These Fabulous Clothes Prove Old-Fashioned Doesn't Always Mean Outdated

There's a big difference between dated and old-fashioned clothes. Dated clothes are an after-product of trends that predictably have a short shelf life—think cycling shorts and shell chokers. Sure, they may come back around, but their time on the style agenda is always fleeting. Old-fashioned trends, however, are of an entirely different ilk. They're heirloom clothes and accessories so rooted in the past that they'll forever play a party in our sartorial stories.

Serving as an endless source of inspiration, we constantly see designers resurrecting trends from our illustrious British fashion archives and this season, the focus is on these seven bygone trends. From the jewellery trend we first clocked during fashion month to the shoes set to take spring/summer 2019 by storm, keep scrolling to see the old-fashioned clothes we're reinstating into our wardrobes.

ARGYLE KNITS

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(Image credit: @eniswardrobe)

Style Notes: Inspired by an ancient Scottish tartan, the argyle jumper has roots in both preppy and golfing style. However, in rich hues, it's fast becoming the season's knit of note.

Related: The 5 Trends We Can't Wait to Leave in 2021

VICTORIANA DRESSES

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(Image credit: @aurorajames)

Style Notes: One of our favourite emerging dress brands has to be Batsheva. Inspired by vintage Laura Ashley dresses, the frocks typically feature ditsy floral prints and ruffles to the hem and sleeves. Other designers are tapping into the trend, too—look for yoke details and lace collars to really capture the Victorian feel.

Related: The 4 Zara Items Everyone Will Want to Buy This Month

"GRANDMA" HEELS

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(Image credit: @byfar_official)

Style Notes: Footwear is taking a sensible turn, as block heel slingbacks are being regularly featured on It girls' Instagram feeds. By Far kicked off the movement with its Danielle heels, and now, the high street is following suit.

Related: I'm a Shoe Expert—5 Classic Pairs That Belong in Every Capsule Wardrobe

FAUX-FUR COATS

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(Image credit: @asos_lotte)

Style Notes: Nothing optimises could-be vintage style quite like a faux-fur coat. Look for styles that boast a blend of colours, as opposed to one blanket hue, to nail the old-fashioned vibe.

Related: I Think This Is the Best Year Yet for Faux-Fur Coats

VANITY BAGS

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(Image credit: @alicecatherine)

Style Notes: Much like hat boxes from a bygone era, top-handle vanity bags look incredibly chic on the arm. Keep the look traditional with a leather iteration, or invest in bejewelled or resin finishes for a modern take. 

Related: Sorry, Jeans—I'm Cheating on You With These Checked Trousers

PRINCE OF WALES TROUSERS

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Considering this has been one of the biggest trends of the last 12 months, chances are you'll already have a Prince of Wales check trouser in your wardrobe. Edward VII's penchant for the motif earned it its name, and it's still just as popular today as it was during the early 1900s.

PEARL-DROP EARRINGS

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(Image credit: @thestylestalkercom)

Style Notes: Nothing can overhaul your look quite like a pair of statement earrings. This season, instead of coloured gems and hammered metal, we're taking bauble inspiration from the past by snapping up some faux-pearl drops.

See, we told you there's a big difference between old-fashioned and dated clothes. Now, see the trends our editors personally feel are becoming a tad passé

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.