Nostalgia is a powerful force, and fashion is no exception. As we move into 2024, the retro trend is hotter than ever, with women embracing vintage-inspired looks that celebrate the past while adding a modern twist. From the swinging 60s to the groovy 70s and the bold 80s, there’s a retro outfit idea for every style and personality. Get ready to step back and embrace these 28 best retro outfit ideas for women in 2024.
Retro Outfit Inspiration by Decade
| Decade | Key Pieces | Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | Mod mini dresses, shift dresses, capri pants, geometric prints, vinyl jackets | Go-go boots, headbands, statement earrings, mini bags, oversized sunglasses |
| 1970s | Flared jeans, maxi dresses, tie-dye prints, fringe jackets, embroidered denim | Platform sandals, fringed bags, floppy hats, chunky jewelry |
| 1980s | Platform sandals, fringed bags, floppy hats, chunky jewellery | Shoulder pads, chunky sneakers, fanny packs, scrunchies, neon makeup |
1. The 60s Mod Mini Dress
Nothing screams the 60s quite like a mod mini dress. Opt for a bold, geometric print or a sleek, solid colour, and pair it with go-go boots or Mary Janes for an authentic retro vibe. Accessorize with a headband, statement earrings, and a mini bag for a truly groovy look.
Pro Tip: Look for a mini dress with a high neckline and sleek, tailored silhouette to capture the mod aesthetic of the 60s.
Featured Product: Mod Mini Dress by RetroRevival – This A-line mini dress features a bold, geometric print and a high neckline, perfect for channelling your inner 60s icon. ($89.99)
2. The 70s Boho Chic
Embrace your inner flower child with a 70s-inspired boho chic outfit. Layer a flowy, printed maxi dress or skirt over a fitted top, and add a fringed vest or jacket for extra bohemian flair. Don’t forget the essential accessories: a wide-brimmed hat, chunky jewellery, and lace-up sandals.
In-Depth: The 70s boho chic trend was heavily influenced by the hippie counterculture movement, with its emphasis on free-spirited, earthy styles. Look for pieces with intricate embroidery, vibrant prints, and natural fabrics like cotton and linen.
Featured Product: Boho Embroidered Maxi Dress by BohemianBliss – This flowy, cotton maxi dress features intricate embroidery and a vibrant floral print, epitomizing the 70s boho chic aesthetic. ($98.00)
3. The 80s Power Suit
Channel your inner boss lady with an 80s power suit. Look for a bold, shoulder-padded blazer and pair it with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt. Finish the look with sky-high pumps and a structured handbag for a fierce, retro-inspired ensemble.
Pro Tip: Opt for a power suit in a bold, saturated colour like red or royal blue to truly embrace the 80s aesthetic.
Featured Product: Power Suit Set by RetroRevival – This two-piece power suit features exaggerated shoulder pads and a tailored silhouette, available in a vibrant red hue. ($149.99)
Fashion is a form of self-expression, and retro styles allow us to celebrate the past while putting our own modern twist on it.
Zoe Hong, Fashion Historian
4. The 60s Shift Dress
The classic shift dress is a timeless 60s silhouette that never goes out of style. Opt for a bold, solid colour or a fun, graphic print, and pair it with tights and ankle boots for a modern twist. Accessorize with a statement necklace and a sleek clutch for a polished, retro-chic look.
In-Depth: The shift dress gained popularity in the 60s as a sleek, minimalist alternative to the structured, curve-hugging styles of the 50s. Its simple, straight-line silhouette and short hemline epitomized the youthful, mod aesthetic of the decade.
Featured Product: Mod Shift Dress by VintageCouture – This classic shift dress features a bold, geometric print and a sleek, tailored silhouette, perfect for channelling 60s mod style. ($79.99)
5. The 70s Flared Jeans
Embrace the groovy 70s with a pair of flared jeans. Look for high-waisted, wide-leg styles and pair them with a fitted top or a printed blouse. Add a pair of platform sandals and a fringed bag for an authentic 70s vibe.
Pro Tip: For a truly 70s-inspired look, opt for flared jeans with a high-rise waist and exaggerated bell-bottom flare.
Featured Product: Groovy Flared Jeans by RetroRevival – These high-waisted, wide-leg jeans feature an exaggerated flare and a trendy distressed finish, perfect for capturing the 70s groove. ($89.99)
6. The 80s Neon Trend
Embrace the bold and bright neon trend of the 80s with a retro-inspired outfit. Pair neon leggings or a neon skirt with an oversized graphic tee or a crop top. Add chunky sneakers or jelly sandals for a fun, retro twist.
In-Depth: Neon hues like hot pink, electric blue, and highlighter yellow were all the rage in the 80s, reflecting the decade’s vibrant, high-energy aesthetic. Pair neon pieces with bold prints, like animal patterns or graphic designs, for a truly 80s-inspired look.
Featured Product: Neon Skirt Set by RetroRevival – This set includes a neon pink mini skirt and a matching oversized graphic tee, perfect for capturing the bold, vibrant spirit of the 80s. ($79.99)
7. The 60s Mod Jumpsuit
A mod jumpsuit is a chic and versatile way to channel the 60s. Look for a sleek, tailored style in a bold print or solid colour, and pair it with pointed-toe flats or heels. Add a statement belt and oversized sunglasses for a truly mod-inspired look.
Pro Tip: Opt for a mod jumpsuit with a wide-leg silhouette and a high neckline to truly capture the 60s aesthetic.
Featured Product: Mod Jumpsuit by VintageCouture – This sleek, tailored jumpsuit features a bold, geometric print and a wide-leg silhouette, perfect for channelling 60s mod style. ($99.99)
8. The 70s Floral Maxi Dress
Nothing says 70s quite like a floral maxi dress. Look for bold, vibrant prints and pair the dress with a denim jacket and flat sandals for a laid-back, bohemian vibe. Add a floppy hat and oversized sunnies for a touch of retro glamour.
In-Depth: The floral maxi dress was a staple of the 70s bohemian fashion scene, reflecting the decade’s love for all things free-spirited and natural. Look for dresses with intricate floral prints, billowy sleeves, and floaty, lightweight fabrics like chiffon or crepe.
Featured Product: Boho Floral Maxi Dress by BohemianBliss – This stunning maxi dress features a vibrant, multi-coloured floral print and a flowing, bohemian silhouette, perfect for capturing the 70s vibe. ($98.00)
9. The 80s Acid-Washed Denim
Embrace the 80s denim trend with a pair of acid-washed jeans. Look for high-waisted, slim-fit styles and pair them with an oversized graphic tee or a crop top. Add chunky sneakers or ankle boots for a casual, retro-inspired look.
Pro Tip: For an authentic 80s look, opt for acid-washed jeans with a tapered leg and cuffed hems.
Featured Product: Acid-Washed Skinny Jeans by RetroRevival – These high-waisted, acid-washed skinny jeans feature a tapered leg and cuffed hems, perfect for capturing the 80s denim trend. ($79.99)
10. The 60s Mod Shift Dress
A mod shift dress is a timeless 60s silhouette that never goes out of style. Look for a bold, graphic print or a solid colour, and pair it with tights and ankle boots for a modern twist. Accessorize with a statement necklace and a sleek clutch for a polished, retro-chic look.
In-Depth: The mod shift dress became an iconic ’60s silhouette thanks to its clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and bold, graphic prints. Look for dresses with contrasting colour blocks, geometric patterns, or Pop Art-inspired designs for an authentic mod vibe.
Featured Product: Mod Colorblock Shift Dress by VintageCouture – This sleek shift dress features a bold, contrasting color block design and a classic 60s silhouette, perfect for channelling mod style. ($89.99)
11. The 70s Bell-Bottom Jeans
Embrace the groove with a pair of 70s-inspired bell-bottom jeans. Look for high-waisted, wide-leg styles and pair them with a fitted top or a printed blouse. Add platform sandals and a fringed bag for an authentic 70s vibe.
Pro Tip: For a truly groovy look, opt for bell-bottom jeans with an exaggerated flare and a high-rise waist.
Featured Product: Groovy Bell-Bottom Jeans by RetroRevival – These high-waisted, wide-leg jeans feature an exaggerated bell-bottom flare and a trendy distressed finish, perfect for capturing the 70s groove. ($89.99)
12. The 80s Neon Leggings
Embrace the bold and bright neon trend of the 80s with a pair of neon leggings. Pair them with an oversized graphic tee or a crop top, and add chunky sneakers or jelly sandals for a fun, retro twist.
In-Depth: Neon hues were a staple of 80s fashion, reflecting the decade’s love for all things bold and daring. Look for neon leggings in vibrant shades like hot pink, electric blue, or highlighter yellow, and pair them with contrasting prints or patterns for a truly 80s-inspired look.
Featured Product: Neon Leggings Set by RetroRevival – This set includes a pair of vibrant neon pink leggings and a matching oversized graphic tee, perfect for capturing the bold, energetic spirit of the 80s. ($69.99)
13. The 60s Mod Cape Dress
A mod cape dress is a stylish and unexpected way to channel the 60s. Look for a sleek, tailored style in a bold print or solid colour, and pair it with pointed-toe flats or heels. Add a statement belt and oversized sunglasses for a truly mod-inspired look.
Pro Tip: Opt for a mod cape dress with a sleek, A-line silhouette and a bold, graphic print for an authentic 60s vibe.
Featured Product: Mod Cape Dress by VintageCouture – This chic cape dress features a bold, geometric print and a tailored A-line silhouette, perfect for channelling 60s mod style. ($109.99)
Fashion is a form of self-expression, and retro styles allow us to celebrate the past while putting our own modern twist on it.
Zoe Hong, Fashion Historian
14. The 70s Tie-Dye Trend
Embrace the groovy tie-dye trend of the 70s with a retro-inspired outfit. Look for a tie-dye maxi dress or a tie-dye blouse, and pair it with flared jeans or a denim skirt. Add flat sandals and a fringed bag for an authentic 70s vibe.
In-Depth: Tie-dye became a symbol of the 70s counterculture movement, reflecting the decade’s embrace of self-expression and individuality. Look for tie-dye pieces with bold, swirling patterns and vibrant colours for a truly groovy look.
Featured Product: Tie-Dye Maxi Dress by BohemianBliss – This stunning tie-dye maxi dress features a bold, swirling pattern in vibrant hues, perfect for capturing the 70s bohemian vibe. ($98.00)
15. The 80s Acid-Washed Denim Jacket
An acid-washed denim jacket is a must-have for any 80s-inspired outfit. Look for an oversized, distressed style and pair it with high-waisted jeans or a mini skirt. Add chunky sneakers and a fanny pack for a fun, retro twist.
Pro Tip: Opt for an acid-washed denim jacket with exaggerated shoulder pads for an authentic 80s power-dressing vibe.
Featured Product: Acid-Washed Denim Jacket by RetroRevival – This oversized, acid-washed denim jacket features distressed detailing and exaggerated shoulder pads, perfect for channelling 80s style. ($99.99)
16. The 60s Mod Monochrome Look
Embrace the mod monochrome trend of the 60s with a sleek, head-to-toe look in a single bold colour. Look for a tailored dress or a matching separates set, and pair it with pointed-toe flats or heels. Add a statement belt and oversized sunglasses for a truly mod-inspired look.
In-Depth: Monochrome dressing was a staple of the 60s mod aesthetic, with its emphasis on clean lines and minimalist silhouettes. Look for monochrome outfits in bold, saturated colours like red, royal blue, or emerald green for an authentic mod vibe.
Featured Product: Mod Monochrome Dress by VintageCouture – This sleek, tailored dress features a bold, saturated red hue and a classic 60s silhouette, perfect for channelling mod monochrome style. ($99.99)
17. The 70s Floral Maxi Skirt
A floral maxi skirt is a bohemian staple that perfectly captures the 70s vibe. Look for bold, vibrant prints and pair the skirt with a fitted crop top or a flowy blouse. Add flat sandals and a fringed bag for a laid-back, retro-inspired look.
Pro Tip: Opt for a floral maxi skirt with a high-waisted silhouette and a bold, multi-coloured print for an authentic 70s boho vibe.
Featured Product: Boho Floral Maxi Skirt by BohemianBliss – This stunning maxi skirt features a vibrant, multi-coloured floral print and a high-waisted silhouette, perfect for capturing the 70s bohemian spirit. ($79.99)
18. The 80s Neon Crop Top
Embrace the bold and bright neon trend of the 80s with a neon crop top. Pair it with high-waisted jeans or a mini skirt, and add chunky sneakers or jelly sandals for a fun, retro twist.
In-Depth: Crop tops were a staple of 80s fashion, reflecting the decade’s love for body-conscious, skin-baring styles. Look for neon crop tops with bold graphics or eye-catching embellishments for a truly 80s-inspired look.
Featured Product: Neon Graphic Crop Top by RetroRevival – This vibrant neon pink crop top features a bold, retro-inspired graphic and a cropped, body-hugging silhouette, perfect for capturing the 80s aesthetic. ($39.99)
19. The 60s Mod Polo Dress
A mod polo dress is a chic and versatile way to channel the 60s. Look for a sleek, tailored style in a bold print or solid colour, and pair it with pointed-toe flats or heels. Add a statement belt and oversized sunglasses for a truly mod-inspired look.
Pro Tip: Opt for a mod polo dress with a bold, contrasting collar and a sleek, A-line silhouette for an authentic 60s vibe.
Featured Product: Mod Polo Dress by VintageCouture – This chic polo dress features a bold, contrasting collar and a tailored A-line silhouette, perfect for channelling 60s mod style. ($89.99)
20. The 70s Fringe Trend
Embrace the fringe trend of the 70s with a retro-inspired outfit. Look for a fringed jacket or a fringed bag, and pair it with flared jeans or a maxi dress. Add platform sandals and a floppy hat for an authentic 70s vibe.
In-Depth: Fringe was a staple of 70s bohemian fashion, reflecting the decade’s love for all things free-spirited and carefree. Look for fringed pieces with intricate detailing and natural materials like suede or leather for a truly groovy look.
Featured Product: Suede Fringe Jacket by BohemianBliss – This stunning suede jacket features intricate fringe detailing and a rich, camel-coloured hue, perfect for capturing the 70s bohemian vibe. ($149.99)
21. The 80s Neon Windbreaker
An 80s-inspired neon windbreaker is a fun and unexpected way to embrace the retro trend. Look for a bold, bright colour and pair the windbreaker with leggings or high-waisted jeans. Add chunky sneakers and a fanny pack for a fun, retro twist.
Pro Tip: Opt for a neon windbreaker with bold, contrasting details like colour-blocking or graphic prints for an authentic 80s vibe.
Featured Product: Neon Windbreaker by RetroRevival – This vibrant neon yellow windbreaker features bold, colour-blocked panels and a retro-inspired silhouette, perfect for channelling 80s style. ($79.99)
22. The 60s Mod Polka Dot Dress
A mod polka dot dress is a classic 60s silhouette that never goes out of style. Look for a sleek, tailored style in bold polka dots, and pair it with pointed-toe flats or heels. Add a statement belt and oversized sunglasses for a truly mod-inspired look.
In-Depth: Polka dots were a staple of the 60s mod aesthetic, reflecting the decade’s love for bold, graphic prints and playful patterns. Look for polka dot dresses with a sleek, shift-style silhouette and contrasting colours for an authentic mod vibe.
Featured Product: Mod Polka Dot Dress by VintageCouture – This chic polka dot dress features a bold, contrasting print and a classic 60s shift silhouette, perfect for channelling mod style. ($89.99)
23. The 70s Suede Fringe Jacket
A suede fringe jacket is a quintessential 70s piece that adds instant bohemian flair to any outfit. Look for a rich, camel-coloured suede style with long fringe detailing, and pair it with flared jeans or a maxi dress. Add flat sandals and a floppy hat for a laid-back, retro-inspired look.
Pro Tip: Opt for a suede fringe jacket with intricate, all-over fringe detailing for an authentic 70s boho vibe.
Featured Product: Suede Fringe Jacket by BohemianBliss – This stunning suede jacket features intricate, all-over fringe detailing and a rich, camel-coloured hue, perfect for capturing the 70s bohemian spirit. ($149.99)
24. The 80s Neon Accessories
Take your retro look to the next level with bold, neon accessories inspired by the 80s. Look for a neon crossbody bag, neon sunglasses, or neon statement jewellery, and pair them with a minimalist outfit for a pop of retro colour.
In-Depth: Neon hues were a staple of 80s fashion, reflecting the decade’s love for all things bold and daring. Look for neon accessories with eye-catching shapes and bold, graphic details for a truly 80s-inspired look.
Featured Product: Neon Crossbody Bag by RetroRevival – This vibrant neon pink crossbody bag features a sleek, modern silhouette and bold, retro-inspired hardware, perfect for adding a pop of 80s colour to any outfit. ($59.99)
25. The 60s Mod Geometric Print Dress
A mod geometric print dress is a fun and eye-catching way to channel the 60s. Look for a sleek, tailored style in a bold, graphic print, and pair it with pointed-toe flats or heels. Add a statement belt and oversized sunglasses for a truly mod-inspired look.
Pro Tip: Opt for a mod geometric print dress with a bold, contrasting colour palette and a sleek, shift-style silhouette for an authentic 60s vibe.
Featured Product: Mod Geometric Print Dress by VintageCouture – This chic geometric print dress features a bold, contrasting colour palette and a classic 60s shift silhouette, perfect for channelling mod style. ($99.99)
26. The 70s Embroidered Denim
Embrace the bohemian spirit of the 70s with embroidered denim. Look for a denim jacket or jeans with intricate embroidery detailing, and pair them with a flowy blouse or a maxi dress. Add flat sandals and a fringed bag for an authentic 70s vibe.
In-Depth: Embroidered denim was a staple of the 70s bohemian fashion scene, reflecting the decade’s love for intricate detailing and handcrafted pieces. Look for embroidered denim pieces with bold, vibrant colours and intricate, floral-inspired designs for a truly groovy look.
Featured Product: Embroidered Denim Jacket by BohemianBliss – This stunning denim jacket features intricate, multi-coloured embroidery detailing and a classic, boxy silhouette, perfect for capturing the 70s bohemian vibe. ($129.99)
27. The 80s Neon Makeup
Take your retro look to the next level with bold, neon makeup inspired by the 80s. Experiment with bright eyeshadows, vibrant lipsticks, and neon blush for a fun and daring retro-inspired look.
Pro Tip: Pair neon makeup with bold, graphic eyeliner and lots of mascara for an authentic 80s vibe.
Featured Product: Neon Makeup Palette by RetroRevival – This vibrant makeup palette includes a range of neon eyeshadows, lipsticks, and blushes, perfect for creating bold, 80s-inspired makeup looks. ($39.99)
28. The 60s Mod Vinyl Jacket
A mod vinyl jacket is a sleek and edgy way to channel the 60s. Look for a fitted, cropped style in a bold colour or print, and pair it with a shift dress or tailored trousers. Add pointed-toe flats or heels and oversized sunglasses for a truly mod-inspired look.
In-Depth: Vinyl jackets were a staple of the 60s mod aesthetic, reflecting the decade’s love for sleek, futuristic materials and bold, graphic silhouettes. Look for vinyl jackets with clean lines, bold colours, and eye-catching details like oversized zippers or contrast piping for an authentic mod vibe.
Featured Product: Mod Vinyl Jacket by VintageCouture – This sleek vinyl jacket features a bold, fire-engine red hue and a cropped, fitted silhouette, perfect for channelling 60s mod style. ($119.99)
Pro Tip: When styling a mod vinyl jacket, keep the rest of your outfit simple and streamlined to let the jacket be the star of the show.
Conclusion
By embracing these 28 best retro outfits ideas for women in 2024, you’ll be channeling the iconic styles of the past while adding your own unique flair. Whether you’re drawn to the mod aesthetic of the 60s, the bohemian vibes of the 70s, or the bold and bright colours of the 80s, there’s a retro outfit idea that will speak to your personal style. So step back in time and let your fashion choices take you on a nostalgic journey through the decades.