I Watch Gilmore Girls Every Fall—Here Are 8 Trends From the Show I’d Wear Today

If you also have the problem of immediately pivoting your life and re-watching Gilmore Girls the second fall rolls around, this one is for you. Although my main priorities while bingeing are enjoying Lorelai’s sarcastic commentary and watching how the girls’ love lives unfold, in this year’s rewatch, I took special notice of the fashion trends from the early 2000s that I’m seeing circling back around this season.

While a majority of people may not think of Rory Gilmore as a proposed style icon (she had enough on her résumé), she did share a closet with Lorelai, who hoarded an obscene amount of trendy clothing and could never say no to a trip to the mall. If you’re in the same boat as me and are finding yourself wanting to transport back to Y2K in Gilmore fashion, I rounded up eight of the trends that the mother-daughter duo and other Stars Hollow residents often sported along with shoppable modern versions that I’d incorporate into my wardrobe today.

From cropped cardigans to skater tees, there’s a fall item in this list you’ll want to get a hold of. Scroll below to take a trip down memory lane. Where they lead, we will follow.

Advertisements

Shoulder Bags

When Rory wasn’t carrying her book bag, she and Lorelai usually opted for mini shoulder bags to complete their looks. And let’s be real—they were probably filled with snacks.

Sweater-Vests

Yes, I know the sweater-vests were a part of the Chilton uniform, but they were also regularly spotted across the series. What an easy way to look collegiate and stylish, no?

Squared-Toe Boots

I’d 100% wear this entire look today. It took me a closer look while watching to realize that Lorelai loved a good square toe when it came to her fall boots.

Tie-Dye

Stars Hollow loved a good tie-dye print, as I spotted the trend on characters from Lorelai all the way to Jackson and Babette.

Advertisements

Skater Tees

I’m sorry, but you know I had to squeeze a little Jess Mariano in the mix. (#TeamJess for life ?) While his assortment of graphic tees may not have meshed well with working at Luke’s, I know I wanted to get my hands on his collection. Whether you just want to be comfortable or incorporate that edgy aesthetic into your life, skater tees are the trend for you.

Silky Tops

Lorelai was known to always wear a trusty button-down while working at the Inn, but it was the silky numbers that really grabbed my attention.

Leather Blazers

Lorelai Gilmore wore a brown outfit with a leather blazer, so I also wore a brown outfit with a leather blazer. (But seriously, this outfit was ahead of its time.)

Cropped Cardigans

The Gilmore trio (yes, even Emily) often sported shorter cardigans over everything—from formal dresses at Friday night dinners to casual ensembles on the way to Luke’s. Either way, they’re a closet essential to own today. 

Advertisements

COMMENT BELOW IF YOU EVER WATCHED GILMORE GIRLS OR IF YOU STILL DO!

The Cult Affordable Basic Every Fashion Person Owns

If there’s one piece that has defined fashion in 2020, it’s the padded shoulder tee. Yep, the wardrobe basic officially rose to cult status this year and it’s easy to see why. By adding statement-making shoulder pads to a standard tee, the ‘80s detail instantly updates a regular basic, making it the perfect Zoom-ready piece to slip into. While it started out as a trend we first saw with sleeveless muscle tops, shoulder pad details have since made their way to sleeved T-shirts as well as dresses.

Fashion people are definitely on board and have been debuting plenty of must-repeat looks wearing the upgraded basic. From outfits with sweatpants and sneakers to tailored trousers and boots, there’s lots of inspiration for how to style the cool staple ahead. And yes, you can count me as a big personal fan of the trend. I always have my eye on the best new fashion finds and this one has stuck with me all year. Trust me, you’ll want to get shopping.

Advertisements
Advertisements

Remember how I said I was a big fan of the trend? Here’s the proof.

Does it get any more simple or chic?

Advertisements

Here are some style tips to wear your padded tops:

♡ Bold color.

♡ Paired with Bermuda shorts and heels, you will have the perfect outfit.

♡ Just add slouchy trousers. This will elevate your look and it’ll look more expensive, specially if you wear heels and gold jewelry.

♡ Looking for a fresh way to wear your sweatpants and sneakers? This is it.

♡ Add sleeve padded tee and padded sweaters to your wardrobe.

♡ Mini skirt + Padded Tee = Yep, the perfect piece to wear

♡ And yes, there are stunning padded dresses as well.

♡ Pair with fall boots and top off with a trench coat.

♡ A way to style a padded shoulders muscle t-shirt and make your look more chic, is to pair it with leather pants, shorts, a skirt, anything leather really. Definitely an outfit I would wear 24/7 if I was in New York.

♡ Keep it basic. Padded shoulders make me feel more put together and they add more structure to an outfit. Keep your look simple & cute by pairing your padded shoulders muscle t-shirt with jeans. Throw on gold jewelry, sandals, a cute baguette bag and you’re good to go! You can wear the t-shirt with loose mom jeans or skinny jeans – you’ll look cute AF no matter what.

Advertisements

Fashion Nova + Pretty Little Thing

Hannah Shoulder Pad Tee – Marsala

$24.99 SHOP NOW.

Lana Padded Shoulder Crop Top – Heather Grey

$19.99 USD $9.98 Final Sale SHOP NOW.

Advertisements

Reckless Padded Top – Charcoal

$19.99 USD SHOP NOW.

Baby Girl Padded Crop Top – Charcoal

$19.99 USD SHOP NOW.

Glowed Up Padded Bodysuit – Olive

$19.99 USD SHOP NOW.

Advertisements

Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to vote and make sure your ballots are secured. Everyone’s voice matters! ♡

POSTS YOU’LL LOVE:

  • Soft Lines, Lasting Impact: Romantic Eyeliner Hacks for a Flawless Wing
    Master two simple eyeliner hacks for pencil and liquid formulas that create clean, balanced wings. Achieve a softly defined, polished look with ease, no matter your skill level.
  • A Love Letter to Matte Red Lips
    Discover the art of matte red lips — soft edges, velvety finish, and layered depth create a modern, intimate statement. From gentle prep to sculpted application, this love letter to red lipstick shows how to wear it with confidence, elegance, and quiet power.
  • Inside the Peptide Boom: The Next Evolution of Skincare in 2026
    Discover the peptide boom shaping skincare in 2026. Advanced peptides in serums, creams, eye treatments, and lip care help boost hydration, improve elasticity, and reduce fine lines, making them the must-have ingredient for resilient, radiant skin.
  • H&M x e.l.f.: When Makeup Meets Scent
    H&M and e.l.f. Cosmetics team up for a limited-edition fragrance and accessories collection. Featuring three makeup-inspired scents—Power Grip, Halo Glow, and Camo—plus grip socks, charms, and a bowling bag, the collection launches January 29 online and in select H&M stores worldwide.

’80s Fashion Is Back—These Were the Most Iconic Looks at the Time

When it comes to ’80s fashion, we have a (surprising) amount to be thankful for. While the decade hasn’t influenced our wardrobes for a long time, in recent months, we’ve come to the realization that all the most current trends today are courtesy of the ’80s. And if you’re sitting there with a raised eyebrow, it’s worth noting that at the end of last year, the trend had seen an 87% increase on Pinterest.

Now, if you’re not too familiar with the nuances of this era, there are a few standout looks we’re sure you’ll recognize: big shoulders, white jeans, underwear as outerwear and oversize jewelry. It was the decade of the power dresser but also of punks. It gave us Madonna, Tina Turner, and Cher, plus numerous other superstars whose sense of style influences many in 2020. 

Advertisements

Don’t believe us? From the fact that Princess Diana’s archive is inspiring some of the world’s most influential designers to the more basic resurgence in women wearing blazers with jeans again, we’ve found 25 A-list images that prove these ’80s fashion looks are as current now as they were then. Keep scrolling to click through our gallery of iconic ’80s outfits.

Advertisements

1. Bodysuits

Eighties Fashion Trends: Bodysuits
PHOTO: JULIAN WASSER/GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: This is classic ’80s Madonna, but the underwear/bodysuit look is bang on the money for now. You can forgo the pearls; just wear yours with some high-waisted jeans for a night out.

2. Naked Dress

Eighties Fashion Trends: Naked Dresses
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: As if we needed any more proof that Cher is the ultimate style queen, here was the star doing the naked dress before everyone was doing it at the Met Gala (and every other award show going).

3. Turtlenecks

Eighties Fashion Trends: Turtlenecks
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: Brooke Shields was America’s number one sweetheart back in the ’80s, and here she proves exactly why with those girl-next-door looks. Layering that checked jacket over a shirt and a turtleneck is exactly the kind of street style we saw during last fashion week.

4. See-Through Layers

Eighties Fashion Trends: See-Through Layers
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: The Jenner/Kardashian clan has already got this look down—and there are sheer dresses all over the spring runways. But the originator of this style? Another Kim. Kim Basinger.

5. Structured Shoulders

Eighties Fashion Trends: Structured Shoulders
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: Okay, so the term “structured shoulders” is just another way for us to say “shoulder pads” and attempt to not freak you out, but we’ve seen a real trend toward this look. Shout-out to Courtney Cox for wearing this on the red carpet pre–Monica Gellar days.

6. Corset Belts

Eighties Fashion Trends: Corset Belts
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: Avid readers of this site will know that we’ve already tried out this corset-type look. And while Kim Kardashian West has been a major factor as to why it’s gotten popular again, we can’t deny that Cyndi Lauper may have started the trend. Also: those zebra shoes.

7. Chunky Jewelry

Eighties Fashion Trends: Big Jewelry
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: Joan Collins is so incredible in this snap. Is there anything we don’t love about it? Answer: No. The jacket, the simple black top, the red lippie… However, it’s the gobstopper necklace our magpie eyes focus on. Joan knows the power incredible jewelry has in pulling together an outfit.

Advertisements

8. Checked Outerwear

Eighties Fashion Trends: Checked Outerwear
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: There were so many incredible outfits we could have included from Princess Diana, but we settled on this “country casual” one. The heritage check on her jacket and matching skirt are classic attire. Not only has this Harrington-style jacket made a comeback in hipster circles, but we’re also seeing plaid coats everywhere. Coincidence? We think not.

9. Showing Off Your Socks

Eighties Fashion Trends: Socks
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: Want to know the real way to update your outfit to be 2021-ready? Just add socks à la Meg Ryan. Yes. Really.

10. Tailoring

Eighties Fashion Trends: Tailored Pieces
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: Grace Jones will never be anything less than fierce, but this incredible look has been seared into our minds. Who wouldn’t want to look so focused in a razor-sharp piece of tailoring? (Purple makeup optional, of course.)

11. Miniskirts

Eighties Fashion Trends: Miniskirts
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: When Kylie Minogue went through her bad-girl stage, she wore a lot of high-shine minidresses like this. Get inspired by investing in 2020’s version with a great miniskirt (they’re selling out everywhere right now).

12. High-Waisted Jeans

Eighties Fashion Trends: High-Waisted Jeans
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: We have some serious love for high-waisted jeans. Tina Turner pulls this look off with aplomb, and we have to agree: Bauble earrings and a white vest are great accessories.

13. Baggy Cropped Trousers

Eighties Fashion Trends: Baggy Trousers
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: Well, how else do you expect to show off your socks? Thanks to Demi Moore for inspiring us all those years ago. 

Advertisements

14. Tights

Eighties Fashion Trends: Tights
PHOTO: REX

Style Notes: Debbie Harry has brought us many a trend. But during the ’80s, we got to see her in chic little black dresses, which she accessorized a flash of low denier at most times. And in case you didn’t know, that kind of hosiery is news again.

15. Bold Buttons

Eighties Fashion Trends: Bold Buttons
PHOTO: REX

Style Notes: We’ve seen this trend start to appear on trousers, from old-school joggers to jeans with shiny gold buttons, as well as on the classic Balmain blazers that remain forever popular. Jerry Hall’s gold buttons down her nautical blazer and accessorized with gold bracelets made for the ultimate ’80s power look. 

16. Off-the-Shoulder Silhouettes

Eighties Fashion Trends: Off-the-Shoulder Silhouettes
PHOTO: REX

Style Notes: True, Goldie Hawn didn’t invent the off-the-shoulder style, but she knew how to do it right

17. Leggings

Eighties Fashion Trends: Leggings
PHOTO: REX

Style Notes: Joan Jett will never be anything less than cool. Her punk-inspired ensembles often involved oversize jackets and skintight trousers. While leggings have definitely come on a bit since then, take inspo from this look and pair your leggings with a leather jacket this weekend.

18. Shoulder Pads

Eighties Fashion Trends: Shoulder Pads
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: Things tended to be pretty oversize during the ’80s, and no other item was as exaggerated than the blazer. This is totally Balenciaga, no? 

19. Sequins

Eighties Fashion Trends: Sequins
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: When aren’t sequins a great idea? As seen on Diana Ross, this look is making us wish the festive season was already here. 

Advertisements

20. Tassels

Eighties Fashion Trends: Tassels
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: Yes, the ’70s might have been the era for bodysuits, but with the ’80s came extra bits like tassels. 

21. Vinyl jackets

Eighties Fashion Trends: Vinyl Jackets
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: The vinyl coat trend has been everywhere on fashion girls. But it was in the ’80s when one of the original supermodels, Cindy Crawford, made it look iconic. 

22. Graphic Tees

Eighties Fashion Trends: Graphic Tees
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: Model Pat Cleveland knew how to make a graphic tee look chic. It’s still one of our favorite outfits for the weekend.

23. Oversize Sunglasses

Eighties Fashion: Oversized Sunglasses
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: Susan Sarandon is just one of the reasons we love Alessandro Michele’s oversize Gucci sunglasses.

24. Oversize Denim Jacket

Eighties Fashion Trends: Oversized Denim Jackets
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: Before Sex and the City, SJP was already someone who liked to push the fashion boundaries. 

25. Geek-Chic Glasses

Eighties Fashion Trends: Geek-Chic Glasses
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Style Notes: Geek-chic glasses might be commonplace now, but it was during the ’80s that they really took off. While we might all be into metal frames right now, we predict that colored frames, as seen here on Jane Fonda, will be making a comeback. 

26. Gloves

Eighties Fashion Trends: Gloves
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Daryl Hannah’s got all the accessories a decent ’80s look should have, but you’ll notice time and again that gloves (especially with layered jewelry) are key for this decade.

27. Skirt Suits

Eighties Fashion Trends: Skirt Suits
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Sarah Ferguson and Diana, Princess of Wales, were both particularly keen on skirt suits for their more formal events in the ’80s. The look translated quickly into offices and parties, especially in this ultra-matchy form.

28. Aerobic Gear

Eighties Fashion Trends: Aerobic Gear
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Jane Fonda started it in the 1970s, but by the time the 1980s arrived, Spandex leggings, leotards, and legwarmers were commonplace.

29. Harem Pants

Eighties Fashion Trends: Harem Pants
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Call them MC Hammer pants or harem pants, but never forget that drop-crotch trousers (the more draped, the better) were a key look in the ’80s. Here’s Donna Summer doing them justice.

30. Polka Dots

Eighties Fashion Trends: Polka Dots
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Polka dots are back again, but one of the most current-looking ways they were worn in the ’80s was thanks to singer Sade and this cool shirt.

Advertisements

POSTS YOU WILL LOVE:

A Love Letter to Matte Red Lips

Discover the art of matte red lips — soft edges, velvety finish, and layered depth create a modern, intimate statement. From gentle prep to sculpted application, this love letter to red lipstick shows how to wear it with confidence, elegance, and quiet power.

“Shackets” Will Be the Most Popular Jacket Trend This Fall, and That’s A Fact

In need of a trendy yet practical fall jacket? Well, then you have come to the right place. It just so happens that one of this season’s heaviest-hitting outerwear trends is what we like to call “shackets.” Shackets are exactly the sartorial hybrid you’d imagine—a shirt and a jacket combined into one. This jacket trend tends to always run a tad oversized, is most commonly seen in plaids or flannel materials, and is currently bubbling up everywhere from the market to Instagram. 

Advertisements

Shackets are an ideal fall outerwear choice as they were essentially designed to be layered. Wear one over a thin turtleneck or sweater, layer one underneath a coat, or button one all the way up for a full-on shirt effect. No matter which way you go Styling-wise, you’re bound to look on-trend with one of fall’s best shackets on your back. 

Ahead, shop the 10 best fall shackets on the market including a plethora of styles and price points for your shopping pleasure from Pretty Little Thing USA

Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

LEE’S PLT SHACKET FAVES:

PINK POCKET FRONT SHACKET, $58.00

This shacket is a must-have for your everyday wardrobe. Featuring a pink material with a front pocket and button-up detail, team this with a crop top and casual bottoms for the ultimate stay at home combo.

DARK BLUE WASH DENIM AND CHECK OVERSIZED SHACKET, $58.00

This shacket is the perfect finishing touch for your off-duty look doll. Featuring a dark blue wash denim material with constrasting check detail in an oversized fit. For a combo we love, wear it with a cropped tee, jeans and chunky kicks.

PLUS BROWN CHECKED POCKET FRONT SHACKET, $58.00

Hit refresh on your off-duty collection with this must-have shacket. Featuring a brown checked material with front pockets, we are obsessed. Wear it over a cropped tee, comfy bottoms, and some chunky kicks to keep it chilled.

Advertisements

MULTI TWO TONE CORD SHACKET, $68.00

Change up your off-duty vibe with this shacket doll. Featuring a two-tone cord material with a button-through design and comfy fit. Team with the matching jeans, combat boots, and a layered necklace to finish the look.

PLUS LIME POCKET FRONT SHACKET, $58.00

Inject some bright and bold hues into your look with this shacket doll. Featuring a lime hue with a pocket front design, team this with casual bottoms and fresh kicks to complete your outfit of the day.

PLUS GREY POCKET FRONT SHACKET, $58.00

Look all kinds of smart with this shacket. Featuring a grey hue with a pocket front design, we’re obsessed. Team this with white casual bottoms and fresh kicks to complete your outfit of the day.

Advertisements

STONE CONTRAST STITCH D RING SHACKET, $68.00 $22.00 (68% OFF)

We are loving this shacket to complete any look doll. Featuring a stone material with a contrasting stitch and and ring belt, we are obsessed. Team this with other neutral tones for a one tone combo we are crushing on.

WHITE PU LONG LINE DIPPED HEM BELTED SHACKET, $78.00

Give your look a serious chic edge with this shacket. Featuring a white PU material with button fastenings and a waist belt. Style this with your existing wardrobe pieces to complete the look.

BLACK FRINGE STUDDED DENIM SHACKET, $78.00

Add a touch of glam to your coat collection with this shacket. Featuring a black denim material with studded detailing and fringe edge design. Finish the look with a white tee, faux leather shorts, and knee-length boots.

CREAM BORG POCKET BUTTON UP SHACKET, $78.00

This shacket is at the top of our hit-list for A/W doll. Featuring a cream borg material with front pockets and a button up design, we are obsessed. Team this with a nude knitted day dress and complete the look with chunky boots and gold hoops.

Advertisements

It is officially shacket season 👏🏾 💜 Comment down a bunch of cute stores you shop at below!! Also, comment if you are on/joining the “shacket ” trend.