It's fun to mix and match retro styles, whether it's for a Halloween costume or as a variation on a classic outfit. The term “retro” refers to anything related to the past, but usually brings to mind the past few decades, with the most popular retro styles being the '80s, '70s, '60s, '50s. -an. Each decade has unique characteristics that describe a particular time in history, and all of them feature trends that remain in style today.
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Method 1 of 4: 1980s Retro Style
Step 1. Customize your outfit
The '80s were described as a unique combination of styles emphasizing extravaganza and materialism. Flashy clothes in bold colors (even neon) were common at the time. Women's fashion tends to be oversized tops combined with leggings, tights, or mini skirts.
- Take out all the leggings you have, in any color. Colored leggings go well with almost any '80s style.
- If you have an oversized t-shirt, especially a neon one, try one of these. Roll your arms up to your elbows and cut the neck so that they hang over your shoulders. Underneath, wear a tank top or a brightly colored sports bra.
Step 2. Combine styles and colors
Bold and bright colors (usually neon) were very stylish in the '80s. The addition of lace, designer logos and shoulder pads in light colors is even more trendy. Everything in the '80s had to be big and bold. So combine bright colors, spectacular designs and shoulder pads.
- Pair bright leggings with oversized T-shirts in contrasting and bold colors. If possible, try adding another color or two. As an accent to this striking mix and match, you can use a belt, leg warmers, and light colored shoes.
- Try black lace stockings under a brightly colored miniskirt. Or, wear a dark lace top over a bright miniskirt and neon stockings. If you can find a way to add lace, do so.
- Dig through your parents' closet to find clothes with shoulder pads. If you can't find one, make your own shoulder pads by tucking a sock (or whatever seems appropriate) into the shoulder section of the garment.
Step 3. Wear acid-washed denim
Acid-washed jeans were very trendy in the '80s and women of that era opted for tight cuts with high waists. Acid-washed jean jackets are also ubiquitous, worn by both men and women.
- Visit a thrift store in your city for acid-washed denim. You'll likely find that denim jackets, although not acid-washed, are still cool, especially if the sleeves are cut and washed so the shoulders are a bit frayed.
- Try making your own acid-washed jeans with the jeans you already have. Women in the '80s often did. You only need bleach, rubber, and regular jeans.
Step 4. Use flashy accessories with bright colors
Some examples of stylish accessories are large colored glasses, colorful bracelets that are worn stacked on both arms, and large round earrings. Look for something lacy, especially gloves and a headband, to add to the look as an accessory.
Costume jewelry is also very popular. So, add big, brightly colored jewelry to the look. If you have a big, flashy ring, it's the perfect addition. The more conspicuous, the better. Anything in excess was highly revered in the '80s
Step 5. Add quirky details and an over-the-top '80s design
For example, try wearing a brightly colored waist bag. Sorority jackets were also very popular at the time, and were relatively easy to find in second-hand clothing stores. Bring on the boombox as an '80s detail that's sure to be instantly recognizable.
Step 6. Try an '80s hairstyle
There are several hairstyles, but the similarities are big and given hairspray. Many people curl their hair permanently because curls were very fashionable at the time. Spiral curls are also very popular. There are shops that still sell spiral curlers if you want to give them a try.
- You can curl your hair with a curling iron (or a hair crimper for spiral curls), and try any size and shape you want. The bigger of course the better. Spray some hairspray and mess it up a bit.
- Flip the hair forward and ruffle the lower part of the hair for more volume. Finish by spraying enough hairspray.
- You can also try a side ponytail, which was one of the most popular hairstyles of the '80s. Make a curly ponytail, then ruffle it and spray it with hairspray, before tying it with various colored rubbers.
- If you have bangs, weave them as high as possible and spray them with hairspray.
Step 7. Create '80s makeup
The popular style at the time was heavy and flashy makeup in neon colors. Lip color is usually pale and eye makeup is bright, emphasizing dark, thick eyelashes with lots of eyeliner.
- Dab a lot of bright eye shadow. Apply black eyeliner above and below the eye line thickly. Finish with a few coats of mascara and lipstick or pale lip gloss.
- You can also try dark eyeshadow as an alternative to bright colors. Eyeliner and mascara stay dark, but this time finish with a bright red or pink lipstick.
- For '80s makeup and hairstyle references, check out photos of icons like Eva Arnaz, Meriam Bellina, Cyndi Lauper, and Madonna in their heyday.
Method 2 of 4: Retro 1970s Style
Step 1. Customize your outfit
The '70s saw several stylistic shifts, most notably the continuation of the '60s bohemian style, sparkly androgynous glam rock, and decadent disco. The most popular silhouettes are tight tops and loose bottoms.
- For a teeny '70s look that's easy to match, but incredibly recognizable, go for a tight concert t-shirt and hip-hugging jeans with sneakers or tennis shoes. Teenagers in those days really liked this casual style.
- Pair a light, flowing top in earthy tones such as brown, burgundy, brick red, mustard yellow, and avocado green with a long, ethnic patterned skirt. Add a headband and a small scarf for a '70s hippie look.
Step 2. Wear cutbrai or wide-pipe jeans
Hip-hugging and high-waisted jeans are also very popular. This style is back so you can find the new wide-pipe jeans. You can also look for authentic versions at thrift stores, which may be much cheaper.
Jeans in the '70s were usually added with embroidery, embellishments, and nails. So, look for those details
Step 3. Wear simple accessories made of natural materials
You can find them at thrift stores. Look for accessories made of wood, shells, stones, feathers, beads, and leather. Combine the accessories. Add a large soft-brimmed hat and large sunglasses as a finishing touch.
- Moccasins and Birkenstock boots are very popular for the bohemian style. You can probably wear any sandal that is brown and get the same effect, especially if the other elements of the outfit are representative enough.
- Tassels will decorate whatever you wear, add them in any way appropriate.
Step 4. Try a glam rock look
The glam rock style is characterized by flamboyance, bright colors, and the use of materials such as satin, velvet, and spandex. The androgynous style that can be worn by both men and women is well-loved and the brightly colored materials highlight the decade.
- Go for anything with sequins, gloss, stones, accents, and tights. A sparkly and imaginative costume is a surefire way to go glam.
- Use accessories like a fur scarf, big sunglasses, and anything that uses leather and spikes. Leather jackets, ascots, velvet coats and silk scarves are also perfect for glam styles.
- Wear shiny, shiny, sequined, or neon-colored tights.
Step 5. Choose a disco style
Disco style is described as glamorous, eccentric, and decadent. In the '70s, sequins and tights were a must in all discotheques. Disco fashion was created for ease of movement and includes ruffled skirts, leotards, thongs, and short dresses made of tight materials such as spandex.
- Wear sequins with tight trousers or shorts. A neon spandex top and anything that shimmers under the disco lights would be perfect. Look at thrift stores and costume stores.
- Pair a colorful leotard with a wrap skirt. Top it off with anything that catches the eye and sparkles.
- Add bulky, glittery accessories, and knee-high boots or high heels (platform, if you have one).
Step 6. Try a '70s hairstyle
The hairstyle at that time was wavy, shaggy, or long with a middle part. Try a light wavy hairstyle and if you want, spray it with a temporary golden color for that look that was so popular in the '70s.
- If your hair is layered, create a shaggy style. Spray dry shampoo for just the right volume and texture, then add pomade to define layers. Leave the order a bit messy.
- For long hair, let it hang down in the middle. Add a little product that makes hair shiny.
Step 7. Create '70s makeup
Shiny eye shadow is popular in all styles, and glitter is used by both women and men. For glam or disco style, you can't go wrong with a bright, glossy lipstick and cat eye eyeliner.
- Apply heavy, shiny, or sparkly eyeshadow. Use lots of black eyeliner and black mascara. If you want a total look, wear long false eyelashes.
- For a bohemian look, use pale pink or peach lipstick because the bohemian style likes a natural look.
- For references to '70s makeup and hairstyles, check out photos of icons like Titiek Puspa, Widyawati, Yati Octavia, Farrah Fawcet, Bebe Buell, and Debbie Harry in their heyday.
Method 3 of 4: 1960s Retro Style
Step 1. Customize your outfit
The decade of the '60s was a time of social and cultural change, and the trends of the '60s reflected those changes. The bohemian lifestyle was widely welcomed and the hippie movement was born at that time.
- For a hippie-created look, start thinking about theatrical costumes, recycled clothing, ethnic fashions, Indian motifs, bright colors, and colliding patterns.
- Check thrift stores for old fashion clothes and other accents that you can reuse, like hippies do.
Step 2. Wear wide-pipe jeans and a tie-dye top
Paisley prints and psychedelic patterns are also good choices. You will not go wrong if you combine the two elements.
- Jeans at that time were colorful. So, don't be shy about wearing any bold color you find. Jin is usually decorated with embroidery and patch accents. So look for details like that or add your own if you're creative.
- Look for blouses with long, "bloated" sleeves. In addition, choose a thin material.
- Wear a chiffon baby-doll dress with spaghetti straps for a feminine look.
Step 3. Forget footwear
Hippies are often seen barefoot, but sandals are also popular. If you have boots or wooden sandals, they will be perfect.
Step 4. Tuck the flower in the hair
You can use fresh flowers, but fake flowers are fine too. Daisies were very popular at that time and were worn more often than jewelry. Braid the flower in the hair and secure it with small bobby pins. Try a simple braid decorated with flowers, or arrange the flowers into a circle to wear like a crown.
Step 5. Use accessories such as gypsy scarves, headbands, beaded jewelry, large rings, feather scarves, ponchos, moccasins, sandals, peace symbols, medallion necklaces, and chain belts
Second hand clothing stores usually provide such accessories. Stacked silver bracelets, woven leather bracelets, and hoop earrings are also good choices.
Step 6. Try a '60s hairstyle
There were many variations of hairstyles in the '60s, and the most iconic was the naturally long hair that was the hippie choice. Part the hair in the middle and let it fall down.
If you don't have long hair, try a wig at a costume store. The honeycomb style was also very stylish at that time
Step 7. Create '60s makeup
Hippies usually prefer a natural look with minimal makeup. However, they use face paint for special events and festivals. Try drawing daisies, rainbows, and peace symbols on your cheeks or forehead. Add glitter for a little sparkle.
- Makeup at that time varied. However, her signature features are pale lips, false eyelashes, and bold eye makeup.
- For references to '60s makeup and hairstyles, check out photos of icons like Titiek Hamzah, Mieke Wijaya, Fifi Young, Twiggy, Brigitte Bardot, and Janis Joplin in their heyday.
Method 4 of 4: 1950s Retro Style
Step 1. Customize your outfit
Short dresses were the most popular choice for women in the '50s. Soft cuts, slim waists, vibrant colors and striking details were the hallmarks of women's fashion of the decade.
The emphasis is on everyday looks that are glamorous, neat and polished
Step 2. Wear a short dress made of colorful patterned material
Make sure the length is slightly past the knee. The appropriate material motifs to choose from are polka dots, gingham, flowers, stripes, plaid, and new themes (such as western and science themes).
- Halter neck summer dresses, wide skirts, and Peter Pan collars (collars with rounded edges that meet in the middle) are simple variations of the dress, if you want to try one of these.
- Wide skirts in poodles were a short-lived trend, but when people think of '50s fashion, people usually think of that motif. Check if the costume shop in your city has such a skirt.
- The pencil skirt, which is a tight skirt that goes just below the knee, was also the main silhouette at that time. Pencil skirts are still popular today. Pair it with a collared blouse or tight sweater for that iconic '50s look.
Step 3. Use accessories in the form of faux fur, gloves, and cat eye glasses
Feathers were very popular in the '50s. So, try to find dresses and coats with furry collars at thrift stores. Pair it with white or beige gloves for a respectable lady look at the time.
Try oxfords with socks for a poodle style. Or, team the dress with simple high heels that are stylish
Step 4. Try a '50s hairstyle
For short hair, use a curling iron to curl your hair into the iconic poodle style. For long hair, make a big ponytail or a very glamorous (and time-consuming) curly bun.
Whatever hairstyle you choose, make sure you use plenty of hairspray
Step 5. Create '50s makeup
Use bright red, orange, or pink lipstick to match the outfit. Dab a little eye shadow and a lot of mascara for a glamorous eye look.
- The most popular nail color in those days was cherry red.
- For references to '50s makeup and hairstyles, check out photos of icons like Citra Dewi, Titien Sumarni, Sofia WD, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor in their heyday.
Tips
- Break through your mom's closet and head to a thrift store for authentic and great retro clothes and accessories at affordable prices.
- Don't be afraid to combine styles and eras.
- If not for Halloween costumes, choose retro clothes and accessories with care. Shoulder pads and sasak bangs (hopefully) won't be trending again these days.
- Mixing retro and embellished details with a modern outfit will make a fashion statement that doesn't sound old-fashioned.
- Playing around in retro style is a way of reminiscing about the fashion that was a hallmark of the era, enjoy.
