Abercrombie Vintage Denim Try-On: 80s vs. 90s

12
12078

When I was a teen in the early 2000s, Abercrombie was known for two things: shirtless door greeters and potent stores that were in a secret scent-off with Hollister. A&F emblazoned across your pre-pubescent chest was a social status. You couldn’t walk a foot down my school hallway without running into someone in those cut-off denim mini skirts they were famous for. (I wore mine to death, as pictured here):

Abercrombie's new thing is "Decades of Denim". I found not only '80s & '90s-style high-rise jeans, but bodysuits, a floral blouse + a knotted  leopard tee.

(Circa 2007. Trust me when I say you could not coach a swim team in New Jersey in the early ’00s without a sweet A&F denim mini skirt.)

Abercrombie Vintage High-Rise Jeans: Bringing The ’80s & ’90s Back

But it’s comforting to see as I’ve grown out of popped collars and micro denim mini skirts that Abercrombie has grown up as well. Sure, you can still find that tell-tale moose on some of their apparel, but there is also an obvious effort to appeal to a broader size range and a slightly more mature demographic, especially when it comes to their jeans. When I say they have seriously upgraded their denim game, I mean it — the cuts, styles & washes are all spot-on. It’s like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory except everyone is trying to get their hands on that sweet, sweet distressed denim — not falling into rivers of chocolate.

A&F’s new thing is “Decades of Denim” featuring, you guessed it…jeans influenced by prior decades. “OK, I’ll bite,” I said to myself and quickly found not only ’80s and ’90s-style denim, but bodysuits, a floral blouse and a leopard knotted tee.

So am I a rad ’80s girl or an”As if!” ’90s girl? Let’s find out…

Abercrombie's new thing is "Decades of Denim". I found not only '80s & '90s-style high-rise jeans, but bodysuits, a floral blouse + a knotted  leopard tee.

Jeans (31 – size up) | Bodysuit (Large – TTS) | Flats (8 – TTS)

Abercrombie High-Rise 80s Mom Jeans

Truthfully I had very low expectations for these Vintage Stretch Denim High Waisted 80s Mom Jeans. That SNL sketch of the mom jeans kept playing in my head, and I had a feeling I was going to look more like Tina Fey and less like the A&F model.

But once I slipped them on they felt like “buttah” (sorry now I’m mixing my SNL sketches). They are high waisted, but the pleating flatters your waistline, which is especially nice when you are postpartum. The reviews suggested you size up, so I went from my normal 30 to 31. They are loose without feeling baggy. If you prefer a tighter jean, you could probably go with your normal size.

Jeans (31- size up) | Bodysuit (Large-TTS) | Flats (8 – TTS)

Abercrombie Long-Sleeve Ruffle Chiffon Bodysuit

The long-sleeve ruffle chiffon bodysuit comes in a few fun colors, but this deep burgundy felt perfect for winter. I love the subtle animal print and the front hook closure to keep “the girls” in place. It is a snap-closure bodysuit — because nothing is worse than trying to finagle a tricky bodysuit when one desperately needs to use the restroom. (TTS: I’m wearing a large). I finished the outfit off with my tried and true Tory Burch flats — some things never go out of style. (TTS: I’m wearing an 8).

Abercrombie's new thing is "Decades of Denim". I found not only '80s & '90s-style high-rise jeans, but bodysuits, a floral blouse + a knotted  leopard tee.

Feeling v Breakfast Club here | Jeans (31 – Size up) | Bodysuit (Large – TTS)

And if you struggle with creating the perfect knot, this one is for you.

Knotted Crew Tee (Large – TTS)


Abercrombie 90s Ultra High Rise Relaxed Jeans

Considering I spent most of the ’90s in leggings or drawstring pants (I was a very lanky child for whom button pants were not an option), I opted for two pairs of ’90s jeans. The first are these 90s Ultra High Rise Relaxed Jeans paired with a 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck Blouse. I love the distressing on these jeans. They are definitely the highest-rise jeans I’ve ever worn, but the relaxed fit left me feeling comfortable and unlike a can of busted biscuits. The reviews were mixed on sizing, but I opted to size up to a 31 for a looser feel. The blouse gives me major flower child vibes. I love the construction and cut, although it’s definitely a date night top (not suitable for my handsy 8-month-old…as opposed to a handsy husband LOL).

Jeans (31 – Size up) | Blouse (Large – TTS)


Abercrombie 90s Ultra High Rise Straight Jeans

Next were these 90s Ultra High Rise Straight Jeans in a grey wash and a simple Long-Sleeve Seamless Bodysuit. While I love the wash, I don’t feel like the style does much for me. They are wicked comfortable though (can you tell I lived in New England?) and I was pleasantly surprised by the bodysuit. It really felt like putting on a second skin (but not in a creepy “Silence of the Lambs” way). It’s the perfect option for when I need a tucked-in shirt, but am too lazy to deal with actual tucking. I think a simple black bodysuit really is a quintessential staple for anyone’s wardrobe.

Jeans (31 -size up) | Bodysuit (Large – TTS)

And the conclusion is? I am….an ’80s girl! Yes, I may have spent the entirety of the decade I was alive to experience in diapers, but these A&F “Mom Jeans” just spoke to me. Perfect for dressing down, like in this delicious knotted crew tee or with a faux-fur coat for a “casual” winter jaunt around the block.

Shop More Abercrombie Jeans

Shop More Abercrombie Cute Tops

If you haven’t visited Abercrombie & Fitch since TRL was the show to watch at 4:00 in the afternoon, give it a try. Plus, they are having a limited time 30% off selected items. Go ahead, enjoy a little nostalgia.

X,

Meredith

12 COMMENTS

  1. I had that mini skirt- though for me it was in college. The 90s jeans I’m familiar with are the late 90s jeans- so I was expecting to see low-rise! I probably haven’t stepped into an A&F since the mid 2000s, but TME has posted enough that I think I’m finally ready to check them out online. Also, I LOVED the A&F girls scent. It smells like high school.

  2. Meg – Oh do I remember squeezing my teenage, short-waisted self into some low rise jeans LOL. Not sure I can tango with those again (memories of perpetually hitching up my pants still haunt me). But never say never!

  3. If you want the slight”balloon” shape of the 80s jean with a less retro/more modern vibe and minus pleats check out the Everlane arc jean. (by the way the 80s outfit was my fave on you….but I’m a girl of the 80s)

  4. Amazing post, Meredith–still so excited to see the TME Insider making good! 😄 And yes to all the 80’s vibes–I have another Millennial friend who is really an 80’s girl at heart, and so many of my VCU students are in that space as well–must be a thing, and must be because THE 80’s WERE FANTASTIC. Keep up the awesome writing and fabulous lewks, and don’t forget we knew you when! ❤️😄

  5. Still remembering the amazing wide-legged, drawstring jeans I begged and begged my mom for but they were freaking expensive at $50 in the very early 90s. Plaid everywhere, godforsaken cologne everywhere, and forest green carpet. YES, just too expensive back in the day. I’m a teen of the late 80s and college in the early 90s… this brings back great memories. Love your writing, too!

  6. This is great! Love the jeans – both 80s and 90s. But maybe because I was a teen in the 80s the 90s denim appeals to me more. The grass is always greener, right? Anyway, loved the try on and your writing!!

  7. Mallory – Yes that could be it. I’m jealous of kids today. The trend when I was in HS were low-rise jeans (shudder). Thank you for the support 🙂

  8. I actually like the gray pair a lot, but would try with a different top. Bodysuits are hard to pull off with certain pant shapes IMO. They are maybe the one style item from the 90s that I don’t want to come back. But oh, give me flannel shirts, overalls, and Docs all day every day!

  9. I’m just here to say that “…but the relaxed fit left me feeling comfortable and unlike a can of busted biscuits”…is the actual best description I’ve ever read to describe a pair of jeans. And as someone who, to my own horror, has to read aaall the reviews to buy so much as a pair of tweezers — trust me that I’ve read A LOT of denim reviews. Welcome, Meredith!!

Leave a Reply