Elementary School Cool: 5 Trends I Never Thought Would Make a Comeback

I’ve been curing nostalgia by combing through old photos lately, and one thing that I noticed as I reminisced were the slightly questionable outfits that my friends and I flaunted (let’s just say it was pretty clear pink was my favourite colour). I remember certain fashion items from my childhood being very popular, whether that was due to peer pressure or just due to the collective bad taste of our parents. Some of these items have resurfaced over the past few years, after being deemed unforgivable for most of middle and high school. Elementary school was a happy, carefree time, and looks that combine what was worn back then with a bright colour palette exude a playful, quirky vibe. At the same time, a lot of the items I once associated with this elementary school vibe have been adopted into mainstream fashion, so that they fit seamlessly with a range of different styles - take the bucket hat as an example. Others are reminders that fashion doesn’t always have to be taken so seriously, that there are no rules and we shouldn’t let what others’ think inhibit our creativity. And with that, I bring you…

Crocs.

Controversial even in those elementary school days. I thought for sure we’d seen the last of them then, but suddenly these shoe-shaped bits of foam (they do not deserve the title of shoe) were being worn ironically. Then not so ironically. And look where we are now - icons like Ruby Rose and Post Malone have collaborated with the brand, not to mention Liberty London, the designer department store. Image via

Bucket hats

These made a comeback last year, and I really hope this one lasts. So many different designs and materials that can be shown off, they really add something to those summer fits. Bonus points if it’s reversible. Image via

Gap hoodies

Though my elementary school had no uniform, step on to the playground in 2009 and you might have been fooled. Seemingly everyone had some variation of the classic zip-up hoodie. I’ve been surprised to spot so many on Depop, often cropped or impressively styled up by sellers. If you can make the Gap hoodie look good then kudos to you.

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Cardigans

Probably my favourite on here. Granted, the cardigans I wear today are a lot more low-cut and a lot less grandma than the ones pre-teen Emma wore. I love how versatile they are - they can be worn as an extra layer unbuttoned, as a top, or simply tied around the waist. Also work really well with accessories. Image via

Long shorts

One look at Brandy Melville’s summer collection suggests that short shorts are taking a temporary leave of absence this summer. Again, long shorts can be controversial, and I would like to agree with André that below-the-knee = unforgivable.

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