically screaming about it (searches up by 85%? Wild). Everyone’s raiding their parents’ closets or scouring thrift shops for that perfect throwback fit. Why? Because old-school style is just more fun. Here’s my unapologetically biased, zero-fluff list of seven retro looks you need in your closet for 2025. Yeah, I checked Vogue and stalked fashion Twitter, but trust, I’ve also lived through a few of these trends myself.
90s Grunge Flannel Shirts
Flannel is basically the comfort food of clothes. Oversized, a little wrinkled, maybe even stolen from your older sibling’s room—who cares? Grunge flannel is the “I woke up like this” of fashion, and it’s not going anywhere. Urban Outfitters is always pushing those giant flannels with ripped jeans, and honestly, that combo is a vibe. Pinterest is drowning in grunge layering hacks, so you don’t need to overthink it. Just toss one on and pretend you’re in a Nirvana music video.
Want more laid-back inspo? Check out our post on school merch trends (because spirit wear deserves to be cool too).
70s Boho Maxi Dresses
If you’re not already obsessed with boho maxi dresses, I don’t know what to tell you. Picture yourself at a summer festival, giant sunglasses, hair doing whatever it wants—yeah, that’s the look. Free People’s feed is basically a shrine to this style. Designers are on board, too; boho is everywhere right now. Catch those floral prints, floaty sleeves, and flowy skirts that make you want to spin around for no reason. Pinterest is loaded with ideas, if you need ‘em.
Need some hippie home vibes too? Peep our forest-to-table decor guide.
80s Bold Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads: you either love ‘em or you’re wrong. Seriously, nothing says “I’m in charge” like a jacket that could double as armor. Zara’s got blazers that would make Alexis Carrington jealous. Harper’s Bazaar says 70% of next year’s collections are bringing the power shoulders back. If you want to feel like you could run a boardroom and a nightclub in the same night, this is it.
For more over-the-top glam, check out our digital renaissance ideas. Go big or go home.
60s Mod Mini Skirts
A-line, bright, and just the right amount of cheeky—mod mini skirts are pure dopamine. ASOS keeps dropping new ones, always paired with those killer knee-high boots. If you’re feeling bold, go wild with color blocking or wild prints. Marie Claire swears the “youthquake” is back, so why not channel that swinging London energy? And hey, if you spill something, at least it’s a small surface area.
Into bold patterns and wanderlust? Our forest travel book roundup is calling your name.
50s Rockabilly Polka Dots
Polka dots are basically the comfort blanket of retro prints. If you’ve never twirled in a swing dress, you’re missing out. ModCloth is ground zero for this look. Polka dots are classic, playful, and—honestly—make you look like you belong in a black-and-white movie. Vintage lovers can’t get enough, and Pinterest is full of ways to jazz them up with bandanas or cat-eye shades.
Love old-school finds? Check out our epic game cartridge discoveries.
90s Baggy Denim Jeans
Baggy jeans are having a full-on resurrection, and I am here for it. Skintight is out, comfort is in. Levi’s is leading the charge, but honestly, any pair that lets you breathe is a win. Gen Z basically lives in these, and I don’t blame them. Want to dress ‘em up? Heels. Dress ‘em down? Sneakers. It’s all good.
Need more casual cool? See our picks for small-space chic finds.
70s Platform Shoes
The higher the platform, the closer to disco heaven. Platforms are loud, proud, and give short folks like me a fighting chance at concerts. Nordstrom’s got a rainbow of chunky heels, and runways are flooded with them. You can wear them with, like, anything (as long as you don’t mind a little wobble). Statement shoes? Absolutely.
Obsessed with bold accessories? Our high-end camping gear list is basically the platform shoes of the outdoors.
Outro
That’s the cheat sheet: seven retro looks, all tried-and-true, ready to revive your closet. Flannel, maxis, power shoulders, mod minis, polka dots, baggy jeans, and chunky shoes—pick your faves or go full thrift-store jackpot. Retro isn’t just a trend, it’s a state of mind. Want more? Hit up ASOS or fall down the Pinterest rabbit hole. Let’s make 2025 the most stylish throwback yet.