From Grandma’s Closet to Trendy TikTok: Vintage Looks That Are Back

Fashion is proof that what goes around, comes around—literally. What once lived in grandma’s attic, destined for thrift store bins, is now the holy grail of style for fashion-forward Gen Zers and nostalgic millennials. From TikTok hauls to red carpet appearances, old-school styles are making a huge comeback, proving that vintage is not just timeless; it’s trending.

Here’s a fun breakdown of vintage looks your grandma probably wore, and how they’re taking over today’s fashion scene.

1. Wide-Leg Jeans: Bell-Bottoms with a Twist

Then: Think 70s hippies dancing at Woodstock or your grandma’s favorite pair of flared Levi’s. Wide-leg jeans were the epitome of laid-back cool.
Now: Thanks to TikTok, wide-leg jeans have replaced skinny jeans as the go-to denim. Modern versions come with high-waists and raw hems, pairing effortlessly with crop tops and oversized blazers.

How to style:

• Tuck in a fitted turtleneck and throw on a leather jacket for a retro-meets-modern vibe.
• Add platform boots to complete the look.

2. Crochet Everything

Then: Grandma’s crochet was a labor of love, adorning everything from tablecloths to summery tank tops in the 60s and 70s.
Now: TikTok influencers are rocking colorful crochet bikinis, crochet halter tops, and even crochet bucket hats. The handmade aesthetic screams individuality and a touch of nostalgia.

How to style:

• Pair a crochet crop top with high-waisted denim shorts for a festival-ready look.
• Go bold with a matching crochet set for the ultimate retro vibe.

3. Oversized Blazers: From Power Suits to Power Moves

Then: Shoulder pads and boxy blazers were 80s office staples, making women look as powerful as their male counterparts.
Now: Oversized blazers are a TikTok sensation, worn casually with bike shorts or layered over slip dresses. Forget the shoulder pads—today’s versions are all about relaxed tailoring.

How to style:

• Pair with wide-leg trousers and sneakers for a chic streetwear vibe.
• Add a belt bag to cinch the waist and modernize the silhouette.

4. Grandma’s Cardigans: Cozy Goes Cool

Then: Worn for warmth while knitting or sipping tea, cardigans were a practical, unfussy staple in every grandma’s wardrobe.
Now: Chunky, cropped, or pastel-hued cardigans are TikTok stars, styled as standalone tops or layered for that effortless “cottagecore” aesthetic.

How to style:

• Tuck a cropped cardigan into a floral midi skirt for a vintage-inspired feminine look.
• Layer over a slip dress and combat boots for an edgy contrast.

5. Satin Slip Dresses: From Nightgown to Night Out

Then: A classic staple of the 90s, a satin slip dress was chic, minimalist, and often mistaken for lingerie.
Now: Slip dresses are a versatile wardrobe hero, styled for everything from casual brunches to black-tie events. Bonus points for layering a tee underneath for a true throwback.

How to style:

• Throw on an oversized blazer and ankle boots for an effortless date-night look.
• Add chunky sneakers and a bucket hat for a sporty twist.

6. Claw Clips: The Ultimate Lazy-Girl Hair Hack

Then: Your grandma probably kept one in her purse for quick updos in the 90s.
Now: Claw clips are dominating TikTok as the easiest way to achieve “clean girl aesthetic” hair. Plus, they come in fun colors and patterns for a playful touch.

How to style:

• Use a neutral-tone clip to secure a sleek bun or French twist.
• Opt for bright, oversized clips to add a pop of color to a casual outfit.

7. Peasant Tops: Flowy and Feminine

Then: A hallmark of 60s and 70s bohemian fashion, peasant tops were all about earthy, flowy vibes.
Now: These romantic, billowy tops are back in soft fabrics and pastel hues, fitting perfectly with today’s love for vintage-inspired minimalism.

How to style:

• Pair with distressed jeans and espadrilles for a breezy summer look.
• Add gold jewelry and a midi skirt for a modern boho feel.

8. Kitten Heels: Low Effort, High Style

Then: Popular in the 50s and 60s, kitten heels were a chic yet comfortable choice for women who wanted some height without sacrificing comfort.
Now: TikTok fashionistas have rediscovered the charm of these tiny heels, wearing them with everything from baggy jeans to midi dresses.

How to style:

• Wear with cropped wide-leg trousers for a Parisian-inspired look.
• Pair with sheer socks and a pleated skirt for a quirky retro vibe.

9. Vintage Jewelry: From Costume to Cool

Then: Chunky pearls, brooches, and oversized clip-on earrings filled every grandma’s jewelry box.
Now: Vintage-inspired jewelry is back, with statement rings, layered chains, and bold earrings topping the list of must-haves.

How to style:

• Layer gold chains over a turtleneck or slip dress.
• Mix and match chunky rings with daintier pieces for a curated look.

10. Plaid Skirts: Clueless and Beyond

Then: The epitome of 90s prep, plaid skirts were made famous by Clueless and schoolgirl uniforms.
Now: Plaid is making waves on TikTok as part of the “dark academia” aesthetic, paired with oversized sweaters or combat boots for a moody yet stylish vibe.

How to style:

• Tuck in a turtleneck and layer with a blazer for the perfect “scholarly” vibe.
• Pair with a graphic tee and sneakers for a casual twist.

Why We Love It

Vintage styles aren’t just nostalgic—they’re sustainable, creative, and versatile. The TikTok generation has proven that you don’t need to buy brand-new to look brand-new. From grandma’s closet to trendy TikTok feeds, these old-school styles are getting the spotlight they deserve.

So, next time you’re tempted to toss that crochet top or satin slip into the donation bin, stop. The future of fashion might just be hanging in your past