Iconic Then, Iconic Now — The Lexington Line

History repeats itself, and so does fashion. It certainly feels as though we are revisiting decades past. 2 years ago, we saw ‘90s and 2000s inspiration, followed by the ‘80s and ‘70s, paving the way for 1960s fashion muses today. However, there are some accessory pieces that will never go out of style, thanks to the style icons and images that have made an imprint on our past. Influential individuals and fashion visionaries will not cease to exist as they continue to be an important reflection of our culture and social climate.

Let me take you on a journey through the ages—exploring accessories that have stood the test of time and are still fashionable today. But most importantly, where to purchase them at affordable prices!

1960s - Super-sized Dark Sunglasses (Jackie O + Yoko Ono)

The 1960s had a sense of minimalism and simple cuts, juxtaposed with a space-age style that was influenced by the ongoing prospects of traveling to the moon (achieved in 1969). It comes as no surprise that oversized glasses give an alien-like feel, embracing speculations of extraterrestrial life. Reflecting upon these accessories was simply inevitable. When it comes to embracing these styles, Rayban’s Jackie Ohh II and For Art’s Sake’s Scarlett is a perfect embodiment of the past with a modern twist.

1970s - Cowboy Hats (Cher)

Western style really boomed in the 1970s with maximalism in full swing. Cher’s iconic looks could probably take up the whole page, but the cowboy hat trend is certainly making a comeback for both men and women. With brands like Zadig and Voltaire, who keep the structure of the silhouette while making it more versatile, this accessory finds its place anywhere.

1980s - Showing Socks (Meg Ryan + Demi Moore)

In the 1980s, young stars such as Meg Ryan and Demi Moore emphasized their youthfulness with the sock-showing trend. Although it may seem as if socks are unimportant (so much that yours may be mismatched right now), it became very trendy to express one’s self through this accessory back then. The Swedish brand Happy Socks has embraced this aesthetic, now offering hundreds of different sock designs to perpetuate this trend that is coming back today.

1990 - Tiny bags (Liv Tyler + Katie Holmes)

Ah, the tiny bag trend. This one probably does not need an introduction, as it has clearly dominated the handbag industry this past year. The ‘90s brought upon a minimalistic feel, with the ever-simple Calvin Klein slip dresses and the classic tiny sunglasses, and, understandably, tiny bags as well. With luxury brands like Jaquemus who have questioned the practicality of the bag and pushed it to be more of a fashion statement, others have begun to follow. Urban Outfitters always keeps up with trends, and Vestiaire Collective (bag shown is Karen Millen) is a great vintage luxury website with affordable prices and authentic pieces from the ‘90s!

2000s - Anklets (Rihanna + JLO)

Gustavo Caballero/WireImage.com and SPLASH

The anklet trend prevailed at the start of the noughties and is now slowly returning. After being seen on influential celebrities like JLO and Rihanna, anklets that are less ‘friendship bracelet’ and more ‘drip’ are taking the scene. Urban Outfitters sells gold anklets for just 16 bucks—perfect to complete your look.

With this small guide to fashion history and where to procure iconic accessories that will most likely never go out of style (but merely evolve), so will your style!