The Roots of Retro Aesthetic
Retro aesthetic refers to a design or style trend that harkens back to the styles, prints, and patterns of an earlier time. The term retro is derived from the Latin word, retro, meaning backwards or in past times. The trend first gained ground in the 1950s and 1960s when people began to romanticize the past, using designs and styles that were popular during the 1920s and 1930s.The Characteristics of Retro Design
Retro design is characterized by bold and eccentric colors, playful prints, and distinctive patterns. Some of the most distinctive features of retro design include:- Geometric shapes and patterns
- Bold use of primary colors like red, blue and yellow
- Flashing neon lights
- Abstract art
- Use of natural materials like wood and stone
Retro Fashion and Clothing Styles
The retro fashion trend encompasses a myriad of styles ranging from the 1920s flapper dresses and Zoot suits of the 1930s into the fun and free-spirited styles of the 1960s hippies. Bold colors and prints were popular during the retro era, and these are still seen in modern retro fashion. Interestingly, what was once considered a bold and outrageous fashion statement is now viewed as trendy with vintage-inspired attire being worn by millennials and Generation Z. Some of the most popular retro clothing items include:- High waisted trousers
- Wide-brimmed hats
- Leather jackets
- Polka dot dresses
- Bowling shirts
Revamping Your Home with Retro Decor
Many homeowners have embraced the trend of retro interior décor, which is largely inspired by the designs and styles of the 1920s-1970s. Some of the most popular retro home décor items include:- Bold geometric prints on walls
- Wallpapers in vivid colors
- Vintage light fixtures, clocks, and wall art
- Furniture that is sleek and has curved edges
- Curtains in loud patterns such as bold stripes and florals