Celebrity stylist reveals the hottest retro fashion trends to shop
Fashion is cyclical by nature and nostalgic styles are in now more than ever.
According to the famous stylist Micaela Erlanger, the early millennia of the past have been resurrected and returned to the forefront of fashion.
Micaela, responsible for some of the biggest looks from talents like Blake Lively, Lupita Nyong’o, Meryl Streep and Diane Kruger, reveals the retro fashions that are trending right now and how to keep them looking modern and fresh.
According to famed stylist Micaela Erlanger (pictured), the early millennia of the past have been resurrected to return to the forefront of fashion
“It’s all about the turn of the millennium aka the 90s – early 2000s,” the award-winning stylist reveals to DailyMail.com.
‘Cargo trousers, velvet, baguette bags, platform sandals and colored spectacle frames are becoming increasingly popular.’
During Paris Fashion Week, editors and influencers showed off in looks inspired by the decade, with cargo pants being one of the hottest trends.
When it comes to rocking a retro look, don’t be literal. Look for nuances or hints of a style reference and add a dose by accessorizing with cute glasses,” Micaela shares.
Fashion insiders stepped out in the City of Lights with raised versions of cargo pants with multiple side pockets
Cargo pants
Fashion insiders stepped out in the City of Lights with raised versions of cargo pants with multiple side pockets.
Reimagined by high-end designers such as Louis Vuitton, the Y2K casual trend has been embraced by style icons around the world.
A guest outside the Zimmermann show looked effortlessly stylish in a monochromatic look as he posed for photographers.
She wore utilitarian-style beige trousers with a matching college jacket and completed the look with a matching clutch and retro-style sunglasses.
Once designed for comfort and convenience, today’s cargo versions are not only sleek, but also crafted to perfection by today’s top trendsetters.
Retro sunglasses
According to Micaela, sunglasses are an easy way to reference the decade.
“With this era in mind, opt for smaller frames and reflective lenses to capture the late 90s/early 2000s look,” she said.
Micaela suggests treating your glasses like a piece of jewelry and believes tinted frames are a fun way to add a pop of color to an outfit.
She also recommends round and rectangular shades and is a fan of Eyebuydirect for their wide selection and customization options.
A street style star in Copenhagen was spotted outside the Holzweiler show wearing a multicolored striped skirt and yellow sweater.
She added retro flair to the look with bold red Loewe sunglasses and platform heels.
“Colored frames are becoming increasingly popular in eyewear,” says de Micaela. “Eyebuydirect offers over 20 tint options with the ability to adjust the opacity as well”
Micaela suggests treating your glasses like a piece of jewelry and believes tinted frames are a fun way to add a splash of color to an outfit
In Copenhagen, Marianne Theodorsen looked sporty chic in a green nylon jacket paired with a black skirt and silver boots. Her Fendi baguette bag and reflective green sunglasses added just the right amount of ’90s kitsch to her outfit
platform soles
Many shoe trends from the 90s have resurfaced in recent years.
From the Doc Marten combat boot to the Steve Madden “slinky” flip flop, staples for teens, tweens, and trendy adults are all the rage.
Micaela calls platform sandals this season’s IT shoe.
The sturdiness of the retro silhouette offers more stability than a high stiletto, while the height makes the wearer feel sexy and powerful.
The Italian model and TV presenter Maria Rosaria Rizzo was spotted in Paris in a very colorful ensemble.
The star showed off her smart style in green velvet trousers, a yellow jacket and a matching newsboy cap.
She accessorized with an orange Bottega Veneta bag and matching open-toe platform sandals that added inches to her body.
French bread bag
The Fendi Baguette bag gained popularity in the 1990s on the iconic HBO television show ‘Sex and The City’.
Designed to hold just the essentials, the bag is lightweight, chic and allows for mobility.
It has a small handle that can be worn over the wrist, or the bag can be tucked under your arm. It’s the perfect style for a girl on the go in 2023.
In Copenhagen, Marianne Theodorsen looked sporty chic in a green nylon jacket paired with a black skirt and silver boots.
Her Fendi baguette bag and reflective green sunglasses added just the right amount of kitsch to her outfit.
The Italian model and TV presenter Maria Rosaria Rizzo was spotted in Paris in a very colorful ensemble. The star showed off her smart style in green velvet trousers, a yellow jacket and a matching newsboy cap
Velor is back! A street style star was spotted outside the Off-White show in a brown tactile two-piece paired with baby blue sneakers
Worn vintage today
As younger generations take a greater interest in the environment, thrift shopping (both online and IRL) has become much more popular.
As you search sites like Poshmark or Tradesy, or rummage through bins and racks at your local Goodwill, you’re bound to score some fantastic, one-of-a-kind retro pieces.
Micaela gives some suggestions for incorporating vintage pieces into your wardrobe.
“In general, unless you’re going for an era-specific look, you should consider mixing trends to keep it fresh,” she says.
Adding: “Don’t look like you’re wearing a costume by choosing contrasting eras for clothes and accessories.”
For example, pair 90s-style velor pants with a structured blazer, crop top, and heels.
Or rock a 70s silhouette like bell bottoms in colors of the moment like pastel pink, or a 1960s dress in 1980s neon.”