Arts Vanity: Top Vintage Trends To Bring Back in 2025

So, you’re tired of cookie-cutter outfits, looking for a new way to refresh your wardrobe that doesn’t include endless reams of fast-fashion? Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Below is a comprehensive list of every retro trend I believe we need to bring back in 2025. What qualifications or expertise do I bring to this list? Well, absolutely none — except strong opinions, a passion for period dramas, and a vintage shopping addiction. If that’s enough to convince you, read on to transform your wardrobe.

Go Go Boots:

Your favorite artist’s favorite accessory, these Chappell Roan-approved footwear are a stylish statement piece that will complete any going out fit. Think Donna and the Dynamos, transplanted into 2024. Does it get any better?

Perms:

For anyone like me who’s ever bemoaned their limp, lifeless, poker-straight hair and wished they could swap it for voluminous curls — guess what? You can! See Meg Ryan circa “When Harry Met Sally” for the vision. Yes, it will probably chemically damage your hair for years to come. And yes, it will probably last you 12 months max. But will you regret it? … Well, that’s for time to tell.

Leg Warmers:

No one knows cold like Bostonians in winter. Thankfully, your ankles need not suffer the freezing temperatures any longer. Leg warmers are not only a cute fashion choice, they’re also a practical and effective bulwark against the frigid air and will keep you cozy from the Quad to the Square.

Mullets:

Okay, I acknowledge that this is a hot take. But look up pictures of King Princess and tell me I’m wrong. Mullets might not be for everyone, but some people just have the perfect face for a mullet — and if you’re one of the lucky few, please do us all a public service and head to the hair salon ASAP.

Capes:

Again, hear me out. Granted, they’re a bit eccentric — but they’re also whimsical, easy to layer, and best of all, you can snuggle into them at your 9 a.m. class and go right back to sleep. Wrapped up in your cape, you won’t even notice that you’ve left the warmth of your cozy sheets. Sure, the look might mildly give magician, but you can’t deny that your inner child would approve.

Patterned Rain Jackets:

Look these up, I’m on my knees begging. Women of the ’60s might not have been able to open a bank account on their own, but they were able to pull off patterns. These jackets are so iconic that they’ll ensure you’re the peak of fashion, rain or shine. Trust me: Never again will the dreary grey skies of New England spoil your outfit.

Gloves:

Silk gloves, leather gloves — there are endless possibilities. They can be classy or edgy, wooly or buttery soft. No matter your style, they’re the perfect accessory for the post-Covid era, guaranteed to help you fight freshman flu, college cold, and every other virus on campus.

Fans:

Tired of endless talking phases, depressing one-liners on Hinge, and indecipherable situationships? Invest in a fan. In the memorable words of Queen Renaldi from the Princess Diaries, “One handles a fan very deliberately. It’s a tremendous tool of communication” — particularly effective flirtation. You can’t argue with royalty.

1940s Swimwear:

Another potentially controversial one, but I think if we give this trend a chance, it could be a winner. It’s basically just the cute Princess Polly dress you’ve been eyeing, turned into beachwear. Plus, so much less skin to sunscreen.

Flapper Dresses:

If you’ve ever swooned over “The Great Gatsby,” this is the clothing item for you. Wear it on a night out or to a New Year’s Eve party, or honestly anywhere in between. Flirty, fun, with vague Mafia undertones — chef’s kiss.

Crop Tops For All Genders:

Please. This is the trend our society is missing. If this happened, all would be right in the world. Wars would end, world peace would ensue. This is what true gender equity looks like, and it’s never looked better.

Bonnets:

I have some hesitations about this one, but I think if the vision was executed correctly, it could be life-changing. Not only could it give a cute girl-next-door, cottage-core aesthetic, but it would also spare us from so much sunburn. Crossing fashion with health solutions — call that interdisciplinary learning.

JNCO Jeans:

Okay, these are undeniably fun. Wide-legged, almost but not quite a skirt — someone put Urban Outfitters on this trend immediately. Honestly, I feel like this is a more realistic suggestion. It might raise some eyebrows at first, but it wouldn’t even feel out of place in the modern wardrobe.

Okay, that’s it! Go vintage shop to your heart’s content, start a massive trend, and when you’ve transformed every girl’s Pinterest style board and achieved TikTok vitality for your pioneering fashion sense, you can thank me.

—Incoming Culture Exec Makenna J. Walko, who may or may not have rewatched “Daisy Jones and the Six” for the fourth time as “research” for this piece, can be reached at makenna.walko@thecrimson.com.