ComScore

Lowbrow Throwbacks Are the Unexpected Trend of Summer 2019

Lowbrow style is nothing new (just Google Justin Bieber and take a look at every outfit he's worn over the past two years), but it's recently cropped up as a must-have trend, on the international runways and beyond. Blame it on the saturation of fast-fashion, or nostalgia for the '90s and our childhood wardrobes of Old Navy USA tees and Costco sneakers. Whatever the case, one thing’s for sure: What's not highly cultured is now very, very chic. Here, four ways to wear the lowbrow trend. 

grandma chic low brow fashion
Edward Berhtelot/Getty Images

Chic Grandma

Nana would totally approve of these senior citizen-inspired trends. From eyeglass chains to head scarves, plus clunky velcro comfortable sneakers, we’re ready to hit the town (by 4 p.m. to snag those early bird specials, duh) in these old-timer faves.

Get the look: Hush Puppies sneakers ($100); Tuleste eyewear chain ($75); Tory Burch silk scarf ($78)

low brow fashion lost tourist
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Lost Tourist

Lowbrow vacation style is making a splash this summer. Cowrie shell necklaces, like the ones you'd buy with your BFF during a spring break cruise, are everywhere right now, and so are bright floral prints, fanny packs and visors. Remember when you were embarrassed your dad wore that bright yellow Hawaiian shirt to the fancy vacation dinner? Now you should probably ask if you can borrow it.

Get the look: Brinker & Eliza necklace ($198); Balenciaga fanny pack ($443); Old Navy flip-flops ($13); Richard Quinn shirt ($570)

low brow fashion mall rat
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

‘90s Mall Rat

#TBT to the days of spending hours at Claire’s and hanging out at the food court. While we’re not not endorsing those stretchy popcorn tops (admit it, you bought one from Costco when they were a thing), this trend is actually making us sorta nostalgic for the wardrobe of our childhood. Think: tons of smocking and ruching, denim skirts, spaghetti-strap tank tops and color-tinted shades.

Get the look: L'Agence tank top ($230); Spell & The Gypsy Collective skirt ($135); DIFF sunnies ($85)


low brow fashion pretty woman
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

‘pretty Woman’

Julia Roberts’s Vivian would totally approve of today’s embrace of all things gaudy chic. The resurgence of cheetah prints, PVC footwear, micro handbags and itty-bitty crop tops isn't just for club-goers and Vegas bachelorette parties. From Priyanka Chopra to Meghan Markle, celebs are proving you can totally elevate the, uh, "lady of the night" look a là Pretty Woman.

Get the look: Moon River dress ($59); Gianvito Rossi heels ($815); Little Liffner handbag ($500)



RF1

Director, Branded Content + Cohost, Royally Obsessed Podcast

As Director of Branded Content at Gallery Media Group, Roberta helps oversee the ideation and execution of sponsored content and experiential campaigns across PureWow and ONE37pm, including PureWow’s 24 in ’24. She began her career in editorial nine years ago, and has written and edited countless articles on news, trends, fashion, beauty and the royal family. She’s also cohost of the Royally Obsessed podcast, named one of the best royals podcasts by The New York Times and Town & Country. She cowrote the book Royal Trivia: Your Guide to the Modern British Royal Family.