Fashion Trends from My Youth That Are Making a Comeback

If there’s one thing I love, it’s nostalgia. I’m a 1989 baby, so my childhood and teens were spent in the 90’s and 2000’s, which was arguably the best time to be alive. One of those reasons was the fashion and accessories of the time — everything was fun, colorful, and a bit gaudy (but in the best way possible).

While I can’t pull off the trends as easily as I did back then, I still try to revisit my youth from time-to-time. Here are some fashion trends from my youth that are making a comeback this summer.

Jelly Sandals

My vivid memories of jelly sandals fell into two camps: the smell of the plastic and the blisters they would leave on my feet from rubbing against my skin. You’d think that would’ve deterred me from wearing them, but clearly not! The jelly sandals that are trend these days have improved in comfort, but still have the youthful look from my childhood. And if sandals aren’t your thing, there are flats and slip-on options, too.

Marmont Jelly Sandal | Maddison Slide Sandal | Blue Riley Jelly Sandals | Louey Mary Jane Flat | Pescura Platform Slide Sandal | Michaela Jelly Mary Jane Flat | Jam Jelly Flat | Possession Jelly Fisherman Sandal | Ginna Jelly Flat | Tomi Jelly Sandal | Bay Jelly Sandal | Sweeten Flip Flop

Babydoll Tank Tops

Growing up petite, I loved baby doll tank tops since they were loose and flowy and added some weight to my figure. Now, I like the tops but for the complete opposite reason — they hide my stomach! Babydoll tops are a go-to of mine in summer when I want to go for a feminine, breezy look. My tip is to choose one that isn’t too long otherwise your shorts will disappear and you’ll look naked. This was the look my teenage self wore often, and I’ve learned from my mistakes.

Elena Beaded Babydoll Camisole | Flyaway Babydoll Tank Top | Ruffle Lace Babydoll Camisole | Floral Crocheted V-Neck Babydoll Top | Green Babydoll Tank Top | Hanky Hem Cami | Babydoll Lace-Trim Cami | Tie-Front Babydoll Top

Baguette Bags

I vividly remember when shoulder bags went out of style and crossbody bags or wristlets became popular. I brought a few of my shoulder bags to college and noticed no one else was wearing them. So in order to fit in, I opted for wristlets instead like everyone else. But back to baguette bags — they are a classic shape so they go with everything and are easy to style, so I get why they’re back in style like other 90’s trends.

loop pebble leather shoulder bag | Lily Shoulder Bag | Italian Suede East-West Satchel | Alesiaa Shoulder Bag | Mini Nova Baguette Shoulder Bag | Asher Shoulder Bag | Vintage Retro Handbag | Ollie Leather Shoulder Bag

Claw Clips

When I think of claw clips, I think of my friend Paige and her Mom. They both had long hair and when they wanted it up, they used a claw clip. I remember it looking so effortless and somewhat… bohemian? Fast forward to the claw clips of today, which range from basic to bedazzled, with fun shapes, objects, or personalized elements. I have a lot of hair, so I use the medium-sixed ones for half-up styles, and opt for the bigger ones to put it all up in a French twist-like bun.

Scalloped Seashell Claw Clip | Emi Jay Sweetheart Hair Claw Clip in Pink Pixie | Squiggle Hair Claw Clip | Flower Detail Claw Clip | Kitsch Metal Hair Clip | Flower Hair Clip | Classic Claw Clip | Embellished Hair Claw | Fruit Hair Claw Clip

Slip Dresses

Another big trend that’s back are slip dresses — especially with lace trim. This trend makes me think of Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie during their peak of The Simple Life fame. Originally inspired by lingerie, the slip dress is typically a lightweight, straight-cut dress with thin straps, minimal structure, and fabrics like satin, silk, or viscose that drape smoothly over the body. Now it’s come back into style (in both long and short versions) with brands like Zara and Reformation leading the pack.

AQUA Polka Dot Mesh Maxi Dress | 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress | Floral Chantilly Lace Maxi Slip Dress | Women’s Bra-Free Lace-Trim Slip Midi Dress | Faye Floral Print Slipdress | Satin Camisole Midi Dress | Cowl Neck Satin Mini Slipdress | Washable Silk Slipdress Nightgown