Wearing Nostalgia

The old is back. Vintage, retro, second-hand, and thrifted fashion is digging through its memory box, and we’re all here for it. Each piece has a past, a story, a little slice of history woven into the fabric. There’s this collective urge to enjoy again the things we once loved

T-shirts with kids’ prints have become fashion statements. Nostalgia is trending hard, and designers are embracing it through collaborations that bring back our childhood icons and decades gone by. It’s not just fashion either; this wave of reminiscing has taken over entertainment, too. Think Stranger Things, or remakes like The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, and The Lion King. The ultimate throwback? Straight to our childhoods.

In fashion, the comeback of graphic tees is undeniable. Once a hit in the ’90s and ’00s, they’ve made a full return in 2025, cementing their spot as a must-have for trend lovers. These tees stand out with eye-catching designs that instantly add colour and character to any outfit. They’re the perfect upgrade from plain neutral, fun, expressive, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re dressing them up or down, graphic tees inject a cheerful, nostalgic touch into everyday looks without losing an ounce of style.

Graphic T-shirts have come a long way. Originally just undergarments, they evolved into statement pieces that express ideas and personal style. During World War II, soldiers started customising theirs, and a Life Magazine cover featuring one helped popularise the trend.

After the war, the rise of screen printing and plastisol ink allowed for mass production of detailed designs, sparking a cultural shift. Soon, tees became a way to showcase everything from music fandoms to political messages. Brands like Disney jumped in early, printing characters like Mickey Mouse to promote their parks, and the graphic tee officially became a cultural icon. What began as a marketing tool turned into a wearable canvas for creativity and self-expression.

Take my SpongeBob T-shirt, for example. It’s black, with a colourful sketch and the quote: “Drop on the deck and flop like a fish.” It’s playful, instantly nostalgic, and somehow goes with everything. I styled it with beige, tapered trousers and a retro belt in brown-and-black leather that ties in perfectly with the T-shirt’s lettering. Then come the shoes, bold green, classic yet fresh, and just the right amount of daring. To elevate the look, I threw on an oversized, pinstriped blazer: black, shoulder-heavy, cropped, and effortlessly cool.

I finished it off with a red-and-black tote bag that reads “Open, Sandwiches Eat In, Take Away”, a little graphic echo, and my classic black aviator Ray-Bans. Nostalgia, but make it fashion.