Retro style refers to imitative or consciously derivative styles, trends, or art forms from history, including in music, modes, fashions, or attitudes. It is a style that seeks to recapitulate the recent past, focusing on the products, fashions, and artistic styles produced since the Industrial Revolution, the successive styles of Modernity. Retro style can refer to new things that display characteristics of the past, and it is mostly the recent past that retro seeks to replicate. Unlike the historicism of the Romantic generations, retro style is mostly focused on the two decades that begin 20-30 years ago. Retro items don’t have to be old, they can be brand new, but would have to be made in the style of the time or item they are trying to replicate.
In fashion, retro clothing refers to garments that replicate and draw inspiration from past styles. Retro style furniture is less specific than other furniture styles like "mid-century modern" or "art deco" and tends to refer to something that is culturally outdated or aged in a style that has since come back in style. Retro style often comes down to a personal choice and can be attractive for its own sake or inspire feelings of nostalgia.
In summary, retro style is a style that seeks to replicate the recent past, focusing on the products, fashions, and artistic styles produced since the Industrial Revolution, the successive styles of Modernity. It can refer to new things that display characteristics of the past, and it is mostly the recent past that retro seeks to replicate. Retro items don’t have to be old, they can be brand new, but would have to be made in the style of the time or item they are trying to replicate.
