Walking into your mom's closet can feel like stepping into a time machine and flashing back to two or three decades ago — in the best way possible, of course. You've got the authentic "mom jeans" she wore in pictures when you were a baby, puffy-shouldered blouses and padded-up blazers, loafers you borrowed last year, and even a few designer duds passed down from generation to generation.
But what if we told you you could get new versions of everything you love about your mom's old-school wardrobe? Turns out, designers and brands today have been taking fabrics, prints, and silhouettes typically considered "dowdy" and making them completely cool again — minus the moth-eaten holes and stale-closet smell. Sure, nothing will ever beat your mom's true vintage goods, but the picks ahead come pretty damn close. Click on to shop the new versions of your mother's best throwback treasures.
A sparkly colorblocked polo? What else could you want?
Marni Color-Block Metallic Knitted Polo Shirt, $770, available at Net-A-Porter.
If you still haven't gotten aboard the "mom jean" train, it's not too late.
COS Wide Denim Culottes, $99, available at COS.
Who said cardigans were boring? A red-hot, open-knit sweater is the ultimate spring layering piece.
Topshop Unique Ixworth Cardigan, $210, available at Topshop.
Pearls don't always have to be as precious as the ones your mom wore on her wedding day — a single faux-pearl cuff feels contemporary rather than classic.
Rebecca Minkoff Faux Pearl Hinge Bracelet, $78, available at Nordstrom.
The Gucci loafer is back in a big way, and we're all about going the electric blue route.
Gucci Jordaan Eel Loafer, $795, available at Gucci.
Swap your black trousers for some retro-printed cropped flares.
River Island Crop Flare Pants, $80, available at River Island.
Amp up your work shirts with a vintage-looking bow around your neck.
ASOS Stripe Bow Neck Tie With Flower, $13, available at ASOS.
Bring a pleated midi-skirt to modern day with a metallic effect.
& Other Stories Metallic Pleated Skirt, $95, available at & Other Stories.
Master nerdy-chic with this fashionable take on the clear glasses your parents wore way back when.
Ray Ban Aviator Optics, $160, available at Ray Ban.
Wear velvet day or night with this cool-girl blazer that's '80s in all the best ways.
Mango Velvet Blazer, $149.99, available at Mango.
The '70s are back with oversized totes that feature bamboo details, like this affordable version from Zara.
Zara Striped Tote, $49.90, available at Zara.
Fanny packs aren't like the ones Mama used to wear to Disney World.
Nila Anthony I'm a Suede 4 U Belt Bag, $48, available at Nasty Gal.
Funk up any black-on-black outfit with a fresh leopard twist on the mule.
Dorateymur Munise Leopard-Print Calf Hair Mules, $485, available at Net-A-Porter.
Nothing beats your mom's collection of vintage blouses, but here's one with a similar vibe that you can make all your own.
H&M Blouse With Tie, $34.99, available at H&M.
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