As our generation moves forward with technology, medicine, and education, we are rewinding back to the 70s, 80s, and 90s culturally and stylistically. Our generation is obsessed with old fads that aren’t simply fads – they are living styles that are repeating themselves.

Over the past few years technology has become a consistent part of our culture as it continues to evolve and expand. As kids who grew up in the early 2000’s, we were not necessarily introduced to turntables and polaroid cameras at a young age. Instead, newer technology mesmerized us, such as video games on our computers. This lack of experience with vintage items merely increases our intrigue and fascination with them today.

We want to connect to how our parents felt and dressed when they were the same age that we are today. We shuffle through photographs of our parents and our jaws drop when see that their clothes consisted of what now costs over a $100 at Urban Outfitters.
Urban Outfitters specializes in recreating the unique, vintage feel that so many are currently striving to capture. From their overalls and jumpsuits to record players and vinyl to one-piece bathing suits and scrunchies to jelly sandals and mini backpacks, UO is a goldmine for those searching for the intangible ‘80s and ‘90s feeling.

Free People and Anthropologie are also managed under Urban Outfitters, but accentuate a more bohemian style rather than a retro one. American Apparel, however, is know for a mix of both modern and retro styles.

The companies advertise through ads and images emphasizing this vintage style. By projecting this aesthetic, they captivate individuals who find this fashion attractive. Because the companies are influential in this industry, many other groups are also following this advertising approach.
As we are continuously enticed with music and all it has to offer, we are fascinated with the comeback of turntables. Currently selling for around $100, they are quickly re-appearing on many shelves, both in stores and homes.

Companies such as Urban Outfitters are consistently including Crosley players in their advertisements as well. When you enter most UO stores, you will be greeted by a large wall of eccentric LPs (long playing), ranging from The 1975 to The Weeknd to Mumford and Sons to Twenty One Pilots to The Great Gatsby soundtrack to Alanis Morissette. These albums range from $9.98 to $54.98.

Record players create another connection to both our parents and grandparents. Additionally, record stores creates an unfamiliar music encounter to our generation. It is a relaxing experience that strays far from us quickly downloading music onto our iPhones on the go. As records can only exclusively be played with a turntable, you can’t listen to them everywhere, allowing for the anticipation and excitement build.

Along with the allure of the turntable, Polaroid photographs are also coming back into style. Urban Outfitters sells Instax cameras for around $100. These cameras produce 2.4×1.8 inch photographs that are instantly developed once the picture is taken. The downside to these cameras as well as any film camera is the cost of having to purchase film and in some cases, having the film strip developed.

However, to many, this is a small price to pay for the unique quality of an image taken on a film camera. The faded and soft characteristics are difficult to replicate on a DSLR. This is also why many photographers are still using film cameras for their work, especially for portraits.

There is also a certain fascination with the instant printing and developing of Polaroids. There is something special about being able to hold the physical print in your hand immediately after taking a picture. Because our generation is so used to using phones to take instant pictures, it is intriguing to delve into a new method, especially because the effect of the photograph displays a hint of nostalgia, which an iPhone lacks.

There is also a recent push in media to revive old, beloved television shows. In January, Chris Carter’s “The X-Files” is returning to the Fox network for a six series event. Fans are thrilled as the slogan “I still want to believe” appears on commercials and social media. Along with the revival of “The X-files,” David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks” is returning in 2017 with the same cast. These shows appeared on television in the 90’s and are currently on Netflix. Therefore, they have developed an audience of a wide age range. “Full House” is also having a 13 episode reunion to air on Netflix in February titled “Fuller House.” With the return of these classic TV shows, many people may find themselves being drawn to rewatch the original series.

Our cultural journey to the past fuses multiple generations together, blending the allure of the past decades with this modern one. As we return to the ‘90s age of minimalism and grunge, we are greeted by a time of simplicity, represented by ‘90s fashion icons including Alicia Silverstone, Kate Moss, Winoma Ryder, Naomi Campbell, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Britney Spears, Kate Hudson, and Jennifer Aniston.

These models, actresses, and artists bore high rise denim, skirts, and bathing suit bottoms; one piece bathing suits; jumpsuits; overalls; wide-leg pants; boyfriend jeans, cropped and ped tops; velvet everything; solid and stripes; kimonos; flannels; denim and leather jackets; scrunchies; high-top converse; Dr. Martens; jelly sandals; mini backpacks; Ray Bans; chokers; cat-eyeliner and red lipstick. These vintage, retro, and bohemian styles are now plastered across billboards, magazines, the Internet, social media, and fill females’ closets across the country.