I Just Lifted a Longstanding Personal Ban on These 4 Trends

In the past month, I shared my thoughts on which sunglasses trends, vacation trends, and beach trends are definitely in and out. But more and more I find myself repeating the phrase "never say never" in reference to any trend I'm on the fence about because, as you're about to see, everything comes back around again. Despite being aware of this cyclical nature, I still found myself surprised to be warming up to a few of the '80s fashion trends I used to throw mad shade on. (That is before the decade started to become as relevant in fashion as it currently is.)

I could rattle off a list of all the '80s trends resurfacing right now without even trying: tweed, puffed sleeves, hot pink, strong shoulders, acid wash… I could go on, but I think you get the gist. With nearly every trend under the sun coming back, it was only a matter of time until the following four styles found their way into my wardrobe. My former self may be shaking her head right now, but that won't stop me from embracing my newfound love for all things '80s.

Ahead, see which trends are re-entering my wardrobe after a years-long personal ban and shop my favorite versions of each.

Oversize Sunglasses

TBH, I breathed a sigh of relief when the micro sunglasses trend started to fade out. I never loved the style anyway, and sensing that the pendulum would swing the other way, I picked up a pair of upsized aviators to test out. Surprisingly, I didn't hate what I saw. Oversize shades have a tendency to overwhelm my face, but these turned out to be just right.

Pleated Jeans

Pleated jeans usually top the list of jean styles that have people really divided, and I can see why. What comes to mind at first is probably something frumpy and unflattering, but I'll stop you right there. The '80s denim trend is starting to resurface again (Chrissy Teigen is a fan), and this time, it's with sleeker styles that read more like a "mom" jean and are much easier to wear.

Ruching

Thinking it overly costumey, I avoided ruching at all costs in the past, but seeing the influx of ruched pieces in summery prints and colors that brands like Stine Goya and Iro are doing, I've started incorporating a bit of the '80s look into my outfits.

Micro Kitten Heels

I know I'm in the minority here, but I avoided wearing kitten heels for a long time because I always preferred higher heels or flats instead. Now that I've come around to them, I realize exactly what I was missing out on the whole time: They're the perfect in-between shoe you can wear in any basically any context. I've been favoring these Dear Frances slingbacks to give my outfits a ladylike finish.

Speaking of trends I'm warming up to, I have thoughts on camo pants.