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It’s always fun to look back on the past year as we usher in the new one, to see what styles, colors, and fashion trends had been popular, and what new trends are being forecast.

With each passing decade, however, we’re often reminded of the old adage – “what’s old is new again”.

Let’s take a brief trip down memory lane and see what stylists of the day had projected as the newest trends in fashion.

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Today’s Magazine, January 1917
“Below the rich folds of velvet evening wraps can be the shimmer and glitter of gold threaded lace. Evening gowns display wonderful effects in silk net or tulle embroidered with gold, silver or beads.”

Woman’s World, December 1928
“Velvet is in evidence everywhere at fashionable gatherings, for now that Paris has decided that clothes must show femininity this season, the great Parisian couturiers have chosen the velvets as the most flattering fabrics for milady’s wardrobe.”

Modes Royale, Spring 1949
Petal flower necklines revealing a touch of lace * Nipped in waistline, slender skirt with set-in print godet * Cuffs, inside collars, and set-in fan pleats in attractive all-over print to set off solid, soft fabric and styling.

Vogue, January 1, 1969
Long scarfs, big squares, cape shawls * The shirtdress is the dress of the year * Big pockets on every thing – often low on the skirt * Black at the beach – a big black pullover over a tiny white bikini * Bared midriff with gold rope sashed around the waist.

Seventeen, January 1979
Sewable separates by Willi Smith of bold solid colors and polka dots, scrunched jackets with billowy skirts * Khaki and Old Lace – tough and tender combos of army t-shirts and tiered ruffled eyelet skirts, with lace anklets and ballet slippers.

Harper’s Bazaar, January 1985
“There’s been an explosion of color in Paris’ top collections for Spring. The hottest neon brights as well as vivid sherbet tones are paired and tripled and used to shade patterned pieces as well as solids.”

— by Metro Retro Vintage