Why are Fashion Trends Cyclical?

Fashion trends are cyclical because they are influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural movements, historical events, and societal values. These factors are not static and are constantly changing over time, which leads to the emergence of new fashion trends and the revival of old ones.

I get it. Some fashion trends should die a brutal death...never to return again. But, don't hold your breath, because those are the ones that will likely return with a vengeance!

One of the main reasons for the cyclical nature of fashion trends is the human tendency to look back at the past for inspiration. Fashion designers often draw inspiration from vintage styles, which can lead to the revival of old trends.

Additionally, fashion trends are often influenced by popular culture, such as music, film, and television. As these cultural influences change over time, so do fashion trends.

Madonna, a pop singer and actress, was an icon of the 1980s, and her fashion choices had a significant impact on the trends of the time. The "Madonna look" was a mix of punk, pop, and high fashion, characterized by fishnet stockings, lace gloves, layered necklaces, and oversized crucifixes.

Madonna became a major fashion influencer in the 1980s, inspiring countless imitators and influencing the style of the decade. And to think, she did all of that without Instagram and Tik Tok!

Another factor that contributes to the cyclical nature of fashion trends is the concept of nostalgia. People often associate certain fashion trends with a particular time period or experience, which can create a sense of nostalgia and influence their fashion choices. As people age and new generations emerge, these nostalgic trends are often revived and updated for a contemporary audience.

For me, growing up in the 90's brings back a flood of nostalgic fashion from that era. Nirvana and the grunge movement brought us oversized flannel shirts worn with ripped jeans and combat boots. Baggy clothes (like really baggy) were popular and even worn backwards sometimes (by my favorite group Kris Kross). However, I would say my favorite 90's trend by far was JNCO jeans. If you don't know what those are, google it right now.

Overall, fashion trends are cyclical because they are influenced by a complex interplay of cultural, historical, societal, and economic factors. As these factors change over time, so do fashion trends, leading to the revival of old trends and the emergence of new ones.

About 80's Style

80's fashion was known for being bold, colorful, and often flamboyant. Some of the key trends of the decade include:

Power dressing: This trend was all about dressing for success, with padded shoulders, boxy blazers, and tailored suits being the norm.

Neon colors: Bright, eye-catching neon colors were everywhere in the 80s, from clothing to accessories to makeup.

Leggings: Leggings became a staple in the 80s, often worn with oversized sweaters or t-shirts.

Acid-washed denim: This trend involved using acid to bleach denim, resulting in a mottled, tie-dye effect.

Oversized clothing: From oversized blazers to baggy pants, the 80s were all about layering and wearing clothing that was much larger than your actual size.

Shoulder pads: As mentioned earlier, padded shoulders were a huge trend in the 80s, adding a powerful and confident look to any outfit.

Hair accessories: Scrunchies, headbands, and hair bows were all popular hair accessories in the 80s, adding an extra touch of color and flair to any hairstyle.

Now, let's talk about why you're here reading this article: the 80's shoe trends making a comeback.

The 80's shoe trends were characterized by bold and colorful designs that reflected the fashion and culture of the decade. Some of the most popular shoe styles of the era included:

High-top sneakers: The iconic high-top sneaker was a staple of the 80's fashion scene.

Boots: Boots of all types were popular in the 80s, including ankle boots, cowboy boots (wait 'til you see the Fall 2023 Collection), and combat boots.

Athletic shoes: With the rise of fitness culture in the 80s, athletic shoes became a popular choice for both men and women. I consider this the original athleisure movement.

Loafers: These slip-on shoes were a popular choice for men and women in the 80s, often worn with preppy outfits. Our Spring/Summer 2023 Collection features a ton of loafers...my favorites have a platform lug sole.


Overall, the 80s fashion was all about making a statement and expressing individuality through clothing and accessories.