Is it just me, or does it seem that lately members of multiple generations are feeling nostalgic for the mid-late 80s and 90s? The recent release of the FX/Disney series, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette which explores the couple’s high profile 1990s romance (I haven’t seen any of it…yet), articles such as the one in the New York Times last week entitled “Teens Are Falling Out of Love With Tech”, popular clothing companies such as Banana Republic and Garnet Hill including archived styles in their latest catalogs and bands such as “Brigitte Calls Me Baby” creating retro-inspired music (for more on the band, see my last post) and releasing their work on vinyl (which is big again) are all suggesting that it’s not just a return to a slower paced lifestyle for which we are yearning, but that we’re also interested in recapturing the look and style of those times as well.

I recently saw a short video online highlighting how many of the actors and actresses of the 90s did not undergo plastic surgery or even rely on stylists to create their awards show looks. They appeared more natural, and therefore, more unique and attractive. Though some of the interest in 80s and 90s aesthetics can be attributed to the cyclical nature of fashion and trends, much of it may also be attributed to the fact that the 90s was the last era before the tech explosion. Dressing like one did in the past may make one feel more connected to a seemingly simpler time and therefore less a part of often rushed, stressful and more isolating modern time. 

Having been a teen and young adult during the 90s, I still gravitate towards that aesthetic. Apparently, (according to one of my younger colleagues) my personal style mirrors that of Felicity Porter’s in the 90s-00s WB Network show, Felicity, as she stopped me one day to compliment my clothing and said she thought my outfits were all Felicity-inspired (Compliment much appreciated!). Though it was never my conscious intention to recreate Felicity’s style, I admit, I loved the show and the main character’s look. Like Felicity’s closet, much of my own wardrobe consists of jeans, corduroys and cable knit, cotton sweaters. It has been that way for me since childhood. In the summer, I’m usually in a pair of cut-off jeans shorts (at an appropriate length) and graphic cotton tees. I swear by Birkenstocks and wear various styles by the brand all year round. In my opinion, fashion-wise, the late 90s was a great time. It was not too stuffy or restrictive (like clothing from 1950 and before), not too bohemian (1960s-70s) and not too punk rock (80s). The 90s were casual, but still stylish. Somehow, today, we’ve gone all the way over to ultra-casual, devoid of any real style (think leggings and sweats) and in my humble opinion, it’s not doing anybody any favors. So, how can we indulge in a little nostalgia without getting stuck in the past? Here are some tips:

In addition to: 

• cutting down on screen time or opting for an “old school” phone, 
• reading hard copy books and periodicals, 
• taking up knitting, embroidery or sewing or any other crafty hobby such as painting or wood working, 
• collaborating with your family or friends to complete a puzzle or play board games,
• going for a walk or hike outside,
• making a pot of tea and inviting a neighbor over to join you for a cup, 
• going for a bike ride with your kids,
• taking the TV out of your bedroom and storing your phone someplace other than on your nightstand at night,

bring back 90s inspired style without breaking the bank by:

• shopping at thrift stores for clothing (I have found some amazing vintage pieces over the years which are in excellent shape and have cost me next to nothing),
• shopping for new pieces from companies that offer the look and the feel of retro-style, but classic garments (GAP, Lands End, LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, Levi’s and Uniqlo are some brands that come to mind right away), 
• saving the leggings and sweats for the gym and yoga class, and
• keeping it natural by avoiding botox, fillers and any other cosmetic medical/surgical procedures.

Who knows? With the way trends go, it’s possible that in another 30 or so years, people will be interested in re-creating the lifestyle and look of today, though I seriously doubt it. My hope is that we’ll eventually master ways to balance the best parts of life in the past with life as it is today, or will be, in the future. That’s what great about nostalgia, you can cherry-pick it. How apropos!