Boomer Fashion Trends That Have Proved Their Lasting Power (& Even Millennials Love Them)

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Though it may be to the chagrin of some Millennials, it's hard to deny that Boomers were the blueprint for many modern style trends. Part of that may be due to the fact that those born between 1946 and 1964 were able to experiment with a unique sense of style for every decade of their formative years. During the 1970s, hippie-inspired fashion was everywhere, which consisted of bell-bottom pants, fringe garments, and maxi dresses. The 1980s, on the other hand, saw big hair, oversized blazers, and big glasses dominate the trends.

Although there are some styles we're glad got left behind (hello shoulder pads), there are others we can't help but love, even to this day. Many once popular fashion trends from the 1970s have since made a comeback, with Millennials and Gen Z alike raiding their parents' closets and thrift stores to recreate vintage looks. But there are also a few fads that never really went away, mainly due to their timeless appeal.

It may be hard to believe, but the first to wear flare-style trousers were sailors in the US Navy in the 19th century. The wide legs allowed them to move freely when working on deck. In the 1970s, flare jeans made their entrance into the mainstream, giving Boomers a base for dance-floor friendly fashion. Celebrity icons of the time, such as Jane Birkin and Farrah Fawcett, were seen wearing them. 

That said, as bootcut and tapered jeans became popular in the 1990s, flare jeans faded into the background. By the early 2000s, flare jeans were back in style and millennials saw their icons, such as Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, wearing them. Today, flare jeans are a staple in every woman's closet. They come in a variety of forms, including cropped and high-waisted. Many designer labels, including Gucci and Celine, make flare jeans in luxurious fabrics. Flare jeans pair well with t-shirts, blouses, and tucked in button-downs. Here's how to style a classic flare jean for any occasion. 

Sunglasses have a long history as a form of functional eyewear and fashion statement that predates when many Boomers were born. In 1929, Sam Foster made sunglasses available to the average consumer when he began to mass produce them. In the 1930s, the aviator silhouette was the most popular frame. But, in the 1960s, donning an oversized, rounded pair of frames like Jackie Kennedy became a status symbol.

Though the shapes have changed through the years (from geometric shapes to cat eyes), large sunnies have proved to have multi-generational appeal. In the early 2000s, many Millennials embraced the bug-eye sunglasses look. Decades later, you can spot many Millennial celebrities still rocking oversized sunglasses, proving the look is here to stay. And it's easy to see why. Once you've figured out the best sunglasses silhouette for your face shape, they're guaranteed to elevate any outfit, whether that's jeans and a t-shirt or an elaborate fur coat ensemble.

The jumpsuit, like so many other modern fashion staples, began as a utilitarian garment. They were initially used by professional male skydivers, then made their way into high-end women's fashion when designer Elsa Schiaparelli introduced silk versions of them in the 1930s. Later, in the 1950s, other designers began to create their take the jumpsuits, introducing it into mainstream fashion. But, the disco era is when jumpsuits really peaked in popularity, with icons like Diana Ross, Cher, and Farrah Fawcett regularly wearing them.

Today, the jumpsuit is a staple in any wardrobe. They can be worn casually, dressed up for a night out, or even in the corporate world (especially when they're structured with sharp shoulders), such as with this Pretty Garden One-Piece Jumpsuit. Plenty of Millennial celebs have shown their love for the garment, proving it has stood the test of time. Actor Dakota Johnson turned heads in a unique, sheer lace Gucci jumpsuit at the 2022 Met Gala. It was considered to be one of the better looks of the event. 

Boomers were definitely on point about suede. The material, made from the underside of animal skins, began trending in the 1960s and 1970s, appearing on everything from fringe jackets to miniskirts. Though those boho and Western-style garments never truly went away, by the 1980s, they paled in popularity against the era's leather jackets and power suits. Decades later, the fabric saw a resurgence in the 2020s, with some retailers selling animal-free versions. In 2025, Hailey Bieber was spotted wearing the soft fabric out and about in New York. Her style is an elevated casual look, with black trousers and black loafers.

 Suede looks great on just about everyone, no matter the occasion. There are many tips for incorporating suede into your outfits, but one of the easiest is to layer it as a jacket over a classic jeans-and-t-shirt ensemble. It also seems to be the material of the fall season, especially in brown shades. A brown skirt with knee-high boots and a sweater? That's just perfect. There are even suede handbags, such as this Sak Sequoia Hobo Bag, which can be purchased on Amazon.