What To Watch for Decades Day Outfit Inspo

A lot of my friends have been asking me one simple question: What, exactly, do we wear for decades day? Again, sounds simple.

Except, somehow, it’s not.

Everywhere you look for inspiration, it’s either modernized or too extravagant to wear to school. Or, even worse, it’s exactly what everyone else is will be wearing, and obviously not everyone from 1954 wore poodle skirts.

You’d think being assigned to a certain decade would make things easier on you, but it really doesn’t. (Okay, T says you aren’t, but don’t kid yourself – you are.)

So, as a lover of old fashion, I decided to do some extensive research (and by research I mean I binge watched period film and television), and find a few movies and shows to watch to get your power look together. So grab a few friends, a basic Netflix subscription and a bowl of popcorn, and enjoy these blasts from the past.

Freshman

When you think 50s, you think “Grease.” This classic tale of how a girl is forced to change herself for a man has all of the fun 50s charm and cool outfits (Yes, I’m talking about the “pink ladies” jackets and the letterman sweaters) that you’ll need to inspire you.

Bonus points if you choreograph a full production of “Tell Me More” in the cafeteria with your friends.

If “Grease” doesn’t have enough inspiration for you (see: everyone in poodle skirts), then turn on “Call the Midwife,” a British television show that takes place in the late fifties. The first few seasons are full of quality outfit inspiration and heartwarming stories, so check it out!

Sophomores

TV show-wise, the only way to go for the 1960s is, of course, “Mad Men.” Set over the course of ten years, starting in 1960 and ending in 1970, any episode of any season will provide inspiration of the most iconic kind. If you’re looking for the more refined city-living looks, this one’s for you!

If you’re more interested in the hippy/anti war side of clothing, then it’s time to hit up your local Family Video to pick up a copy of “Across the Universe.” Based on some of the Beatles’ greatest hits, “Across the Universe” follows teens with peace-loving styles as they fight to end the Vietnam War.

Peaceful protests + Beatles = Apex 1960s.

Juniors

If you haven’t watched “That 70s Show” yet, have you really lived?

From Jackie’s peasant blouses to Fes’s vests, Kelso’s chokers to Donna’s bell bottoms, every character in this show brings as much outfit inspiration as they do comedy. Plus, with a cast including Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, you have to binge watch all six seasons at least once in your life… right?

But, since not everyone has time to watch 200 episodes of a TV show, maybe “Carrie” (1976) is more your speed. This horror movie, based off of the Stephen King novel of the same name, features some of the best high school styles of the era, and one of the most well-known proms in the history of ever.

It may not be on Netflix, but you can always rent it from somewhere (aka time to check out Family Video again).

Seniors

John Hughes may be the popular choice, but why not, instead, take a look at a more satirical take on the 80s high school movie?

“Heathers” comes with all of the outfit inspiration you could ever need in the late 80s, plus a killer (quite literally) girl gang. So grab your favorite people, a few multi-colored blazers, and take a note from Heather, Heather, Heather and Veronica.

Not a girl gang (or creepy trench coat wearing) kind of person? Got time to watch a one season show? “Freaks and Geeks” is definitely the way to go.

It’s like “Stranger Things” if “Stranger Things” didn’t have a corrupt government that was trying to kill everyone, or Eleven as a character, or the demogorgan, or… okay, you probably get the idea. With the fun plots, snazzy characters and plenty of different places to find outfit inspiration, you’ll definitely be able to figure something out from this show.

Whatever you decide to do, Decades Day will definitely be radical. Just have fun with it, and give it all you’ve got!

And if you use any of these recommendations for your outfit inspiration, let me know! Feel free to send any and all photos of the results to @grxcecastle on Instagram.