Old fashion never really dies  

By: Olayinka Awe

Fashion, they say, is a cycle, and its return has never been more visible than it is today. What Gen Z once dismissed as old school has suddenly become highly fashionable. Baggy trousers are just one example, but bucket hats from the 90s, platform shoes from the disco era, and cargo pants once worn mainly by utility workers are now some of the hottest fashion pieces embraced by young people.

This revival is not just about aesthetics; it reflects recollection and the search for identity. Young people are reaching back into the past decades, not only to stand out but also to connect with a cultural history they never lived through. The old-fashioned has become a shield of authenticity, offering something rare in a world dominated by fast-changing trends. It shows that while styles may fade and return, their essence never truly disappears. It is in fact the cycle that reminds us that styles can be timeless, and that originality can be found in what was once seemed forgotten.

Beyond media influence, the return of old fashion is also attached to cultural pride. In Nigeria, traditional outfits such as Agbada, Aso-oke, Iro and Buba, and Ankara prints are no longer seen as clothing only for special occasions. Designers now reconsider them into trendy jackets, skirts, and even casual wear that fit into everyday life. This shows that fashion is not just about looking stylish but also about preserving identity. Wearing these clothes is a way for young people to connect with their roots and show pride in their heritage. The same trend is seen in English fashion, where items like waistcoats, trench coats, and pleated skirts are celebrated not only for their elegance but also for the history they carry. By blending the old with the new, today’s generation is proving that culture and tradition will always have a place in modern style.

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The comeback of old fashion is moved by the media and celebrities. The films, music videos, and social media platforms constantly reintroduce styles from past decades to new audiences. Popular artists appear in flared jeans, a leather jacket; which quickly sets off a trend among fans. Nollywood has played its part, as old movies now streamed online expose younger viewers to dressing styles once considered out of date. International celebrities also are caught in this act. With the speed of the media, a fashion once old and tacky can easily become tasteful and classy.

In the end, the return of old fashion proves that style is never truly lost; it only waits for the right time to be embraced again. Wearing these pieces shows that originality can be found in the past, and that what once seemed outdated can be transformed into a bold statement in the present. From Nigerian traditional attire rebranded into trendy designs to English classics restyled with a modern twist, fashion continues to remind us that history and creativity walk hand in hand. If old fashion keeps finding new life in every generation, then perhaps, does fashion ever truly go out of style, or does it simply wait for its turn to shine again?