Fashion has always been cyclical, with designers drawing inspiration from decades past and teens shopping their parents’ and grandparents’ closets for looks that have regained cultural relevance. Previously, these retro trends seemed to focus on one decade at a time. But nowadays, thanks to the endless churn of micro-trends on TikTok and our insatiable cultural appetite for the comfort food of nostalgia, you can find influences from a range of eras all at once. There’s something for everyone, and everyone’s got their something. With that in mind, we’ve assembled outfits representing the last six decades of fashion to show off how these trends are still relevant today.
The 1960s
The “Summer of Love” is more than half a century behind us, but the flower child aesthetic lives on. Tie-dye has been a perennial favorite, thanks to the rise of DIY, and flared-leg pants are making a comeback after years of skinny jean dominance.
Timeless Tip
Suggest sunglasses with a fun, retro shape for company picnics, music festivals or block parties. They’ll be a welcome source of shade and provide social media-ready photo ops for attendees.
Did You Know?
More than 20 million copies of The Doors’ self-titled debut album have sold since it was released in 1967.
Micaela is wearing a neon rush tie-dye T-shirt (200NR-A) from Dyenomite (asi/51185), decorated by A&P Master Images (asi/102019); flared yoga pants (CY100) with a custom sublimated waistband from FPS Apparel (asi/53475); round-frame sunglasses (IM010) from Eyevertising (asi/57371); cork sandals (FK2146) from Hebe Creative Corp. (asi/60277); convention tote bag (QLHB50) from Superior Promotional Bags (asi/90253); and multicolor beaded charm bracelets (ESPFXSTRINGBR) from Foxy Custom (asi/55228).
The 1970s
A ringer tee, gym shorts and old-school basketball shoes are a classic look – bringing an effortlessly sporty chic that transcends the ’70s.
Timeless Tip
Terrycloth sweatbands aren’t just for Olivia Newton-John impersonators. Consider branded versions for a variety of sports, including tennis, pickleball or distance running.
Did You Know?
“The Rat,” short for Rathskeller, was an influential punk rock club in Boston that opened in 1973.
Micaela is wearing a unisex ringer tee (20052) from Royal Apparel (asi/83731) decorated with a distressed screen print by Mirror Image Screen Printing & Embroidery; relay shorts (R65) from Boxercraft (asi/41325); and a retro sweatband set (53-600IMP) from Sports Solutions (asi/88876).
The 1980s
The era of acid wash and Aqua Net, cassettes and Cabbage Patch remains relevant today – thanks to the overwhelming popularity of hit shows like Stranger Things.
Timeless Tip
A fanny pack is still a sought-after accessory for travelers and concertgoers as a no-fuss, hands-free way to keep essentials close. (Many wearers modernize the look by strapping the pack across their chest, rather than belting it around the waist.)
Did You Know?
The iconic catchphrase “Where’s the beef?” first appeared in a 1984 Wendy’s commercial. Clara Peller, the woman who uttered the famous words, was 81 when she was discovered by the agency that filmed the spot.
Micaela is wearing a unisex three-quarters sleeve raglan (6251) from Next Level Apparel (asi/73867) decorated with a screen print by Rowboat Creative (asi/313715); and a scrunchy (s100), recycled canvas fanny pack (RCFP101) and retro round sunglasses (RRS100) from Pop! Promos (asi/45657).
The 1990s
For disaffected Gen X youth, a well-timed eyeroll was as much of an “it” accessory as a choker or mini backpack. With bands like Nirvana still cultural touchstones and skate culture firmly established, the era of slackers and Hackers is alive and well today.
Timeless Tip
Effects like puff screen print and embroidered appliqué add dimension, texture and visual interest to what could otherwise be a flat design. Multimedia decoration can help a client’s brand stand out from the crowd – adding to the perceived value of a garment.
Did You Know?
Beanie Babies are often considered the world’s first internet sensation. By 1997, eBay had auctioned off $500 million worth of the plush toys, making up more than 6% of the site’s total sales.
Micaela is wearing an Alternative cropped T-shirt (5114C1) from HanesBrands (asi/59528), decorated with a mixed-media design featuring dye sublimation, puff screen print and embroidered appliqué by DGI Creative; a Helping Hands Partners beaded choker (INV-FC-JUBINKL) from Indigo (asi/62560); and a mini moto backpack (100066) from alphabroder (asi/34063).
The 2000s
It was the age of boy bands and Mean Girls, low-rise jeans and blinged-out tees. The velour tracksuits that became synonymous with the Y2K era have made a somewhat surprising comeback thanks to the growth of e-commerce and social media.
Timeless Tip
For anniversaries and special editions, consider dressing up a legacy logo with metallic foil or other special effects.
Did You Know?
The Juicy Couture velour tracksuit was an icon of Y2K fashion, with celebs like Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez and Lindsay Lohan spotted in the look during the aughts. At its peak in 2008, Juicy was making $605 million in annual sales.
Micaela is wearing US Blanks ladies’ velour pants (US571) and hoodie (US565) from alphabroder (asi/34063); a V-neck T-shirt decorated with rhinestone and foil mixed-media print from In Your Face Apparel (asi/62493); and rhinestone wedge flip flops (1902448) from Dollar Days International (asi/50287).
The 2010s
It’s sometimes hard to believe we’re done with the teens and well into the roaring ’20s – but it's worth remembering the decade that birthed the Instagram influencer, millennial pink and high-end drinkware as a lifestyle accessory.
Timeless Tip
Minimalist, flat logos are well-suited for tone-on-tone decoration – creating a subtle impression that still makes an impact.
Did You Know?
Apple introduced the rose gold iPhone in 2015 – ushering in the era of millennial pink in fashion, accessories and Instagram filters.
Micaela is wearing a space dye tee (2764) from Charles River Apparel (asi/44620), decorated with embroidery by the supplier; flowy running shorts (TC1372) from Core Gifts Promo (asi/46671); S’well Roamer bottle from Zing Manufacturing (asi/99025); and holding a wristlet from Indigo (asi/62560).
Go Behind the Scenes at This Year’s Fashion Shoot
ASI Media’s Theresa Hegel explains the inspiration for the Decades Photoshoot, her theory behind why nostalgia rules pop culture and some of the challenges of putting this year’s outfits together.