Nghi To / Cardinal Points

By Hales Passino

As style evolves throughout the years, there will always be trends from previous decades making a delighted comeback; much like an old friend stopping by to visit.

What we end up realizing is that sometimes the comeback, perhaps, is even more desirable than the debut. On social media, predominantly apps like TikTok, viewers can find an array of videos with looks from the history books.

Bell bottoms were popularized in the 1960s among both men and women, they were often worn by musicians on stage like Mick Jagger, Cher, Stevie Nicks and Jimi Hendrix.

Bell bottoms come in either jean or legging-like material, are fitted firmly on the thighs and start to flare from the knee down. No matter how tall or short anyone is, they’re consistently complementary, especially when paired with a heeled-boot such as go-go’s or Doc Martens.

Another fad brought into focus are sunglasses much too large and bulky. The style of frames come a dime a dozen. There’s cat eye. There’s rounded. There’s square. Whichever style fits you best, they’ll effortlessly display this layer of mystery and drama to the face.

These were a must for old Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Sharon Tate, who were doing their best to fathom the constant camera flashes and bright lights from paparazzi.

Pins and patches serve the purpose of being the true streetwear conversation starters. They come with bizarre graphics, political slogans, popular logos, you name it.

They can be dated back as far as the Revolutionary War, worn by soldiers in battle to signify their rank. Throughout the years, political candidates have distributed pins and patches as an effective campaign tool.

Though pins and patches can be secured on a jacket or handbag, sometimes, wearing them on a plain shirt or sweater makes them much more noticeable statement pieces.

Like Scott McKenzie of The Mamas and the Papas once sang, “Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.” Flowers have always been synonymous with hippie culture of the 1960s and flower power; the movement of those who worked to bring about political and societal change through passive resistance and

nonviolent protest.

Flower crowns have become increasingly popular headpieces to wear at wedding ceremonies in recent years. They can also simply be used as decoration on flat-crown western dress hats, much like the ones Bob Dylan wore during his Desire era in the 1970s.

Fringed and feathered hair, suited mainly for those with straight hair, is popular for the essence of added body and volume. It also looks much like the feathers of a bird.

To achieve the look, it’s best to get layers added in your hair and sport a middle part with bangs. Farrah Fawcett, one of the original Charlie’s Angels, truly owned this look in the 1980s.

Purely based on observation, an idea for what vintage style trends may recirculate: bandanas worn on boots. They can be worn in place of headbands, masks and scarves, so why not incorporate them into shoewear?

Email Hales Passino at cp@cardinalpointonline.com