Retro, 80s Retro Clothing, Vintage Retro Clothing, Retro Clothing UK

The word “Retro” means “old fashioned” or old and functions much like “timeless” or “classic”. For example, “retro fashion” dates back to the 60s and 70s, also called the “retro age”. The word also describes cultures of the past. During the 60s and 70s, the fad was long hair, boots, dark shades, goatees and outrageous clothing. This time was also marked by bell-bottom pants, vests, tie-dyed garments, dashikis, peasant blouses, long skirts, non-Western inspired clothing with Native American, African and Latin American motifs. Also prominent were distinct head scarves, headbands, long beaded necklaces (for both men and women), cowboy boots and sandals.

Retro style clothing tended towards a romantic re-development of Victorian and Edwardian styles. For instance, outlines of Silhouettes blended empire waists and leg o'mutton sleeves. Some other styles included straight, skinny synthetic shirts or T-shirt paired with synthetic or denim bellbottoms, polyester knit suits, mohair sweaters, princess-line polyester print dresses and air brushed shirts. Shirts, tops, dresses, or skirts had drug-related motifs like mushrooms and poppies. Borders of crocheted lace and beads were popular and so were appliqués and novelty stitches.

Accessories during the “retro age” included platform shoes, kitten heel shoes, fur boots, PVC boots and colourful scarves. “Retro clothing” of the 80s included big shoulder pads, big hair, bold makeup, lots of gold and black with bright colours, acid-wash jeans, legwarmers and fringed boots. Vintage clothing and costumes included long ball gowns, 40's swing dresses, 50's cocktail dresses, wigs, costume wigs, purses and shoes. Today, many retro style clothes and accessories are available in various stores and online sites in the UK.