What goes around, comes around, is definitely true in the world of fashion. Some clothing that was popular in my youth has resurfaced in department stores where my teenagers shop although items often undergo name-changes when they reappear on clothing racks. For instance, what my generation called bell bottoms are now known as flairs.
Three particular fashion trends have come and gone through the years. Each has been making a resurgence. When it comes to these three trends, you either love ‘em or hate ‘em. I’ve been quite surprised at times when one or another of my children adopt a particular trend that I might not have guessed he or she would care for. That’s the thing about fashion. It’s like art, in general. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Where fashion is concerned, the consumer has the final voice.
Consumers may indeed take their cues from Hollywood, New York runways or the pages of top clothing design magazines from Paris. When it comes down to it though, no fashion trend will last if people are not willing to buy in. The following list includes three trends that have been making strong comebacks:
Crocs: I was shocked when I saw my grown son, married and father of four, donning a pair. This is a man whose entire wardrobe typically consists of blue jeans, long-sleeved shirts and steel-toed work boots, even in summer. I listened (and giggled) as he gave a shout out to crocs, saying they are the most comfortable clothing item he’s ever worn. Personally, I can’t even tell what crocs are made of. Is it foam? Is it rubber? Is it something in between? I did a bit of research and learned that in the month of April, approximately 25,000 searches for crocs were launched on eBay, which apparently resulted in approximately 15,000 purchases of the same. Crocs are not always a low-cost staple summer-wear item. In fact, some high fashion designers have been shelling out their own versions upward of $850 a pop.
Cat-eye glasses: My kids brought me up to speed a few years ago on the whole wearing-glasses-just-for-fun-even-if-nothing’s-wrong-with-your-eyes trend. I have to say though, that I was beyond surprised when cat-eye glasses started making their comeback. Even as children, many folks of my own generation avoided this style like the plague. Nowadays, however, the cattier, the better, when it comes to fashion eyewear!
Mommy-n-Me clothing: I recently read an interesting article regarding the history of mommy-n-me clothing in the U.S. In the early 1900’s, matching clothes for moms and daughters was taken as a sign of affluence or seamstress skills. The trend fell away when women entered the workforce during war times. That makes sense since mothers working outside the home meant they spent much less time with their daughters. It made a comeback later, however, when post-war women were encouraged to resume their roles as full-time stay-at-home wives and mothers. During this era, the trend of mommy-n-me clothing became synonymous with images of traditional family life and femininity. These days, many Hollywood stars are doing their best to make motherhood seem “cool” by flooding Instagram or other social network sites with pictures of themselves wearing matching clothes with their kids.
Have these fashion trends resurfaced in your home? Do you agree that these are love ‘em or hate ‘em items? Have you noticed some other clothing style making a comeback? Tell us about it!
Writer Bio: Judy Dudich
Judy Dudich resides in the beautiful woods of Pennsylvania, where 24 acres of land and a home-office provide the perfect setting for her children’s home-education and her own homesteading and business ventures. Life is full of blessings (and challenges!) for Judy, as a wife, mother of 10 and Grammy to six. She is a published author, whose book, “I Surrender/A Study Guide for Women” continues to encourage and support others in Christian family lifestyles throughout the world. Judy has also previously worked in the online speaking circuit. Her passion for permaculture, re-purposing, foraging and organic gardening fills her days with learning and adventure that she loves to share.
