History has a tendency to repeat itself, especially in the fashion industry. According to the American Marketing Association, this is due to the “distinctiveness” part of the cycle where the trend is highly sought after. Trends from decades ago still appear on front cover of fashion magazines.

“Once a flattering style is discovered, it shouldn’t have to be discarded. Fashion, much like everything else, needs staples to produce newer styles too,” senior Sophie Wallace said.

Inspiration is another key factor in repeating trends. Famous role models are still just as inspiring to our youth today as they were to our older generations.

“Teenagers  weren’t around for older styles, so it still seems new to them,” senior Nicole Packard said.

Even though certain styles are being reused, it doesn’t mean a modern twist hasn’t been added. 90’s grunge and 80’s high waisted styles are back in style and stronger than ever, but not exactly the same. A more feminine vibe manages to flow perfectly with the dark grunge look, and high waisted bottoms are much more form fitting than before.

“Its easier to save money with older fashions back in style; I can just go to a thrift shop or find older clothes,” Wallace said.

Much like Hollywood’s bad rep for recycling old ideas, the fashion industry is no different.  Yet the reuse of older styles can be for more personal reasons rather than our societies lack of ideas.

“Well, some people would see it as a metaphor for us trying to reclaim a past that never really belonged to us. Old school fashion could either be a great example of recapturing the beautiful past or it could be a bad metaphor for selective amnesia. You decide,” Textile fashion columnist Tim Yu said.