Have you ever been stuck in a beauty or fashion rut, uninspired and just clueless of what to do next? We’ve all been there. It doesn’t matter if you’re a trendsetter or follower, beauty and fashion are two ever-changing modes of expression that wring your creative juices. So what do you do when you find yourself doing the same old look for days and feel like you want to change it up, but you’re just not sure how? Travel back in time, that’s what.
Everyone from fashion designers to stylists to celebrities are routinely inspired by past decades (right now, the 80s and 90s are back in a big way). Either sporting a complete look that references a past decade or incorporating something as small as an accessory or hairstyle distinct to a certain era, fashion is always on a throwback high.
We’re not saying that you should dress up as if you were impersonating a character from Grease (it’s a little too early for Halloween), but take styles from an era that enthralls you and see how you can reference and marry it into your favorite looks of today. It can be an alluring eye look from the 60s that focuses on big lashes (like pulling a Twiggy or Jean Shrimpton) or an elegant yet playful dress inspired by the 50s, Audrey Hepburn style.
Whenever you feel like you’ve hit the wall when putting together your weekly outfits or coming up with a look for an occasion, remember that the past holds a treasure trove of captivating looks that will never go out of style. If it captured eyes and hearts then, surely it will do the same today. So go consult old photographs and teach yourself the art of mixing the old with the new. You are your own stylist.
Click through to see how your favorite celebrities are referencing the past.
[ Next: Street Style: Modern Takes on Timeless Fashion Classics ]
Travel Back in Time for Makeup and Fashion Inspiration
-
50s: Meghan Markle
If you've been following the royals, you might have noticed that Meghan Markle's outfits are heavily inspired by Audrey Hepburn's fashion sense. She captivates just like the 50s/60s fashion icon.
Image: Neil Mockford/GC Images/Getty Images
-
60s: Rihanna
Rihanna posted a retro hair look she wore to Coachella back in April, captioning the post on Instagram, "The 60s started it."
Image: @badgalriri
-
60s: Lily Collins
Not too long ago, Lily Collins attended the Miu Miu Cruise 2019 show in Paris in a full 60s-inspired ensemble and everyone loved it.
Image: Dominique Charriau/Getty Images for miu miu
-
70s: Connar Franklin
One of Selena Gomez's model besties, Connar Franklin, joined her in being a dancing queen on a recent 70s kind of night out with friends.
Image: @connarfranklin
-
70s: Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez seems to be loving looks from the 70s and her hoop earrings tell us so.
Image: @selenagomez
-
80s: Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union doesn't always sport ringlet curls, but when she does, she gives 80s vibes like no other.
Image: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images
-
90s: Maddie Ziegler
There's so much to love about the 90s, which is why it's been the go-to decade to throw back to lately. Even scrunchies are somehow cool again. Dance Moms star Maddie Ziegler wore one made with leather at the recent Teen Choice Awards.
Image: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images