Retro trends , vintage style, iconic pieces, and reimagined accessories: fashion loves to take us on a journey through time. From the Roaring Twenties to the flamboyant looks of the 80s, each decade has its own codes. Today, these inspirations are returning to our wardrobes with a more modern approach. The principle is simple: capture the spirit of an era and combine it with contemporary pieces. So, what exactly is retro style? How do you put together a retro outfit for women or a retro garment for men without looking like you're wearing a period costume? And above all, how do you incorporate contemporary handcrafted accessories into this type of look? Here's our guide to creating a personal , elegant, and modern retro style.
What is the retro trend and how can you recognize it?
The retro trend involves drawing inspiration from past fashion styles to create a contemporary look. It can evoke a specific decade or blend several references. Retro is thus distinct from true vintage: a retro piece can be new while still incorporating a cut, pattern, or aesthetic from the past. This freedom is precisely its main advantage. You can choose a dress inspired by the 50s, pair it with contemporary shoes, and complete your outfit with a handcrafted accessory. The result gains in personality. To adopt a chic retro style for women , think about balance. One statement piece is often enough to set the mood: a midi skirt, high-waisted trousers, a structured jacket, a geometric print, or an original accessory.
How to dress retro according to the major eras?
Each decade tells a story. By exploring the different periods, you'll easily find the one that matches your personality.
How to adopt the retro style of the 20s?
The 20s evoke the Roaring Twenties , parties, jazz, and Art Deco elegance. Flowing dresses, fringe, pearls, headbands, and geometric patterns characterize this aesthetic. What is the name for the style of the 20s? It's often referred to as Art Deco , the Roaring Twenties , or the Charleston style . For a retro evening, a straight dress paired with elegant jewelry instantly creates this atmosphere. You can modernize the look with a handcrafted accessory with clean lines. A contemporary piece then adds a personal touch to a silhouette inspired by the past.
Why does the retro style of the 50s remain so popular?
The 50s embodied a glamorous femininity with the hourglass figure, defined waists, and voluminous skirts. Accessories also played a significant role in the looks of the era. For a retro women's outfit , imagine a fitted dress, a midi skirt, or an elegant blouse. Then add a bag, a scarf, or handcrafted jewelry to personalize your look. This decade works particularly well for creating a retro-chic style . A structured piece paired with a contemporary accessory quickly creates a sophisticated look.
How to create a 60s inspired look?
The 60s marked a radical shift. Silhouettes became more graphic, prints gained prominence, and the miniskirt became iconic. Ready-to-wear fashion also experienced a significant boom. To recreate this spirit today, opt for a straight cut, a short skirt, a graphic collar, or a geometric pattern. Keep accessories relatively simple. A pair of handcrafted earrings or a unique bracelet can be enough to create the desired contrast between retro inspiration and modernity.
Why are the 70s so essential in the retro trend?
It's impossible to talk about retro trends without mentioning the 70s. Flared jeans, bell-bottoms, prints, knits, warm colors, a hippie vibe, and disco influences make up a particularly expressive wardrobe. For an easy-to-wear retro look, choose flared trousers with a more understated top. You can then play with textures and accessories: leather, wood, ethnic patterns, statement jewelry, or handcrafted pieces. It's also an excellent era for incorporating handmade African accessories. Natural materials, warm colors, and original designs resonate perfectly with the bohemian spirit of the seventies.
How to recapture the fashion energy of the 80s?
The 80s embraced volume, color, and bold statements. Structured shoulders, powerful silhouettes, vibrant colors, and eye-catching accessories were among the iconic hallmarks of this decade. To achieve a successful retro look for women , choose one statement piece: a jacket with strong shoulders, oversized earrings, or a colorful bag. Let the other elements breathe. For men, a structured jacket, jeans, a slightly loose shirt, and a unique accessory can be enough. This approach creates a modern retro look for men , far removed from a costume.
How to adopt the retro style of the 90s?
The 90s brought a more relaxed aesthetic. Wide-leg jeans, denim, sweatshirts, sportswear, streetwear, minimalism, and hip-hop influences defined a significant part of this decade. To recapture this vibe, pair loose-fitting jeans with a simple top, then add an eye-catching accessory. A handcrafted bag, a unique bracelet, or a statement necklace can transform a basic outfit into a truly retro look. Current fashion still draws heavily from this decade, proving that the codes of the 90s have a remarkable ability to reinvent themselves.
What to wear to a retro party?
A retro party is the perfect opportunity to unleash your inspiration. Start by identifying the decade you've chosen. The 20s? Opt for Art Deco elegance. The 50s? Go for a glamorous silhouette. The 70s? Play with prints and fabrics. The 80s? Dare to wear volume. The secret then lies in avoiding excess. Choose one statement piece, then build your outfit around it. A dramatic dress calls for more understated accessories. Conversely, a simple outfit can accommodate a bolder, handcrafted piece of jewelry. It's this combination of retro clothing and modern accessories that gives neo-retro style its appeal today.
How to create a modern retro outfit for women?
For a retro women's outfit , start with a silhouette that's easy to wear every day. A midi skirt, high-waisted trousers, a printed blouse, or a structured jacket are excellent foundations. Then add an accessory that tells a story. Handmade jewelry, a handcrafted bag, or a piece inspired by African craftsmanship will bring a unique dimension to your look. You can discover our selection of handmade African accessories in the shop: see handcrafted accessories on Adaptaccessoires . These creations allow you to add a contemporary, authentic, and personal touch to a silhouette inspired by another era.
What retro men's clothing should I choose for a modern look?
Retro menswear can take many forms. For the 50s, think straight-leg trousers, a shirt, and a structured jacket. For the 70s, opt for flared trousers, patterned shirts, or textured fabrics. For the 80s and 90s, denim, loose-fitting jackets, and sportswear influences become particularly appealing. Accessories play a crucial role here as well. A watch, a handcrafted bracelet, a subtle necklace, or a unique bag can add character to a very simple outfit. The idea is to capture the spirit of an era rather than replicating its entire wardrobe.
Retro trend: which accessories to choose to modernize your look?
Accessories are probably the easiest way to embrace the retro trend . You can maintain a very modern wardrobe and gradually introduce vintage pieces. A handcrafted bracelet can evoke the 70s. A geometric piece of jewelry can recall the 20s. A colorful bag can liven up an 80s-inspired look. This approach allows you to play with different eras without losing your personal style. Handmade creations also add an authentic dimension. They give depth to an outfit and allow you to break free from predictable combinations.
So, what retro style should we choose in 2026?
The best retro trend is the one you can adapt to your personality. The 20s captivate with their elegance. The 50s bring glamour. The 60s play with graphic lines. The 70s cultivate freedom. The 80s embrace exuberance. The 90s prioritize comfort and attitude. You can even mix several decades. A current dress inspired by the 50s, a contemporary handcrafted accessory, and a pair of modern shoes can create a perfectly cohesive look. Retro, therefore, is not simply a copy of the past. It's a way of creating a dialogue between eras to craft a style that reflects who you are.
What if your next look told a story?
The retro trend offers wonderful freedom. It allows you to revisit the great eras of fashion while leaving ample room for creativity. The most interesting aspect is precisely to move away from a head-to-toe retro look and combine retro clothing , contemporary pieces, and handcrafted accessories. Choose your favorite decade, find your statement piece, and add that little detail that will make all the difference. A handmade accessory can sometimes be enough to transform an ordinary outfit into a truly personal signature.
