Style Guide: Menswear Inspired by the 70s, 80s, and 90s

Absolutely—and it looks ridiculously good when done right. The 70s fashion was all about earthy tones, smooth textures, and confident tailoring. Think wide lapels, corduroy pants, and layered knits. What makes it work today? The colors and materials. Swap polyester for breathable cotton or wool blends and choose silhouettes that are fitted—but not tight.

If you’ve ever wanted to wear a turtleneck and actually pull it off, this is your era. It’s retro without being loud. A suede jacket in camel or olive? That’s a timeless flex. Tailored trousers with a slight flare? Just enough edge to stand out without shouting.

Taelor’s lead stylist Melissa Slavick puts it best: “When men channel the 70s, they tap into a version of masculinity that’s confident without being stiff. It’s fluid, intentional, and quietly bold.”

Try this vibe: A knit polo + straight-leg cords + low boots. Add a slim jacket, and you’ve nailed the look.

In the 80s fashion men wore big. Big shoulders, big confidence, big color-blocking. But here’s the trick for now: scale it down. Keep it sharp and focus on contrast. Instead of a power suit, try a relaxed blazer with tapered jeans. Instead of a full neon windbreaker set, go for a pop of color layered under a neutral coat. The modern 80s look is clean, not cartoonish. It’s got personality—but it’s still polished. Great for guys who want to experiment with style without going full runway.

As Melissa says, “The 80s taught men how to take up space with style. Today, we’ve just made it sleeker.”

A cool 80s outfit could be a white tee under a charcoal blazer, tapered pants, and crisp sneakers. Bonus points for a statement watch or retro frames.

In a word? Yes. And not just in your weekend wardrobe. The 90s fashion was all about comfort and attitude—oversized denim, graphic tees, workwear jackets, and chunky sneakers. Now, you’ll find updated takes with cleaner lines and better fits.

The new 90s is intentional. That oversized overshirt? It’s designed that way. The wide-leg jeans? Paired with a fitted top to balance the proportions. It’s effortless. And in a world of Zoom calls and hybrid offices, the laid-back cool of the 90s feels refreshingly real.

“The 90s gave us the freedom to be casual,” says Melissa. “But if you want to wear it today, the key is balance. One relaxed piece, then tighten it up elsewhere.”

Try a flannel overshirt, clean white tee, relaxed jeans, and sleek boots. Add a beanie and you’re weekend ready.

Don’t limit yourself to one decade. Some of the best looks combine eras in unexpected ways. Try a 70s knit shirt with 90s denim, or an 80s blazer layered over a modern hoodie. You can even go back to 60s fashion! The key is balance—if one piece feels bold or nostalgic, keep the rest simple and grounded.

And remember, vintage inspired doesn’t mean vintage everything. A single standout piece can transform your whole outfit.

If you like looking sharp without trying too hard—then yes, absolutely. The best vintage-inspired outfits for men don’t feel like dress-up. They feel like you, just with better texture and a stronger point of view.

And with Taelor, you don’t have to figure it out solo. Our creative stylists make it easy to experiment with bold throwback pieces, all curated to match your fit, taste, and comfort zone. You’ll get all the best parts of the past—no thrift store digging required.

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Look sharp, effortlessly. See how at taelor.style