The Legacy of the Bell Bottom
A trend we will never get sick of...
Lately, I’ve noticed a huge comeback with the bell bottom jean (and no, I swear it’s not just because of Halloween season). Ever since scoring my own pair from Free People this summer, I’ve seen so many cute outfits, specifically in NYC, made with those flares. Turns out, I’m not super original. *eyeroll*
Where it all started:
The trend dates back to the late 1950s early 1960s when people wanted to rebel against conservative fashion and shop at excess military stores. Navy bell bottoms are where it all started. That’s right, wearing the clothing of Navy men was the move for revolt back then.
Anyway, from there we got the most iconic look from the era. Some may say it was even a cultural stamp. Sonny and Cher sported them, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix and almost the entire Brady Bunch Family. Oh, and let’s not forget that Derek and the Dominos hit “Bell Bottom Blues.” I still totally jam to that song.
Okay, but why is it back now?
I mean there is no solid, definite answer here besides the fact that 60s/70s fashion is something that is slowly and surely coming back altogether. For good reasons too, fringe leather jackets anyone?
Most of the time bell bottoms are high waisted, which has been the main style of jeans people have been wearing since like 2013. With that, there’s just something super comfy about the bottom of the cut being flowy and open. Or maybe we just loved young Donna’s style in the Mamma Mia sequel?
In New York:
I’ll admit, when I go back home to the suburbia of Jersey, there aren’t a lot (or any) bell bottom jean looks happening. NYC always has the tendency to be a place where people feel more comfortable exploring different trends and being bold about it.
*Sidenote: NYFW was also a time where bell bottoms were heavily worn by those in attendance (both in February and September this year).
Personally, I hope this trend spreads past NYC and is a casual wear across America. I mean, come on, they’re such a versatile trend!
Food for thought:
So I’ve come to the overall conclusion here that bell bottom jeans were/are a notable and popular trend. I could be makin’ a stretch here, but since they were first seen as a symbol of revolution in the 1960s, could this be a reason they’re coming back now? Are we trying to say something more with this trend? If by chance we are, what exactly are we revolting against (besides the obvious)?
Then again, maybe fashion is just having another nostalgic moment and it’s not that deep.