Diary of an outfit repeater
“Nothing really goes out of style, it just evolves”.
- Kaya O’Rourke
During my most recent rewatch of the hit 2003 Disney Channel Original movie, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, I found myself deep in thought over the term “outfit repeater.” How could two simple words hold such a deep meaning? And why would it have mattered if Lizzie was an outfit repeater? Fashion exists in a never-ending cycle. Everything makes a comeback, so of course people repeat outfits.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
In the 1960s, mod-style clothing was all the rage. Headbands were a quintessential accessory, as they went with just about anything and always gave the outfit that extra je ne sais quoi. In the 1970s, crochet was EVERYWHERE– Tops, dresses, mini skirts, you name it. If you could dream it and if you knew how to crochet, it could become a reality. The 1980s were all about high-waisted jeans, with denim becoming extremely popular, and the 1990s had everyone wearing graphic tees and the chunkiest, thickest “dad sneakers” imaginable. The early aughts brought back jeans, but instead of covering the torso, jeans were so low that everything was on full display. And I mean EVERYTHING.
Everything makes a comeback. When it comes to trends, it seems like they recirculate every 20 or so years. Headbands made a comeback in the 1980s (see 1988’s cult classic, Heathers), then again in the 2000s (thanks to our resident HBIC Blair Waldorf from the hit teen drama, Gossip Girl). Nowadays, people wear headbands with just about any type of outfit, but a personal favorite of mine has to be headbands with a skirt and polo shirt. The combo is just an unbeatable classic!
Crochet has blown up lately on the platforms TikTok and Instagram. Crocheting takes a lot of time and skill and is not for the impatient. The dedication to following patterns is something I admire intensely.
I remember being in middle school and having Dress Down Fridays, and (as the 20-year rule goes) high-waisted jeans were ALL the rage. I suppose that could be chalked up to the ‘80s being in its renaissance (thank you, Duffer brothers and Netflix), but regardless, high-waisted jeans were HOT, especially if they were light or acid wash.
I am a huge fan of graphic tees. They make up the majority of my closet (ask any of my friends). It is honestly peak comedy to see someone wearing a shirt that says something like, “I don’t make mistakes…I date them!” (I made that one myself!) In the ‘90s, Irish singer Sinead O’Connor was the QUEEN of graphic tees, and she is 100% my inspiration for funny shirts. On the opposite end of the 1990s were “dad sneakers.” Yuck! I am #NotAFan of those. I think they are shoes that only a few people can pull off, and unfortunately, I am not one of those people.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Lastly, low-waisted jeans are hot, and I am so glad they came back in style. They look good on literally everyone, and most of the ones we see today are genuine denim from the 2000s, so they have rhinestone detailing and cool embroidery on the pockets. Where would the world be without them? I hope I never find out.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Nothing really goes out of style, it just evolves. And I hope that in the next few years, we get to see more trends and aesthetics from the past develop in the future. I may be an outfit repeater, but so is everyone else! And there’s nothing wrong with that!
Strike Out,
Kaya O’Rourke
Saint Augustine
Editors: Maya Kayyal, Jessica Giraldo, Emmy Brutnell
Kaya O’Rourke is a writer for Strike Magazine, Saint Augustine. She’s a big fan of film and art houses, curating the perfect Spotify playlist for every occasion, and spending time with her besties. When she’s not shelf-reading at the library, you can reach her on Instagram at @kayaorourke.
